Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Jimin was often the source of most people’s desires. Though his facial features had chiseled out, Jimin retained his mochi like characteristics. Through the years, the gifted dancer blossomed brilliantly and confidently after shedding the image BigHit had once crafted for him; he was absolutely radiant. The Jimin now was not only adorable and cute, he was also sensual and fierce. Jimin’s duality was means for whiplash. 

So it made sense when fans ogled over him wherever he went. It also made sense when fellow idols gave him heart eyes and nervous greetings. It made sense.

What didn’t make sense was the intensity behind some of the staff’s glances toward Jimin. One staff in particular: Haewoon.

Haewoon had been with them for years, and until now there weren’t any problems between him and the team. He was kind and funny, and often times he’d been in charge of protecting them during their public appearances. Jungkook and Jimin would share Busan stories with him from time to time, but as they became busier, those moments became scarce. Although they continued to exchange greetings and brief jokes, their usual banters and time together withered exponentially.

At first, Jungkook paid no mind because he’d been a male friend that probably missed the interaction; however, the more times he caught the man stand particularly too close to comfort to Jimin and only Jimin, the way he gripped his face and nearly nuzzled his nose into his neck, Jungkook had raised his suspicions.

Because the effect Jimin had certainly hadn’t extended only to girls, but to boys as well. Jungkook bore witness to one confession from their fellow idol in another boy band. Of course Jungkook hid; he knew he wasn’t meant to hear the confession, but where else could he have gone other than inside the bathroom stall? Jimin refused him politely, but it was a revelation in Jungkook’s stead just how powerful Jimin's charisma was.

So no. There wasn't a problem if boys liked boys.

And Jungkook was wise enough to understand that love is love -despite gender. Well, he originally thought it was weird, having grown up with such strong societal beliefs, but the more he spent time with Yoongi hyung and Namjoon hyung, his entire view of life had molded for the better. There was acceptance and understanding. An appreciation for love.

The problem however, was if Haewoon-sshi liked Jimin.

Because Jimin was a damn flamboyant flirt and too kind for his own good. He was affectionate and sweet and compassionate -a man who sought attention just as much as he was willing to give it. And a little attention shown to the wrong person could easily backfire and harm Jimin, and Jungkook wasn’t going to let that happen. 

Not to his smallest hyung for life.

With that in mind, it was overall okay for staff to be friendly with them considering they were now all family, but Haewoon was breaching personal space. And really it shouldn't have bothered Jungkook to an extent, because in the end, who liked Jimin wasn't his business at all.

BUT, there needed to be some level of professionalism right?

Because despite the years Bangtan had worked with their staff, they weren’t part of the close knit family that only the seven of them had crafted. So there shouldn't be a need for Haewoon to shimmy deeper into Jimin's personal circle...right? Unless he wanted something else? Desired something more?

So Jungkook was wary, but they were just thoughts conjured up in Jungkook's overprotective mind. And he felt bad for thinking such thoughts, but sometimes his intuitions were right -and more times they were horribly wrong...he acknowledge resentfully. 

So Jungkook refrained from saying anything because he be damned if he falsely accused a staff of either their sexual orientation or motive.

Jimin hadn’t voiced his concern either, so Jungkook was reduced to just watching.

Carefully.

The next couple of weeks went by and Jungkook noticed that Haewoon no longer hovered around them, and when he’d been in their proximity he’d barely bat an eye at Jimin. Jungkook assumed he’d been mistaken the first time and sure enough felt horrible for thinking poorly of the man… until several days after.

It was after dance rehearsal; Jimin and Jungkook had retired back to one of the makeup rooms to rest before they headed back toward the dorms. By mere coincidence, Jungkook caught the glint in Haewoon’s eyes as the man parted his lips slightly and stared at Jimin’s neck craned back. Then Haewoon licked his lips!

It was almost instant the way Jungkook found himself stepping into the staff’s line of vision, purposely blocking his oblivious hyung from view.   

Okay, so Jungkook acknowledged that he may have over exaggerated his actions. Maybe Haewoon was just admiring Jimin -maybe his lips were dry. But even so, Jungkook didn't like it.

He didn't like how he looked at him. Didn't like the slight part of his lips. Something unfamiliar crept within Jungkook's stomach whenever he so much as caught Haewoon anywhere near Jimin, and that feeling mixed with confusion for why he felt so sick because of that -he didn't like as well.

“Sore neck?” Jungkook asked. 

Jimin tilted his head back and eyed his dongsaeng pleadingly, a shy smile pulled at the corner of his lips.

“Took you long enough,” he joked, but still leaned his shoulders backward.

Jungkook rolled his eyes, but smiled back at him. As the maknae’s hands found solace upon Jimin’s shoulders, he heard an uncomfortable cough behind him and a shuffling of steps before the door shut behind them. 

Just to be sure, Jungkook peered behind him -empty. He released a breath he hadn’t been aware of even holding.

“What’s wrong?” Jimin groaned out. His body slumped back within Jungkook’s chest and he welcomed the heat.

“Hyung?”

“Hm?”

“Have you spoken to Haewoon-sshi lately?” 

There was no pause when Jimin noted that they hadn’t talked aside from greetings for a long time. “Why? Does he miss us?” Jungkook bit his lip.

“No…” Well, Jungkook was sure it wasn’t him that Haewoon missed. 

“I’m hurt,” Jimin whined, but there was a tinge of amusement in his tone. “I thought we were close.”

Something about that line had Jungkook reeling. His grip on Jimin tightened unconsciously -as if his actions were a direct reflex to Jimin's words. Jimin flinched forward from the sudden pressure. Though Jungkook felt the other try to escape his grasp, the maknae refused to relinquish his hold on his hyung and instead rubbed the older man’s neck soothingly. 

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Jungkook kept his lips in a tight line, but mumbled an apology afterwards.

They were silent for awhile, but the tension was palpable. Jimin slowly placed his hands above Kook’s, which made the younger stop briefly. Jimin turned his head slowly, eyes lined with Jungkook’s.

Before, the maknae had difficulty retaining eye contact with his hyung, but now that they were more attuned with each other, Jungkook found his steel gaze soften under those dark orbs.

“Kook-ah… you know you can tell me if something’s bothering you, right?”

“Always, hyung.”  

The subject wasn’t brought up again and Jungkook wasn’t ready to voice out his thoughts. So Jimin let him be, and Jungkook remained on edge.

Whenever Haewoon even appeared in his peripherals, Jungkook found himself gravitating toward Jimin, almost annoyingly. It came to a point where Haewoon didn't even need to be near for him to follow Jimin around. It came to him like second nature. Jimin noticed soon after and even embaressingly declared in front of fans that the maknae would follow him even with his eyes closed.

He wasn’t too far off though, Jungkook deduced. After weeks of doing just that, he could feel Jimin’s presence literally for miles away. But he wasn’t going to admit that to anyone, ever.

Jungkook’s behavior was so prevalant, fans had dubbed him satellite Jeon. Embarrisng himself further, but Jungkook didn't mind if it kept Jimin away from Haewoon. The mere obsession for that overrid any form of shame.

Namjoon hyung had questioned him -and Jungkook, not quite ready to accuse someone for something he wasn't certain about, decided to lie and say he was making it up for all the times he pushed Jimin away publically when he was younger.

Those were the times -Jungkook remembered them bitterly. How his younger, shier self would always tease his hyung and make him feel unwanted. The things he did were shameful, and he was glad that his kind Jimin didn't guilt him for it, because Jungkook did enough of that. Regret still sat in Jungkook's heart because Jimin deserved none of the earlier treatment.

Namjoon took it, but for whatever reason the leader still shifted gears in protective mode -acting as a barrier of some sort against him and Jimin at times. Maybe Jungkook was too clingy, and it was starting to seem more intimate than the company would like. But what the public may see in regards to his constant hovering over Jimin hadn't occurred to Jungkook, in fact he was just confused. Because in his mind, all he could think about was that it wasn’t him that needed to stay away from Jimin...  

It was someone else entirely. And he couldn't even say it.

So the younger was frustrated. 

And just when things were just about to cool down, and Jungkook forced himself to keep away from Jimin a little at a time. Peacefulness just wasn't on Jungkook's side.

Because after a couple of months, Jungkook nearly lost it when Haewoon thought he’d been alone with Jimin once, and Jungkook witnessed the way he brushed over Jimin’s nape. Jimin, though quite discreetly, shuddered from the touch and inched slowly away to adjust his mic.

Jimin laughed it off, but he could see the slight flicker of discomfort and annoyance before it was wiped clean with gentleness. Jimin was always the best at reigning his emotions in, but over the years Jungkook had trained himself to catch - if not all, majority, of those swift mood changes. 

Despite Jimin obviously making blatant excuses to leave the room, Haewoon insisted on accompanying him. After hearing one too many desperate pleading from Haewoon, Jungkook entered the room noisily and greeted the two with a smile too forced to seem natural.

Although it seemed as if Haewoon couldn’t detect the uneasiness radiating from the maknae, Jimin definitely had.

Haewoon returned the smile, a little too tight for comfort, and greeted him.

“Jungkook-ah, how are you?”

“Fine, Haewoon-sshi.”

Jungkook was just about to address Jimin, but stopped himself quickly. Jimin was always keen on making sure Jungkook addressed his hyungs and sunbaes with respect, and he hadn’t felt like arguing with Jimin today so he forced himself to bring his attention back to Haewoon.

“How are you?”

“We’re good,” he beamed.

Jungkook’s fingers twitched with Haewoon's unnecessary coupling answer with Jimin. Jungkook was certain Jimin wasn’t good. Not with the way Jimin was recently trying to leave.

Jungkook tried not to acknowledge it, but nodded anyway. Not that formalities were done and over with, Jungkook quickly redirected his focus onto his tiny hyung.

“Jimin hyung, want to grab a bite to eat?”

“Su-” Jimin was cut off instantly.

“He ate already.”

The sound of snapping had been loud in Jungkook’s mind and this time he couldn’t stop the slight frown he bestowed upon Haewoon. Jungkook knew Jimin hadn’t eaten all day; he was with Jimin this morning and they’d both skipped breakfast due to their rush toward rehearsal. Dance practice finished not too long ago, and the hyungs were just about to head back to their lounge to get lunch; there was no way, in the span of fifteen minutes Jungkook had left Jimin alone, would he even had the time to eat.

Jimin’s confused stare only solidified Haewoon’s absurd lie.

“I was asking Ji-”

“Jungkook...” Jimin began warningly.

Jungkook shuddered at his tone; so much for not trying to argue with Jimin about respect. He hadn't realized his voice grew a little colder until he saw Jimin's eyes snap to him disapprovingly.

“And Haewoon-sshi, I’m sorry if you were misinformed but I am not going to deny myself nourishment.”

“That’s not what I meant Jimin-ah…” The exchange was confusing. Jungkook stared between the two, Jimin once again devoid of all emotions before a smile graced his face once more.

“I hope so,” he simply replied, not paying Haewoon even a glance as Jimin strutted toward Jungkook.

“Have a good break Haewoon-sshi; let’s go Kook-ah.” 

Suddenly Jimin’s arm was linked with Jungkook and it was the maknae that had been dragged out of the room when earlier Jungkook had thought it would’ve been the other way around.

Something was off, but Jimin seemed determined to not talk about it.

Unfortunately for Jimin, Jungkook was just as stubborn and infinitely more childish, so despite reading the air, he probed Jimin for answers. 

“What happened in there?”

“Nothing.” Jungkook frowned, but it didn’t stop him. He pinched Jimin’s arm, which resulted in a bright yelp and a small slap to his back from his hyung. 

“What’s wrong, hyung?” Jungkook pushed. Jimin averted his gaze away from Jungkook and continued down the hall. “Please, hyung? You know you can tell me anything.”

“I said the same to you, Jungkookie, and I didn’t force you to tell me even when you told me it was nothing.” Jimin’s strut paced faster, and Jungkook had to jog a bit to catch up to him. Luckily his legs were longer so Jimin couldn’t have gotten far from him even if he tried.

Jungkook pursed his lips. Jimin had him there, but that didn’t mean he’d stop trying. He didn’t say anything then because he wasn’t sure; Jungkook still wasn’t sure, but at least he knew that Jimin was finally showing signs that Haewoon’s behavior as of late was bothering him -even if just a little. That and the fact Jimin was lying to him now spoke obvious volumes.

Something was really wrong and Jungkook be damned if he ignored it.

“Something happened in there, hyung! I saw it!”

Jimin stopped so suddenly, Jungkook almost toppled over as he tried to avoid hitting Jimin’s back.

“What did you see?” 

“I saw the way he tried to touch you… In fact, did touch you -your neck,” Jungkook’s voice was small now, almost ashamed of having admitted that he was there when it happened, but also glad that he was. “I saw the way you tried to get away.”

It could very well be nothing; just a touch that Jungkook saw and blew way overboard. But it could also very well be something -and that was something that needed to be addressed and corrected immediately.

Jungkook felt small, but he saw the way Jimin curled in on himself in front of him and saw that Jimin had probably felt even smaller.

“That’s all?”

The question had Jungkook’s hands tightened into fists, and a wave of anger and confusion swept over him. Was it the latter? Was it actually something? Did fifteen minutes give Haewoon enough leeway to do anymore toward Jimin? 

“Wha-”

“I’m fine Jungkook-ah…” He sounded so tired, almost defeated. Jungkook hated it. 

It took awhile but Jungkook released his fists so that he could hang onto the fringe of Jimin’s shirt in front of him. Jimin had always been the one to comfort Bangtan -he’d shed tears for them, embraced them with his warm hugs, and sprouted words of encouragement and cheer whenever they were at their lowest. Jungkook wanted to be that for him; it was his turn… if Jimin would let him.

“Please Jimin?” Jimin turned on his heels and suddenly Jungkook was within an inch from Jimin’s forehead. Flustered at their close proximity, as if not expecting Jungkook to be that close, Jimin stumbled back with a giggle.

“Sorry,” he laughed, now at arm’s length away. 

Jungkook warmed at Jimin’s laugh, but it wasn’t enough to brush away his troubles regarding his hyung.

“I am fine, Jungkook, trust me. He just…” Jimin sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. “Haewoon-sshi just felt the need to remind me of my diet -how I’ve been indulging lately and I should take care of my appearance more…”

The scoff and grunt Jungkook couldn’t help stifle elicited a very different reaction from Jimin as he grinned cheekily.

“He-” Jungkook seethed.

“-doesn’t matter,” Jimin cut in. “He said what he said as a ‘concerned staff.” Jungkook caught the bitterness in Jimin’s tone, but didn’t pry Jimin for the possible double meaning with that explanation as he was still reeling from his own shock.

Jimin looked good. He looked great! And there was no way Jungkook was going to let Jimin think otherwise because some bastard had to put their undeserved two cents in. There was no way he was going to let Jimin drown in his demons again.

“He doesn’t matter,” Jungkook repeated, locking eyes with Jimin.

And he didn’t -not anymore, whether he was staff or not, Jungkook did not like him. Not anymore, not for awhile now.

Jimin just smiled and gave a brief nod.

“Stay away from him, hyung; he’s toxic.” Jungkook noticed the way Jimin didn’t address the physical interaction, but he wasn’t going to push Jimin even further. 

“He’s still staff, Kookie,” Jimin sang, turning on his heels once more and headed down the hall.

“I don’t like him,” Jungkook pouted, following in his hyung’s footsteps. 

“Doesn’t matter,” Jimin laughed. “He’s going to be around and we’re going to have to deal with that. That’s what professionals do. And though he may be annoying, you can’t talk to him like you did earlier; it was rude.”

Despite not being in the mood for scoldings, Jungkook maintained his petulant disregard for Haewoon. “I don’t want him near us.” It was more than just what Haewoon said to Jimin… it was more of how close he got to him -how uncomfortable Jimin was with his touch and how close to assault it had looked to Jungkook.

Still, though it could really be nothing, Jungkook couldn’t stop thinking about it.

“I don’t want him near you, hyung.” It felt as if Jimin was ignoring him because of the silence retrieved shortly after his last outburst. However, just before the two entered the rest lounge where the other members were probably already eating in, Jimin had glanced up toward Jungkook with a teasing smile. 

“Aren’t you my loyal puppy? Protect me then.” And before Jungkook could reply or diminish the embarrassed blush that painted his cheeks, Jimin swung the door open and pounced on a very vulnerable Taehyung. 

"Yah!" Taehyung screeched, but a wide smile graced his structured face as he began wrestling Jimin upon the couch.

Jungkook sighed, not quite content for Jimin's dismissal, but smiled as Jimin's laugh chimed throughout the room.

Chapter Text

Jungkook heeded Jimin’s proposal as if protecting the smaller man was his sole purpose in life. It was ridiculous, really, how serious he was in playing this role, but Jungkook didn’t think too much of it. He was, after all pretty damn good at it.

Being the golden maknae had its perks. Jungkook was great in a lot of things because of his vast interest in almost anything and everything -aside from sightseeing, that is. However, being capable of doing a lot of things meant that he wasn’t exactly exceptional in just one area. But this -this task of making sure Jimin was well looked after, he was going to excel in.

The thought of any of his hyungs going through a rough situation always burdened Jungkook. It was the only thing in his journey with Bangtan that truly bothered him. Therefore, he would do anything in his power to maintain the peace of his hyungs and minimize their struggles.

Jimin, especially.

Because Jimin deserved so much more.

Despite all the playful abuse Jungkook had bestowed on the other during his younger years, Jimin remained kind and caring -adored Jungkook as if he was the most precious person. Jungkook knew of Jimin’s sensitivity, but that didn’t stop him from joking around: dubbing him last, pushing him away, disregarding his affections and so on and so forth.

He’d seen him at his lowest. He saw Jimin really struggle with his appearance, physically saw his mentality and confidence drop so drastically and it frightened him.

What completely changed the dynamics of how Jungkook treated Jimin was during the realization of how people began to question how he truly felt about the other, and how they couldn’t be anymore wrong.

But that’s how Jungkook was portrayed in the eyes of his fans: a vulnerable man who hated Jimin's guts. It was shocking really, and the younger was so hurt to understand the true possibility that people, and maybe Jimin himself, didn’t think he liked him.

He likes Jimin. A whole lot, actually. But, realistically speaking, who wouldn't?

So it was a complete horror when Jungkook had been questioned by a fan of whether he liked Jimin or not was evident in Jungkook’s reaction to it. It was all just playful teasings, but apparently it had gone too far. So he refuted the question, and announced vehemently just how much that was not true. The truth was, Jungkook thinks Jimin is lovely, an angel even.

Ever since, he’d been more attentive to Jimin. Showed him affection in the slightest of touches and gestures, complimented him more and worked hard to make him laugh when there was even an ounce of a possibility Jimin felt down.

There was absolutely no way he would allow anyone to doubt his feelings for the older anymore, not his fans, and more importantly not Jimin.

Therefore, this whole protector role was a piece of cake for Jungkook because he’d been already doing that. He knew of Jimin’s view of him; Jimin entrusted himself to the youngest as a form of strength. Especially now that Jungkook had gained a few inches more than his hyung and a lot more mass.

Though he was the youngest, everyone in Bangtan knew Jimin was the true baby, whom required a lot of love and attention, which was well deserved.

So Jungkook allowed Jimin to lean on him, like he always had, but now the two were literally inseparable.

Jungkook was beginning to worry the other would get annoyed with his clingy ness, but Jimin loved his company. If Jungkook wasn’t near, Jimin sought him out with an adorable pout. And when Jimin wasn’t near, Jungkook’s body would move on his own until eventually he was within a one meter radius to Jimin.

Everyone noticed; some never mentioned it, but most teased them about it. Taehyung would whine every now and then about how mean they were for leaving him out, but Jimin would refute sneakily about him choosing his Hwarang hyungs instead of them.

It was all playful banters, but Jungkook really hoped Taehyung wasn’t actually feeling left out.

**

“You’re always hanging out with Kookie now, Jimin-ah,” Tae drawled as he encompassed his entire body over Jimin. “Spend some time with your soulmate, hmm?”

“Are you jealous?” Jimin laughed. He tried swatting Tae away, but the man had an iron grip around Jimin’s waist now, refusing to let go.

“No!” Tae scoffed, but quickly laughed afterwards. “Yes! So let’s go watch a movie together!”

Jimin looked at Jungkook, who at that point sported a very smug and entertained grin. Jimin rolled his eyes, but smiled and took Taehyung’s hand in his before pulling the other to the living room.

“What movie?” Jungkook asked, following not too far behind.

“You’re not invited!” Tae barked back and waved a hand in Jungkook’s direction dismissively.

Jungkook gasped, offended. “Why not?” he pouted but continued to follow them.

Jimin just giggled at the exchange and Jungkook shot him a glare that went unnoticed by both of his hyungs.

“You’re always taking Chimmy away from me; it’s my turn.”

“He’s not a toy that needs to be shared, hyung. Come on! I wanna watch too!” Jungkook knew he shouldn’t take the rejection to heart, but he was a little irritated. It wasn’t like he purposely took Jimin away from everyone, they just did a lot of things together and didn’t particularly ask if anyone wanted to join them.

But that didn’t mean they were banned from being included.

So being banned from watching a movie with his two hyungs didn’t seem fair to him.

“Stop following us,” Tae complained. Now he had Jimin’s hand encased in his and he began sprinting forward, Jimin forced to pick up the pace behind him.

“I live here, too!” Jungkook sneered, legs extending, hot on their heels. “I can stay in the living room if I want to!”

So after a few moments of pointless arguing, Jimin was stationed in the middle of Jungkook and Tae on the couch.

It was an action movie that Jimin wasn’t exactly interested in so he pulled out his phone to distract himself.

And suddenly, without their knowledge, Jimin slipped away from the two kids to lay on the floor below them. Jimin watched briefly as Jungkook and Tae, who were at each other’s throats not too long ago, were now huddled together, eyes glued to the screen with smiles so wide as they muttered to each other of how cool the fight scenes were.

Jimin couldn’t help the smile that graced his lips.

He loved seeing them happy.

Jungkook noticed just before the movie ended that Jimin was no longer next to him. Confused he looked back in search for his hyung until he felt a little kick below him. Jimin was sprawled on the ground, a giggle spilt from his plush lips when they made eye contact.

“When did you get there, hyung?” Jungkook laughed.

“Twenty minutes into the movie,” Tae answered. “Were you bored?”

“Glad you noticed,” Jimin chuckled, rolling on his stomach to continue scrolling through his phone.

“Well I wasn’t,” Tae snorted. “I guess it turned into a Kookie and Tae day. Minnie, let’s go do something tomorrow after practice.”

“Can’t,” Jungkook chimed in. The two looked at him surprised. “Jimin hyung and I are getting lamb screwers, right?”

Jimin just blinked. They hadn’t planned that, but he guessed it was a spontaneous thing, so Jimin just shrugged and nodded his agreement.

“Ooo, I’m coming.”

“You’re not invited,” Jungkook mocked with a grin and Tae punched his shoulder.

**

So it was routine now. Jungkook and Jimin were joined by the hip, during rehearsals and backstage, and to and from events.

Much to Jungkook’s joy, Haewoon had relatively kept his distance. Much to Jungkook’s dismay, Jimin couldn’t always be near him. Sometimes their schedules weren’t aligned together, and Jungkook had to reluctantly allow Jimin some freedom from what Jungkook joked to be his suffocating presence.

“Jungkook, geez, relax.”

“Watch out for him, hyung,” Jungkook warned as he walked backwards toward his next photoshoot. It’s been a long time since anything happened, but Jungkook didn’t feel assured leaving Jimin alone unless he reminded him of the reason why Jungkook was so protective in the first place.

“It’s been months, Kookie. I’m fine; I can take care of myself for a few hours.”

Jimin rolled his eyes and waved him off before sauntering into Hobi’s awaiting arms. The visual slightly bothered Jungkook, but he couldn’t tell whether it was because of Jimin’s dismissive behavior or his overly affectionate attitude toward other people.

Even so, he knew Jimin could protect himself. But even if he knew just how scary Jimin could be, the other was simply too kind. Jungkook sighed; there was nothing he could do except finish his photoshoot and sought him out after. So Jungkook turned on his heels and walked down the hall to his set.

“Hyung, so what’s your favorite part of me? You haven’t taken a picture yet, right? Wouldn’t it be all of me?” Hobi pinched Jimin’s cheeks gently and cooed at the way his dongsaeng pawed at his hand like a cat.

“That right there!” he shouted in excitement, grabbing his hand mid air. Jimin watched unamused as Hobi snapped a picture of his small, chubby pinky. Jimin presented an exaggerated eye roll and snagged his hand away.

“Of course,” Jimin lamented. “What’s up with you and my pinky anyway?”

“It’s cute,” Hobi answered instantly, as if it were obvious. “What’s going on with you and Jungkook?” he asked afterwards, just as quickly.

The question severely took Jimin off guard, but he was an expert at keeping his emotions in check as of late. So if Jimin felt completely baffled by the sudden curiosity, no one but himself would have been able to know about it.

Jimin simply shrugged his shoulders. That earned him a flick to the forehead and a small “yah” slip from his hyung’s mouth. Jimin laughed but got up to sit properly upon the couch, head lolled along the curve of the seat’s cushions.

“What do you mean?”

“You know what I mean, Min-ah.” Hobi’s eyes strayed away from Jimin and nudged his chin toward an empty hallway where Jungkook had ran off to. “The boy’s been glued to you. I mean I’ve noticed; you guys were always so close, but Jungkook has been extra clingy. Remember when we went out for some ice cream couple of days ago? Jungkook nearly gave me the silent treatment ‘cause I didn’t ask him to come with?”

“What a child,” Jimin laughed hard, eyes curling into crescents as he flung himself backward. “Maybe he just wanted ice cream, too hyung.”

“No! I bought extra remember? He was just mad that I took you away from him.”

“I’m sure that’s not why,” Jimin dismissed, but his voice cracked under his left over laughter. Jungkook could be too immature sometimes and Jimin found it ridiculous.

“”Uh-uh! I swear, when was I demoted from being his favorite hyung? What did you do?” Hobi playfully sneered and shoved an aggressive finger into Jimin.

“Jealous?” Jimin teased and reciprocated Hobi’s earlier action.

“Yah! I’ll disown you.”

Another laughter ruptured from Jimin before he needily reached out for Hobi with small, paw like hands. It took several moments, but no one was able to resist Jimin when he’d intentionally acted all cute and baby like. So Hobi gave an irritated scoff, but pulled Jimin in for a hug anyway.

“Don’t worry hyung, you know you’ll always be my favorite.”

“Damn straight,” Hobi announced proudly. “But seriously, is there something I don’t know about Chim?” Hobi’s tone softened. Long fingers ran through Jimin’s hair gently, almost so soothingly it encouraged Jimin to close his eyes in relaxation.

It left him feeling vulnerable, so honestly slipped from Jimin’s lips before he could catch himself.

“He’s making sure I’m okay.”

Once the words were out in the open, Jimin mentally slapped himself for the recklessness; if anything, the reason why Jungkook was clinging to him lately was something Jimin never wanted to bring up with his band mates. Now that Jimin voiced out that there was an instance where he was not okay, there’d be more questions asked he didn’t quite want to answer.

Jimin could feel his fingers still in his hair and although Hobi tilted his head in confusion, it was Suga, whom up until that point stayed relatively silent in the seat adjacent to them, that voiced out for more explanation.

Jimin sighed, not really wanting to involve Haewoon into the conversation, but felt as if Suga wasn’t going to let him refrain any information from him. Jimin composed himself -he’d at least try; there was no need to bring much light into that day. It’s been awhile since he saw Haewoon anyway and nothing had happened since…

“Why wouldn’t you be okay, Jiminie?” Hobi repeated when Jimin hadn’t yet answered them.

“‘It’s nothing serious, hyung. It’s just… I don’t know. It was a while back - a real while back, but I wasn’t feeling too good about myself,” Jimin began. It didn’t take long for his hyungs’ eyes to soften, the feeling of helplessness radiated off of them. Jimin wasn’t too thrilled with the mood shift, so although the teasing came out awkward, he had to lighten the uneasiness.

“Or… Maybe Jungkookie secretly likes me all along and he regrets ever pushing me away before.”

“Aish!” Hobi sneered and playfully pushed Jimin away. “Brat, you wish!”

“He is a lot more clingy than usual,” Suga mused, but his eyes still lingered upon Jimin with such intensity Jimin struggled to maintain eye contact “Either he has a new favorite hyung, or there’s something else. Jimin, which is it?.”

“Maybe blackmail?” Hobi snickered, but Jimin knew he had wanted the real reason as well.

“Favorite hyung,” Jimin answered almost too quickly.

Suga’s lips thinned out but he resigned from pushing any further. Jimin knew it wasn’t the end of it, but he’d work to prolong his inevitable questioning for a much later time. Instead of a question, Suga just looked at him, gaze filled with affection.

Jimin understood that although Suga hadn’t said a word, he’d sent Jimin assurance, that whatever struggles he was facing that he’d be always open to listen to them and be there for him. Jimin smiled in his direction and gave a small nod.

“Hmmm.... it’s totally blackmail,” Hobi laughed, breaking whatever tension was left completely.

Jimin joined in on his laughter and pummeled the nearest pillows down his face. They remained that way, bickering and fighting over who could shove the most cushions on the other’s bodies when they were pried away by Suga and Namjoon.

“Quit it,” Namjoon scolded, but he too radiated with amusement. “Jimin-ah you’re next for your photoshoot.” Their leader took a brief glance at Jimin and Hobi’s state and his slight smile immediately paled to a frown.

“Yah!” he bursted, slapping a gentle hand toward Jimin’s shoulder. “Your hair and makeup is all messed up! It’s fine for Hoseokie since he’s done with his shoot, but Jimin-ah come on.”

Jimin never did like disappointing his hyungs, so the sulk was genuine as he slumped over and gave Namjoon an embarrassed apology. And in return, Namjoon hated scolding Jimin. Adult or not, Jimin always carried such an innocence around him (though everyone knew otherwise) and seeing the younger man pout did more damage to Namjoon himself than the scolded Jimin.

Namjoon sighed, but gave Jimin an assuring smile.

“It’s fine. You still have time to get fixed up. I’ll let you off, but see if your make up noonas feel the same.”

Jimin couldn’t help the laugh that escaped his lips.

“Noonas love me,” Jimin laments, earning a non threatening scoff from Suga.

Before Jimin made his way to the dressing rooms, he thrusted one last pillow toward an unexpected Hoseok and dashed away in giggles as the whine from his hyung faded distantly in the background.

On his way toward the rooms, Jimin caught a glimpse of Jungkook. The cameras were flashing non stop, Jungkook’s movements made slowly as he posed for each image. Curiosity brought Jimin toward the monitors, and he cooed at the quick previews of his dongsaeng’s shoot.

Jimin gazed upon Jungkook’s sharp jawline and prominent shoulders. He ogled at his slim waist, but broad chest. And though his bunny eyes and smile were still wide and innocent, Jungkook could instantly switch to someone so intimidating and ...sexy.

Jimin’s throat dried at the thought and he tore his focus away from the screen.

"He’s not a baby anymore, is he…"

Suddenly there was a laugh beside him and Jimin physically flinched sidewards, voicing his shock softly before relaxing slightly at the sight of Haewoon.

“No he isn’t. The same goes for you, Jimin-ah…”

Jimin’s eyes slanted quickly, locking his attention straight toward Haewoon. His hands felt clammy and there was a chill that ran down his spine, but Jimin remained frozen in spot, glaring daggers at the man before him.

It was such a long time, but he remembered that day so vividly. The words he said...

Jimin could still feel his touches on him...

**

Jimin wanted to practice just a little more before he followed the rest out for lunch. Just twenty more minutes; he. needed to perfect that one move.

Ten minutes in, Haewoon-sshi entered the practice room. Jimin hadn’t paid him much mind and concluded the other just wanted to make sure he wasn’t overworking himself. What Jimin didn’t expect was for Haewoon to approach him with fingers inching to his waist.

Jimin wasn’t going to react to him, but he watched the look on Haewoon’s eyes shift from curiosity to something more... dark? And it unnerved Jimin -he’d seen that look on people before. Seen them on some of his fans and colleagues -the look of infatuation. Jimin hadn’t understood why Haewoon was giving him that look, but he didn’t want to stay long enough in his presence to find out.

Jimin turned around before Haewoon could touch him.

“What’s up Haewoon-sushi?” Jimin washed away any judgement when he looked at the older man. He’d known him for years; maybe he was seeing something that didn’t belong.

“I-“ Jimin saw realization hit Haewoon as the hand lifted awkwardly in the space between the two was pulled back. “I didn’t mean to bother you.”

“It’s no bother.” Jimin walked over to the radio to turn it off, bending down to press on the power button. Then he felt it.

Intrusion.

Haewoon lingered just behind him, crotch near his hip. He was hard.

Stunned, Jimin stepped back, trying not to acknowledge what he just felt, but struggled to remain calm. He still tried to rationalize the interaction; maybe it was an accident. He hadn’t meant to.

Haewoon on the other hand, wasn’t trying to hide the disappointment at Jimin’s retreat.

“Jimin... I-“

“What’s going on Haewoon-sshi? I have to get lunch soon. Is there something you needed to talk about?”

Haewoon gave him a once over, a frown on his chiseled face. “You shouldn’t eat lunch.”

Jimin’s hands tightened at his side. “What?”

“You’re getting chubby again,” he replied, expression stoic. It angered Jimin to hear such words from him -someone who knew of his struggles. Suddenly, excusing his behavior was getting harder and harder. But Jimin forced himself to stay polite.

“I think I look okay.” And it was true. It took a whole lot of time for Jimin to finally believe in himself, but now that he did, he wasn’t going to allow himself to go down that dreadful path.

“You do,” Haewoon-sshi tried correcting, hands shaking toward him. Jimin only stepped further back, but Haewoon stepped toward him all the same. “You look so great,” he whispered, licking his lip. “So hot... and you know it,” he continued, eyes now drifting to Jimin’s waist.

Jimin understood now. It was infatuation. And if not infatuation... it was something a lot more than what he was ready to face.

“I... how I feel for you... I can’t explain. But I needed you to know. And with me... Jimin I can make you look better. Together we can-“

Jimin didn’t mind people confessing their feelings for him, whether they were girls or boys, but what he did mind was when they felt as if they had the right to touch him without permission, say nasty suggestions pertaining to how he should look.

“Don’t finish that sentence, please.” Jimin shot down immediately. “We can move past this.”

Haewoon looked disturbed, tears pooling in his eyes from Jimin’s rejection.

“Is it because I’m a guy? I didn’t know... but I always assumed that you were the same-“

Jimin’s anger only tripled. How dare he assume something like that and make a move -put him in such an uncomfortable situation. It also proved that Haewoon had purposely got near him, shoved himself toward Jimin so he could physically feel how he felt for him.

And it disgusted Jimin.

“It’s not because you’re a man,” Jimin clarified. He didn’t want to voice his sexuality to either accept or deny his assumption; there was no need to give Haewoon that much detail. “I just don’t like you like that. I’m sorry. What you’re doing is wrong?”

“Because I’m male...” Haewoon whispered.

“It’s not about that,” Jimin seethed though clenched teethe. To hell with being polite; Haewoon wasn’t listening.

“You don’t just do that to people. You can’t touch me like that. You can’t talk to me like that. That’s what’s wrong.”

Haewoon perked at that, only confusing Jimin more. Had he not understood him?

“So you’re saying I have a chance? I just... I just need to learn how to touch you -how to talk to you.”

Jimin was baffled. He hadn’t understood at all. All the while trying to wrap his mind around what had just occurred, Jimin hadn’t noticed Haewoon approaching him until he felt his fingers upon his nape.

Jimin instantly pulled back, but played around with the camera mic that hung on his shirt so he didn’t need to look into Haewoon’s eyes.

Jimin couldn’t help but laugh, bitterly. The situation was serious, but he was in so much disbelief. “I need to go eat.”

“Jimin please-“

“The others are waiting for me.”

“Can’t we talk about-“

And that’s when Jungkook entered.

**

The memory enraged Jimin. How could he -a grown male- a staff member appointed to protect him, not understand how uncomfortable he made Jimin? He hadn’t listened; never tried to understood Jimin when he was trying to hard to be polite.

He harassed him! And Jimin was done with drama -he didn’t want to involve anyone else for Haewoon’s feelings for him. Everything would be fine if the other man just stayed away from him, or just apologized sincerely.

But neither happened

Because he hadn’t apologized, and he was within a foot near him.

What angered Jimin the most, was his inability to not want to say anything about what happened between them. He didn’t want to out someone’s sexuality; nor did he want to put Haewoon in a predicament that would ultimately lead to his termination.

Jimin convinced himself that he just needed to wait it out. Let Haewoon reflect. But Jimin was still so angry at him.

A moment past, but neither removed their eyes from the other until an instruction for Jungkook to pay attention rung in Jimin’s ear.

Jimin whipped his head back rapidly at the call of the younger’s name and within the same second he held all of Jungkook’s attention. The raven haired boy looked absolutely irritated; his jaw clenched just as tightly as his fists were, his onyx eyes were narrowed, and Jimin could just feel his uneasiness.

For a second, Jimin was confused as to why his maknae had suddenly looked enraged -a total opposite depiction of what the photoshoot entailed- but remembered about the presence that stood next to him.

“It’s been months, Jimin… is Jungkook still not fond of me? We used to be on friendlier terms.”

“Haewoon-sshi, with all due respect, I’m not too fond of you either,” Jimin breathed lowly.

Jimin felt Haewoon stiffen next to him and it unnerved Jimin to remember just how close they were. Jimin stepped back, bowed slightly and excused himself to the make up room. He shouldn’t have gotten distracted…

An hour. Just an hour.

He hadn’t seen Haewoon anywhere near them for a long while.

Sure he’d still been around and worked in the background, but Jungkook hadn’t been within arms reach of them for months. Jungkook began to think that whatever Haewoon had done or said to Jimin and their reaction toward him gave the sunbae a moment of reflection and as a result, ultimately decided it’d be best to stay from them.

Unfortunately, that assumption was just one of many Jungkook was wrong about.

He wouldn’t have minded as much, considering he was in the middle of a photoshoot, but the moment he saw Jimin next to him, his professionalism began to falter. Jungkook’s soft smile hardened and he saw in his peripheral the way his photographer inclined his head in confusion before continuing his shots.

Calm down, Jungkook reminded himself. Jimin was there, and there was no way he couldn’t have known Haewoon was there too considering they were both leaning over the computer. If Jimin was able to keep his calm, Jungkook should be able to, too. But somehow the mere thought of Jimin being okay with having Haewoon near annoyed Jungkook even more.

But if there was one way to placate Jungkook’s scorching irritation, it was how Jimin was slouched over, obviously looking over his pictures. It warmed his heart seeing how entranced his hyung was over him. Immediately not wanting Jimin to see the sudden change of his mood through the screen, Jungkook relaxed once more and gave the camera lense shy and genuine smiles. Maybe Jimin would be able to sense his form of teasings and would look at him rather than through the monitor.

That, however, was short lived when Jungkook risked another look in his hyung’s direction and was stunned by Jimin’s change in demeanor. Maybe Jimin hadn’t known about Haewoon being near him and what Jungkook saw was the aftermath of that realization.

No one else seemed to have noticed the way Jimin’s glare pierced directly at Haewoon, and the way his body reeled as far away from Haewoon as physically possible.

Had he done something again?

Jungkook could not look away. Though he wanted to put some distance between the two, Jungkook couldn’t stray from his spot either. Suddenly a wave of rage engulfed Jungkook and his hands itched to snatch his hyung away from the preening adult. But Jimin seemed to be holding his own, and Haewoon, though persistent in his harassment toward Jimin, looked a bit uncomfortable and uncertain.

So Jungkook stayed and observed the engagement, albeit being completely useless in regards to his current responsibilities..

He could hear the staff calling for his attention, and was oblivious to the curious stare Haewoon gave him, but it was near impossible to listen and focus on anything else when all he could see was Jimin’s uncomfortableness. Was no one seeing how he was? Was no one else going to step in and take Jimin away?

Then blue contact eyes fell upon his. Mouth agape and eyes puzzled, Jimin watched Jungkook in concern. That only infuriated Jungkook more. Jimin was concerned for him? Ha!

A few words were exchanged, and Jungkook noticed that whatever Jimin had muttered to Haewoon, it took a physical toll on the older man as his eyes widened in shock and disappointment. Haewoon wasn’t able to get a word in as Jimin retreated from the studio. Finally they were away from each other.

But it didn’t stop the heated glare Jungkkook sent Haewoon when their eyes locked. It seemed like this was a repeated occurrence between the two of them now.

“Jungkook, have we upset you?”

There was urgency and a sense of persistence in the staff’s voice and Jungkook could tell it wasn’t their first time asking the question. Haewoon left the vicinity with a slight smirk that grated on Jungkook’s nerves, but now that his presence was gone, the maknae felt himself relax enough to bow a full ninety degrees to his camera staff.

The rest of the photoshoot continued on smoothly as Jungkook vehemently voiced out his apologies, and the staff just as passionately waved it over. Once his set was wrapped up, Jungkook frantically rushed out in search for Jimin, but to his dismay, was only met with a room full of his hyungs eating and resting.

The disappointment was prominent on his face, which caused Taehyung to sulk and dramatically sink further into the couch with a playful eye roll. “Why do you look like we’ve offended you ancestors,” he muttered. Any other time Jungkook would have gladly played along, but he was still reeling from adrenaline and the utter need to be by Jimin’s side. So where the hell was he?

He turned on his heels without so much as giving another glance toward his worried hyungs and bolted across the halls into multiple photo rooms. The heavy weight in his heart lifted the moment he saw Jimin’s silvery blond locks behind the camera of one of the stationed monitors. Jungkook expelled an audible sigh of relief, which caught the attention of a few staff. He greeted them briefly before he sauntered closer into the light, making his arrival known.

It didn’t take long for Jimin to find him through the crowd of cameras and lights, and the bright smile he wore on his face faltered slightly. Jungkook would have felt offended if not for the slight shade of crimson that bloomed across Jimin’s cheeks soon after.

Was it because of him? Jungkook pondered over the possibilities of his hyung having felt shy with him around, and although it left the boy puzzled, he didn’t question the pride he felt over that.

Jungkook stayed during his shoot and watched as Jimin shamelessly posed one after the other. A smile here, a pout there, and occasionally a set of gleaming eyes too intimidating and sexy for their concept. But the staff ate it up because Jimin was attractive.

And yes, Jimin was just utterly beautiful.

The Jungkook now had no shame admitting that fact. To hell with the Jungkook back in the days when he thought it’d been funnier on his part to always disregard his hyung’s blatant appealing features, because there was never a time where Jungkook ever thought he was the least best looking.

It was hard not to look and ogle over Jimin… but that gave Haewoon no right to approach Jimin the way he had. He had no right to talk about how he looked or how he should go about looking a certain way.

Against his better judgement, Jungkook wallowed over the bitterness the mere thought of the man brought. If he had so much as hurt Jimin’s self esteem, there’d be more than just Jungkook Haewoon would have to deal with.

“Kookie, what’s on your mind?”

Just the sound of his voice eased Jungkook’s nerves immensely. Jungkook’s eyes glazed over, skimming Jimin’s face needily as if his smile was all Jungkook needed to rejuvenate his exhausted soul. It did wonders when Jimin granted him just that, the edges of his lips turned upward and his eyes turned to crescents.

Jungkook returned the smile, warm and tender. There were many things Jungkook favored from his hyung. His eye smile, his tiny hands and even tinier pinky…

“Hyung, can you pose for me real quick?”

Jimin only raised his eyebrow in question, but went about straightening his back and focusing his body at Jungkook’s phone almost instantly. Jungkook chuckled at his submissiveness, and took a few shots of his hyung before pocketing his phone. Jimin had a tendency of looking over his photos and criticizing himself needlessly, and Jungkook wasn’t going to give him the opportunity to do so.

“Kook-ah! You sap!” Jimin laughed as he barged into Jungkook’s room unannounced. The maknae was caught off guard with Jimin’s sudden onslaught of giggles and eye smiles, but if he’d been the cause of it, whatever he had done to elicit such happiness was well worth it.

He was perfectly content on not asking Jimin what it was that made him so unbearably happy, until the older man slipped his arms around his waist and pulled him in. And suddenly, wanting to know what he’d done to elicit such a reaction from his hyung was now all he wanted to know just so he could do it again.

For a second, Jungkook stood stiffly, confusion written plain on his face. His hands awkwardly hovered over Jimin, not due to his reluctance at reciprocating Jimin's touch, but rather due to Jungkook’s sudden realization of just how good it felt to be engulfed in all of Jimin’s warm embrace.

He hugged his hyung more times than he could remember, but for some reason, at that very moment, Jungkook felt an intense wave of belonging. As if this is where Jimin should be -and Jungkook couldn’t nor did he want to explain such sentiments.

They were thoughts treading on dangerous lines, so Jungkook didn’t allow himself to think too hard about it. Especially when he could feel Jimin start to retreat, so in a hurry Jungkook encircled his arms around his hyung's back and pulled him into his chest once more.

“What’d I do?” Jungkook chuckled.

“How are you so amazing?”

Jungkook took the compliment with stride and gave a cocky grin. “Golden maknae, remember?”

Jimin then pried himself from Jungkook, not with ill intentions, but because he had to grab his phone from his pocket. Jungkook also didn’t want to think about how he was already missing Jimin’s body around his.

“Seriously? Your favorite part of me is this?” Jimin beamed, shoving the phone with the picture of himself displayed on his phone.
Jungkook shrugged nonchalantly, but heat burned his cheeks. If he was blushing, Jimin had spared him.

“Thank you,” Jimin whispered, and though his smile hadn’t reached his eyes, it was so gentle and genuine that Jungkook felt like his legs were about to stumble over from the impact.

It was that gratefulness he saw in Jimin’s eyes that intensified his desire to protect Jimin. He’d protect that smile; he’d protect his mind; he’d protect that confidence. Bangtan was all about making sure that their fans never felt alone and loved -he was going to make sure that Jimin had the same attentiveness.

“Anytime, Jimin.”

“I’m going to let that pass since you’ve made me your model, Kook-ah.”

“How about now, Jimin? Gonna let that pass, too?”

“Yah! Brat!”

“We’re alone right now, hyung. No need to pretend with the formalities.”

“Let me have at least that,” Jimin grumbled. “People are already saying that I’m more of a maknae than you are. I’m practically taking your job.”

“I mean you are the smallest...”

Jimin scoffed at him, but there was a glint in his eyes that showed that he found their banter amusing. Soon after, the cameras found them, which ended their squabble. But Jimin had tiptoed and cupped his hand around his ear. Jungkook leaned in slightly to catch his words but was only met with a series of curses.

And with that, Jungkook doubled over and cackled.

Chapter Text

“Tae Tae?”

Jimin was draped over Taehyung’s lap as the other leaned above him, phone occupied in his hands. 

“Hmm?”

Jimin nibbled on his lip; he knew that half of Tae's attention was on his game and the other reserved for him, but Jimin wasn’t sure he wanted to talk to him when he wasn’t given both his ears. So he shook his head and cuddled deeper into Tae’s legs instead, feeling the exhaustion overwhelm him.

“Jiminie?”

It was Jimin’s turn to give half his attention when he felt Taehyung shift and run his hand over his hair. 

“You okay?”

Jimin wasn’t too sure if he was okay, but he wasn’t keen on talking about it now. Not that it was Taehyung’s fault, but the brief moment of disinterest gave Jimin ample time to doubt his earlier thoughts. He nodded his head and sighed.

Taehyung wasn’t too convinced and watched Jimin with uneasy eyes. He placed his phone down after looking at the time; they were needed in just a little over an hour.

Taehyung gently shoved Jimin off of him, and snickered when he heard the other whine below him. “Quiet, you,” Tae scolded. “I’m just -Ow! Oww!“ he grunted when he felt Jimin elbow his ribs in protest. “Yah! I’m just trying to lie down too, you ass!” 

Jimin laughed deviously, but obliged, moving over enough to give room for Tae to lay down next to him. The sofa was not nearly big enough to house two adults, but Taehyung’s koala like characteristics made it work as he clung onto Jimin’s back tightly with his leg draped over Jimin’s entire waist. 

It felt suffocating and Jimin could barely breathe under Taehyung’s weight, but despite all that, he felt comforted. Taehyung was good like that, a manifestation of the best fuzzy blanket ever. 

Calmness washed over Jimin and he was on the verge of falling into the depths of sleep, his dreams already infiltrating his mind until Taehyung spoke up, concern so thick in his tone that Jimin was instantly brought back to the surface.

Though his eyes were still sealed shut, he listened to Taehyung’s mumbles.

“Is there something bothering you, Jiminie? I could tell for awhile now, but I didn’t mention it…”

Leave it to his soulmate to see right through him.

Jimin had a lot of things going on his mind for awhile now.

Haewoon, definitely.

But even more recently, the way Jimin viewed Jungkook scared him even more.

He got that Jungkook constantly stuck around him because he’d been the only one aware of his current situation with Haewoon, but what he couldn't quite comprehend were the endless compliments, smiles, stares and touches. He didn’t want to delve too deep into his actions because it hadn’t been as if Jungkook and he weren’t usually physically close. 

But where as back then their touches were more playful and reserved, now there was a tinge of intimacy underlining the caresses of his fingers, there was longing in his teasing, and Jimin just couldn’t make out what that was about. 

Or was he projecting his own delusion onto Jungkook? Because that was exactly how Jimin felt he’d been like toward the maknae as of late. Jimin didn’t want to, but there was so much love for the younger. Overflowing affection since their training days; Jungkook had always held Jimin’s adoration, but he had been completely blindsided by just how amplified the innocent fondness developed over the years.

He rationalized his feelings as simply seeing his little brother in Jungkook -with missing home, his family in Busan, Jimin thought it was natural the way he favored Jungkook. What wasn’t natural was continuing to see Jungkook and wanting so badly to be liked by him. Not because they were band mates and they needed to be, and not because he envisioned his brother in him, but simply because he wanted the other to genuinely like him.

And Jimin thought it was absolutely essential that Jungkook did. 

As time passed, Jimin realized that his feelings for the younger had grown to dangerous lengths.

He held it out down, tried to consume it. But as his mind wandered into the depths of his own darkness, the nagging need to explore what it was that he felt toward Jungkook, despite being his band mate and dongsaeng, overtook him. He really tried to keep it together, because he absolutely couldn’t entertain the thought of loving his own peer as more than just that. So it didn’t help now that Jungkook was blanketing him with his own warmth, and showered him with endless affection in both words and actions. 

It just wasn’t fair.

It had only been just a couple of years since Jimin accepted that he was probably gay. Jimin knew he was a tease; he knew how to flirt and he knew how to rile girls up, but he in turn also could do the same to men -and when that realization hit, with the growing feelings he held for Jungkook, he pieced two and two together and concluded that yeah, he was definitely not straight.

The inner turmoil Jimin faced afterwards caused multiple unhealthy habits to arise. He already had a hard time loving himself, but now he struggled giving love to others. When he understood where he stood in terms of sexual orientation, Jimin found it difficult to express himself. 

Then an onslaught of negative thoughts plagued his mind:

Jimin was naturally touchy. It was in his blood to give warmth and seek it; when it was returned, there was the feeling of being cared for and loved that he so desperately needed to be reminded of having. So after the abrupt awakening, Jimin refrained from his daily dose of interactions.

Was I being too touchy? Does that make him uncomfortable? Am I too obvious? Do they hate my touches? Will they hate me? Will they be disgusted?

He couldn't stop worrying about it.

Of course he knew that his bond with his members were stronger and more resilient than that. Really, it was blasphemous to think otherwise, but the thoughts and possibilities still tore hin up. He cried at night; he was more sensitive and he started to distance himself quite a bit. Especially from Jungkook. Because he couldn’t love him like that. 

So he understood Haewoon a little. There was sympathy for the man whenever Jimin thought of him unwillingly. He must’ve felt so confused and lost, and just as frustrated as Jimin was back then. It must’ve taken so much courage for Haewoon to confess to Jimin, so he couldn’t necessarily be mad at him for it. 

He was kind toward his confession.

But he hated his approach. 

Dark thoughts began to intensify once more, and Jimin instinctively hid himself within Tae’s lap. 

Had he approached Jungkook like that in the past? Sure, he hadn’t said anything to him, but he might as well have with the way he launched himself at the younger. He flirted with him, said inappropriate things to him, chased him… and the list goes on.

There was no way Jungkook liked him back then despite the younger’s adamant denial of that. 

Jimin was annoying and pushy. He was pushy like Haewoon had been. 

The realization hit him like a freight train and he felt so fucking grossed out by his behavior. He wanted to apologize to Jungkook, but he couldn’t do so properly without outing himself. He tried to keep his distance, let the feelings die, but… he just couldn’t.

Jimin whimpered, feelings so tired and strung out. Why was he like this?

“Jimin-ah?” Tae’s voice brought him back. The man behind him had been the only one who knew of his secret, and Jimin felt grateful to have someone anchor him down like Tae could. 

When he first told Taehyung about his sexuality, he’d been broken down and weak. They didn’t talk much that night, but Taehyung cried with him, encircled his arms around Jimin’s shivering body and held him close for a long period of time. He assured him plenty that he loved Jimin in any and every way and he needn’t be afraid of being who he was. He assured him that the members would feel the same, and even if Jimin wasn’t ready to come out, he’d be there as his support through and through. 

He would feel completely alone in his struggles if not for Tae. And he was always eternally grateful for him. 

Jimin recalled the memory with a smile, thankful for his existence because he always managed to pull him out of this spiraling thoughts with ease. He tugged on Tae’s hands around him and appreciated the heat they provided. Warm and comforting.

“I’m here,” Jimin whispered. Sometimes he’d be too far gone in his own detrimental thoughts, and the members learned to coax him out of it. Sometimes they couldn’t relax until there was a verbal reply said.

He was good. He just needed to stop the toxic thoughts; Jungkook treated him with care. That meant he never truly disliked him, right? If that were the case, though, wouldn’t he be a hypocrite for being too harsh on Haewoon? Guilt engulfed Jimin, but he tried to ignore it. 

“Good. Stay here.” Taehyung continued to rub circles on his back, knowing well that Jimin found comfort from the pressure. “You can talk to me, you know? I am your soulmate.”

Jimin giggled. “Yeah, you never let me forget it.”

“Damn straight,” he muttered, adding a pinch to his ministrations. Jimin tried to elbow him again, but this time time Tae had him in a vice grip. “Try that again and I’ll push you off,” he warned.

“Push me and I’ll bite your ass!” Jimin snapped back non threateningly, a smile teetering his lips.

“My ass? Mmm, I bet you’d like tha-“ Jimin whacked him then, but there was laughter in the air. Taehyung joined in as he cackled alongside him, feeling relief flood through him at the sound of Jimin's hearty laugh.Tae wanted to know what’s been bothering him, but at the moment, he just wanted to elevate his friend's mood, and to keep his smiling face secured. So he refrained from asking questions that would surely dampen his mood.

They wrestled a bit until Jimin relaxed back onto the sofa, and Taehyung was forced once more to cling onto him tightly. He frowned upon the silence and wished that all of Jimin’s hardships would wash over because he didn’t deserve any of them. 

Taehyung thought about all the things Jimin did for him, and how much he had brightened his mood during his darkest times. And in return, Tae would always be there for him, but he couldn’t be there for him properly if he didn’t know what was wrong.

After a few moments, he heard Jimin’s breathing even out and his body sank heavily upon his chest.

“Hey Jimin, are you asleep?” 

There was no answer. Taehyung struggled to reach over and grab his phone from the side table without jostling Jimin awake, which proved to be difficult as his entire body was now on him. However, when he managed to get a hold of his phone, he noted that they had half an hour left before they needed to start leaving for their next venue, so he set an alarm twenty minutes in. 

“Jimin? If you’re still awake, I want you to know you can always come to me. I love you, Chim. Please don’t be sad.”

Tears pricked Jimin’s eyes, but they refused to fall. He nodded his head and Taehyung only tightened his grip on him, pulling him flush against his chest.

“Let’s sleep for a little bit, yeah?” 

Taehyung liked to believe he woke up before the alarm due to his body being genius enough to understand timing, but with the way Jungkook stood by the door with his piercing, dark eyes on him and Jimin, he began to think otherwise. Jungkook’s gaze almost looked didturbed, and that was the second time he’d come into one of the lounge rooms looking absolutely distraught at what he had come to find in it. 

Except this time, he didn’t dash back out, but stayed rooted on the spot. 

“Kook? Is something wrong?”

The air was thick and uneasy, and Taehyung knew then how he managed to wake up before the clock. Jungkook must’ve been watching them for awhile. 

Why?

Jungkook bit the insides of his cheeks and shut his eyes for a few seconds before he nodded and plopped himself on the chair right across from the sofa.

“Yeah…” 

Taehyung rolled his eyes. Did people think he was dumb or something? First Jimin and now Jungkook? He wasn’t blind to signs of frustrations and blatant discomfort. 

“You and Jimin, I swear. If there’s something wrong, you should just say it,” Tae complained.

Jungkook caught his eyes in sympathy. “Is something wrong with Jimin hyung?”

“I’m sure there is, but he isn’t saying anything.” 

Jungkook’s face fell. He had an inkling of what could have upset Jimin, but he wanted to be sure before he said anything. Yet, if that were the case, Jungkook felt distraught that Jimin hadn’t made an effort to come to him for comfort.

He understood that Tae and him were soulmates or whatever, but hadn’t Jungkook proved enough times that he could be someone Jimin could easily rely on too? It always felt as if Jimin preferred going to his other hyungs before considering him at all. Despite the older saying on occasions that he believed Jungkook could protect him -which he had been doing- it seemed as if Jimin didn’t trust him enough to protect his thoughts… protect his feelings.

And that hurt Jungkook.

Even more so when he walked into the room and found the two snuggled together. It shouldn’t have affected him the way it did considering Tae was usually the clingy type, but when he saw how content and warm Jimin looked, how absolutely flushed to Tae’s chest he was, he couldn’t help but wish he’d have the ability to do the same for him. 

“He looks better,” Jungkook observed.

“I have a knack for cheering people up.”

Jungkook rolled his eyes. Contrary to Tae’s statement, Jungkook didn’t feel cheery at all. 

“Do you need a hug too?” Tae teased and Jungkook scoffed at him.

Taehyung was an observant man, and though people frequently underestimated him, there were many things that didn’t go past him. Like Jungkook’s obvious tense state. The reason though? Tae smirked, his mind gearing for an experiment, and it hadn't taken long when he had devised his simple plan.

“Fine,” Tae pouted and squeezed Jimin’s waist closer to him. As if Jimin weren’t already as close to him as possible.  “I’m okay with just having Chimmy.”

Tae caught the way Jungkook’s eyes immediately flickered down to his tightening hand upon Jimin’s waist and the deep frown that followed suit. Jungkook tried to recover, shifting his gaze away, but his entire expression remained dark.

Interesting, Tae mused, all the while trying very hard to not throw his head back in laughter. He didn't want to upset the younger any more than he already had.

Or maybe he did.

“But I’m getting numb,” Tae continued, watching Jungkook carefully. “Wanna switch places with me?”

“We have to leave soon,” Jungkook muttered.

Tae noticed the way he hadn’t declined the offer, but merely redirected the conversation. He nodded his head, and retired from his teasings for the day. He was just starting to understand the sudden dynamic change between him and Jimin, but he’d dig deeper later as Jungkook was right about having to depart soon. Hos phone's alarm went off just a minute after, stirring Jimin awake. 

“Wakey wakey Chimmy,” Tae sang and lightly tapped on his shoulder.

“No.” Tae and Jungkook could hear the pout in his voice, and it only made the two younger men coo at him. It was strange how the hyung of the maknae line was able to have both Jungkook and Tae enamored by his adorableness, but there they were, smiling endearingly as their smallest member nuzzled his face deeper into the sofa’s cushions. 

Jungkook knelt down in front of Jimin, his face close enough for his breath to fan the older's cheeks, slightly startling him, but not enough to force his eyes open.

“Stubborn,” Jungkook chuckled. “Come on hyung, we have to go now.” 

At the sound of Jungkook’s voice, Jimin cracked an eye open and was graced with the maknae’s visuals a few inches away from him. He melted at the sight; how could someone be so beautiful?

Unknowingly, Jimin presented him with a kind smile, as if he were welcoming the sun. And Jungkook gave him one of his cute bunny grins, where his nose scrunched up and his eyes thinned into beautiful slits. Jimin’s favorite smile.

“You don’t hate me right?”

The internal screech in Jimin’s mind rang like a siren at the realization of what he just asked. He wanted to recline back into the sofa and disappear for days. Why would he always say the dumbest shit in the midst of his awakening; why had his thoughts before he slept slip past his reckless mouth?

He knew Jungkook didn’t hate him, but he felt so insecure a few moments ago. The thought of Haewoon, the surge of his past behavior, the memories of Jungkook’s constant rejection of him, it was all too much baggage in his heart. 

There wasn’t a need for a reminder because Jungkook had shown time and time that no, he does not hate Jimin. So why did he always need to question it?

Jungkook was equally as baffled, mouth hanging open and his eyes wide with hurt. Jimin felt Tae stiffen behind him, and it only made the situation even more complicated, because he’d forgotten who was cradling him.

“Sorry-” Jimin began. 

“Of course he doesn’t,” Tae scolded, pinching his side lightly. “What makes you ask that Chim?”

“I don’t, hyung…” Jungkook looked so hurt. And he was. Immensely. Years of effort, and just recently, months of endless affection, and Jimin still doubted him? 

Was what he did back then so wrong? So traumatizing for Jimin that he no longer could truly trust him? Jungkook wanted to cry; he could feel the swell of emotions start to build up, threatening to spill over. “Jiminie hyung, I don’t,” he pleaded firmly. 

What more could he do? What more could he say so that Jimin believed him?

“Sorry,” Jimin whispered. He hated the look on Jungkook’s face and wished so bad that he would smile again. Just like he had before he opened his damn mouth. “Stupid thoughts. Went to sleep with negativity and I just -you were suddenly in my face and I -I don’t know. I know you don’t, Kook. I trust you.”

Jungkook nodded his head and tried to push the heaviness from his heart. But it sat there, weighing like a ton. However, with Jimin’s eyes on him, full of intense fondness, he felt lighter. They stayed like that for a moment, Jungkook seeking truth in Jimin’s eyes, and Jimin staring back with warmth.

It would have definitely been considered a moment.

Unfortunately, there could never be a moment with Taehyung around.

“Sure okay,” Taehyung complained loudly while shoving Jimin off the couch unexpectedly, forcing Jungkook to catch him from below. “Jungkook doesn’t hate you. We been knew that. What you need to explain, Jimin, is why wake up when Kook is talking, and continue to sleep when I try to wake you? I see how it is.”

Jungkook had his arms clenched around Jimin’s waist as they pummeled to the ground. The maknae bore witness to Jimin’s blooming face, painted with embarrassment, and he loved the way pink shaded his cheeks. It colored his flawless, porcelain skin perfectly, and Jungkook basked in his adorableness. 

Normally, Jungkook wouldn't have been annoyed at Taehyung's rough handling of Jimin, but had Jungkook not been ready on reflex with all things pertaining his small hyung, Jimin could have really gotten hurt. But he was there, and since he’d been given the opportunity to see his hyung in such a vulnerable state, he’d save his irritation for another day.

Jimin nervously laughed and moved away from Jungkook, and the other had to forcibly stop himself from reaching out to grab him again.

“Don’t be like that Taehyunie… you naturally just put me to sleep.”

Tae dramatically gasped and held his hand up to his chest in faux hurt. “Are you saying I bore you? First my movies and now me?”

“I’m saying you calm me down,” Jimin smiled. “Now shut up and get ready; we have somewhere to go. You too, Kookie. Get up.”

Jimin spent a second tidying up his hair and exited the room without so much as a second glance at the others. 

“The audacity-“ Tae started.

“Can you belie-“ Jungkook exasperated simultaneously. 

Tae and Jungkook exchanged baffled looks before shaking their heads in laughter and following after their shameless member. 

Rehearsal went by quickly and efficiently. Jungkook’s muscles ached, his shirt was drenched with sweat, and he was confident in the choreography. Now he was starving, stomach angry and disturbingly empty. He made a brief check on Jimin, saw that he was wiping off sweat at the corner of the room, before he walked toward his other hyungs huddled near the exit and asked where they were going to eat today.

Jin shrugged. “I think the staff provided food in the lounge. Gonna head out now?”

Jungkook eagerly nodded his head, mouth practically drooling at the thought of what was prepared. He was just so hungry. Quickly, he turned his attention over to the back, calling out for Jimin.

“Hurry up, hyung. Let’s eat!”

The others were already filing out the door, Jungkook not too far behind them. Jimin turned his attention, nodding his head, but waved him off without moving from his position. Jungkook stopped in his tracks, pouting in defiance at Jimin’s lack of movement.

“Hyung,” he whined. 

“Go Jungkook, I’ll be right behind you.”

“If you were, you’d be right behind me,” Jungkook argued petulantly; it was rewarded with an infamous eye roll. But Jungkook wasn’t above pettiness and snarky comments, so he didn’t back down when Jimin repeated for him to just go.

He poked his head through the threshold and announced to the diminishing figures of his hyungs that he’d wait for Jimin. They only nodded before heading off, except for Taehyung.

“Is he alright?”

Jungkook shrugged. “I’m going to find out.”

Tae was just about to turn around and accompany Jungkook, wanting to help cheer Jimin up and simultaneously figure out what it was that’s been bothering his friend, but stopped mid heel. He observed the determination in Jungkook’s eyes, saw the mix between turmoil but calm reassurance that he could handle it -that he wants to be the one to handle it.

Taehyung gave him a small nod and a slight smile. “Take care of him, Kook? Please?”

Jungkook was a little perplexed at Tae’s soft tone, as if it was said in permission. Like Taehyung was stepping down so that Jungkook could fill his role. It was too complicated -the way Taehyung spoke- but Jungkook felt better, a lot more confident.

“I will,” he simply said and turned to face Jimin. “We’ll see you soon,” he assured.

Tae watched the door swing shut. He still felt uneasy, knowing his best friend was in there still not having recovered from his earlier sadness, but felt relieved to know that his other best friend was finally stepping up. Even if Jimin hadn’t told him, he could see how much he liked Jungkook, and thought maybe that was what was torturing him.

Tae never brought it up, afraid of assumptions, but his intuitions were mostly right. Seeing Jungkook so involved with everything Jimin worried him -not because he couldn’t trust the other to care for Jimin properly, but because he didn’t want Jimin to hurt over feelings he couldn’t control. 

But Jungkook was a mystery all in itself. He was an open book, but locked within a box -contents transparent, but unreadable within the case in which it was contained.

He didn’t know of Jungkook’s intentions; he didn’t know just how far his care for Jimin went. So once again, Tae kept silent and just observed. One thing was for sure though: Jungkook made Jimin happy. So he let him take this one, because nothing mattered more to Tae than to make sure Jimin’s smile stays intact. 

When Jungkook was back in the practice room, door shut behind him and finally alone with Jimin, he hoped the other was already packing up to follow suit.

But Jimin hadn’t moved. He held the towel in his hand, alone in the corner and stared directly down at his feet. Jungkook felt uncomfortable, understanding very well that something was eating at Jimin, but not knowing exactly how to approach him about it.

Taehyung and Hobi was always better at this than he was. Jungkook merely sucked at emotions, even worse at expressing them. So even if he wanted to be there for Jimin, he was more comfortable showing it than talking about them.

But he had to.

The vision of Jimin snuggled close to Taehyung flashed through his mind and bitterness blanketed him. There was the hint of jealousy he felt when he first laid eyes on the two of them on that small sofa, all snuggled up and content. There was a reason why Jimin found comfort with others more so than he did with Jungkook, and now he clearly understood why.

Because who’d want to seek comfort from someone who clammed up when they were needed most? 

Jungkook stretched his fingers out, letting the blood flow so that he could prepare himself for awkward reassurance and an exchange of words. It was weird how his body felt forced as he took strides toward Jimin’s form, but he knew mentally that being near him was where he was supposed to be.

His mouth dried up, anxiousness clogging his throat.

Be there for him, Jungkook chastised. Be someone he can rely on. 

“Hyung?” There was no response. Jungkook hurried over, worry prevalent in his voice. 

“Hey what’s going on?” he tried once more, but Jimin was stuck. Jungkook leaned down, leveling himself with Jimin’s blank eyes -void of emotions, lost. 

Jungkook’s heart clenched. Dread flooded him once he took in Jimin’s state he was all too familiar with, but not all too welcoming for. Arms draped over Jimin’s back and Jungkook pulled him flush against his chest. He stroked his palm upon his back with gentle pressure and cradled his other into the bed f Jimin’s head, allowing the other to rest in the crook of his neck.

It was muscle memory; everyone knew what to do when Jimin got this way. Touch and affection. They needed to remind him that there were people around him that cared; he couldn’t feel lonely.

And if Jungkook had any say in it; he never would be.

“Jimin? Do you wanna hear something embarrassing about me?”

Distract him, Jungkook screamed internally. Save him.

“When I was younger, I accidentally punched a girl in the stomach during practice. She cried. I felt so bad but I was too shy to say sorry back then, so I cried too-”

Jungkook stopped his rambling when he felt Jimin encircle his arms around his waist, featherlight, but there. Relaxing just a little, Jungkook decided to rest his cheek on top of Jimin’s head.

"Is that true?"

Jungkook chuckled. "Yeah... not the best moment of my life..."

“That’s not right, Kook. You should’ve apologized. Made it look like you were playing the victim,” Jimin mumbled, the vibration slightly tickling Jungkook, but he didn’t pull away and rather kept him close.

“She hated me.”

“I would have,” Jimin teased.

Jungkook laughed and flicked the small of Jimin’s neck. “Nah,” he scoffed pridefully. “You love me too much.”

Suddenly Jimin stiffened, like the words sent an electric shock through his spine, momentarily paralyzing him.

Jungkook felt the shift instantly. He moved fast, hands rubbing up and down Jimin’s arms soothingly, and his words shot out like bullets.

“I’m sorry, hyung!” Jungkook spewed frantically. “Did I say something wrong?”

Fear was starting to engulf Jungkook’s entire being as he spiraled into his own anxiety.

It was a few moments, after endless apologies and random questions, that Jimin decided to speak up. Words spoken small and weak, Jungkook strained to hear them. But as he listened, his throat constricted and his heart squeezed painfully.

“Is it wrong to love too much? Do I love too much? Is it too much?’

He sounded so broken, as if it physically pained him to release each word. Jimin loosened his arms and they fell limply back to his sides. The loss of contact saddened Jungkook, but the younger just felt even more inclined to maintain his hold on the other.

Jungkook was confused by the questions, because why would it ever be a bad thing to give a lot of love? What did he mean by too much? Jimin’s love was a blessing, because it was genuine and sincere. When Jimin loves, it’s with all his heart. His love for his hyungs, the staff, his family and friends... for Jungkook, they were received preciously, gratefully.

It could never be too much.

“Isn’t it uncomfortable? Isn’t it weird?”

“No, hyung. Never.”

Jungkook finally pulled Jimin back by the shoulders just a little so that he could watch his expressions, and was shocked to see the other was tearing. He hated the sight; hated the way the tears started to pool and overflow. Jungkook quickly swiped them away with his fingertips.

“Where is this coming from? Hyung, talk to me... you’re scaring me.”

“...I scare you...”

Jungkook sucked in a breath, panic now set on overdrive now that the mistakes were starting to pile up and he was having difficulty catching up.

“Shit, no, no,” he amended remorsefully. “That’s not- you -you don’t scare me. I’m just... shit. I just don’t know what to do. I suck at this. I want to help, but I feel like I’m screwing everything up-”

“It’s not your fault, Jungkook. It’s me... It’s always me. I’m what’s wrong.”

Fuck! Jungkook wanted to bang his head into the nearest wall. It would hurt less than his crippling attempt at cheering Jimin up because in a short amount of time he’d manage to make the other feel even worse. This is why he sought out Tae or Hobi or literally anyone and everyone else except him.

Because Jungkook could not, for the life of him, get it right.

Especially at a time when Jimin needed him most. It struck a cord. Suddenly, Jungkook was struggling to find his breath, and his vision began to blur. It took a moment for him to realize it, but he was breaking in hysterics, sobbing and faltering in front of Jimin.

Shocked out of his mind, Jimin was now holding Jungkook in his arms, shushing him and calming him down with his sweet voice.

Jungkook felt pathetic, useless even. How did he manage to fuck everything up? Go from trying to console Jimin, to making him feel like everything was his fault, to now forcing him to cheer him up?

It was absurd and ironic.

It was like the past again -crying because he couldn’t apologize. Now, many years later, Jungkook was crying because all he could do was apologize. He was always messing up.

“Kookie? Hey, hey, it’s not your fault,” Jimin tried to assure him.

"It is. And nothing is your -your fault!” Jungkook sobbed, clenching tight into Jimin’s chest. They were on the floor now, Jungkook in between Jimin’s legs as the other held him close, roles reversed.

“Jimin there’s nothing wrong with you. I promise. Believe me. There is absolutely nothing wrong and I’m an idiot. I never meant to make you feel like anything else but special,” Jungkook paused. He took some time to stabilize his voice, catch his breath, and placate his body so he’d stop shaking in Jimin’s arms.

“I never say anything right with you,” he continued. “Back then and even now... Still, it feels like I’m hurting you. I don’t want to hurt you, hyung. I’m not afraid of you -you don’t scare me. I don’t know what it was that made you think that way but please, please believe me.”

Jimin only nodded his head, cupping his hands to cradle Jungkook's face, and wiped his tears.

"I believe you. I'm sorry... sometimes my mind just drifts and these thoughts just pile up and I get scared, Kook. I start doubting myself and I think about my worth."

"You're worth everything," Jungkook growled back, fire burning in his eyes. "There is no Bangtan without you!"

Jungkook scrambled to intertwine their hands together, desperate for contact, to be held.

His voice shook, but as he stared into Jimin's puffy eyes, his next words carried conviction, weight.

"You have to let me be there for you. You have to let me in. Please hyung, come to me when you feel doubtful -when you start to feel lonely." His thumb brushed against Jimin's palm, painting tiny circles. "Rely on me like you do the others. Rely on me even more. I promise to protect you."

Jimin cracked a smile. "But I'm your hyung."

Jungkook returned his smile, feeling a rush of emotion and unhindered boldness that he couldn't stop the words that slipped passed his lips.

"Yeah, but you're my baby."

The laugh that erupted from Jimin as he flung his entire body backward, causing Jungkook to catch Jimin's giggling body immediately before he slammed against the ground, was worth Jungkook's underlying embarrassment.

He didn't know what it was that compelled him to refer to Jimin as his baby -other than the fact it was what Bangtan usually teased Jimin to be. But Jungkook knew he hadn't said it to tease him about it, but instead because it felt right.

Why he felt that way, Jungkook didn't linger on the possibilities. Instead, he steadied Jimin in his arms and assisted him up.

"Let's go eat?"

Jimim nodded. "But let's go wash our faces a bit first," Jimin suggested. He eyed Jungkook softly, waving a tiny finger at his face, a cracked grin forming. "'You look like shit."

It was Jungkook's turn to howl in laughter.

Fucking shameless.

He tried to slap Jimin's stomach in retaliation, but the other had already ran off toward the bathroom, chuckling all the while.

Jungkook was content. Even if it resulted in him breaking down alongside Jimin, the other seemed to have gotten his spirits up once more, and that's all he ever wanted.

Sporting a dopey smile, Jungkook followed Jimin toward the bathroom, unaware of the small lock of the practice door clicking shut for the second time.

Frustration. Confusion. Anger. And ultimately, extremely unfiltered hate.

He watched it all... heard it all. The tears, the apologies...

Baby. He had called his Jimin his baby?

Months apart and so much had progressed in his absence. Haewoon couldn't contain the fury he felt, the burning jealousy that was starting to harbor in his heart. What gave Jungkook the right, but not himself to be someone like that for Jimin?

His feelings were true, developed genuinely. So why had it been denied? It wasn't fair.

Haewoon hadn’t always seen Jimin the way he did now. He was merely a kid when he first met him; young, ambitious, and a hard worker. Haewoon had been there cheering him on, and when he finally made his debut as Bangtan’s Jimin, he’d treated him out for lunch alongside Jungkook.

Haewoon enjoyed talking to Jimin immensely. At first it had only been the talks with Jimin that constantly drew him in, but it wasn’t until he broke free from his manly persona, where Haewoon truly saw Jimin’s character, and where his view of the younger man shifted. Jimin was soft and intimidating; he was kind, in need of affection, and in turn was quite affectionate toward others. His smile radiated sun rays, his eyes gleamed like moonshine, and he… matured drastically. 

He was no longer a boy in Haewoon’s eyes, but a delightful soul housed within an extremely attractive man. And it was that pulling attraction that scared Haewoon at first. 

He couldn’t possibly like Jimin, right? But the more he allowed himself the indulgence of being near him, Haewoon realized that he didn’t just like him, he was utterly infatuated. 

A man in love with a man? That man being a staff and the other being a superstar no less… it was mad, but feelings couldn’t be controlled. 

So he spent time with him when he could; he enjoyed the bits of smiles directed at him and melted at them. He was content with that because he knew it couldn’t possibly be more. 

Until that day. The day he just wanted to be honest with Jimin about his feelings. He wasn’t going to push for anything more. He just wanted Jimin to know and see if there was a chance; he wasn’t going to ask for anything more than Jimin’s honestly.

But it was all ruined! 

Haewoon was not happy; in fact, he was livid. He wasn’t blind to Jungkook’s disdain for him and frankly he didn’t care. But Jimin cared because he completely adored Jungkook. Haewoon, too was fond of the boy in his younger years, but recently his adamant interference between himself and Jimin began to grate on his patience. 

Jimin always prioritized his members’ needs before his own, and that’s what Haewoon loved about him, but that specific trait did numbers to his pursuit for his affections. Because Jungkook couldn’t back off. 

Jungkook didn't like Jimin the way he did. So why wouldn't he just leave them alone?

He often wondered at night, if Jimin’s sudden avoidance of him had been due to Jungkook’s influence. He was no stranger to Jimin’s obvious affection for the younger; he’d observed it for years. So it wasn’t far fetched to assume that the only reason Jimin wasn’t giving him the time of day was to appease Jungkook.

Jimin did like talking to him; they were friends. They teased each other, confided in one another, and spent time together. Until that day Jungkook caught them in the room when Haewoon had been apparently ’too touchy'. Then everything changed. 

He was just in the midst of understanding -getting a grasp of how he should touch and talk to Jimin since the other had voiced out he was doing it wrong. He’d do it right next time. He only wanted to make sure Jimin maintain his appearance, feel his body under the pads of his fingers to physically check his proportions... but that damn brat had made the interaction bigger than what it was.

And now Jimin was as distant as ever.

There was an evident effort to avoid him; their breaks never coincided with his anymore, their schedules way too hectic, and Jimin blatantly took paths directly opposite of his. On the off chance he’d been able to get near the other, he was never alone simply because Jungkook had always found some way to cling onto him like the leech he was.

It’s been months now and he felt absolutely deprived. He watched from afar, but there was no better feeling than to actually hear one of Jimin’s joyful laughs, feel the way his body was pushed against him, and see up close the mirth in his shining eyes.  

Haewoon was satisfied. He was fucking fine with being with Jimin under decent boundary -he was never going to push for more. But absence from Jimin was the worst thing he ever felt and it was a damn turning point in Haewoon’s behavior. It gave Haewoon more time to come to terms with the sudden obsession for the angelic being; he finally accepted the unhealthy possession he held for the younger man. However, despite being aware of such toxic behavior, he convinced himself all he needed to aid his ‘illness’ was to have Jimin by his side. 

Ironically, it was Jimin’s continuous ethereal presence that caused something sinister to boil within Haewoon.

He wanted him. Craved him. Needed him. 

And the longer he went without him, the more restless he became. He needed to quench his desires quick; to hell with Jungkook. 

Sometimes love was selfish. And Jimin needed to understand that. He’d make him understand. 

Chapter Text

Jungkook was more anxious than usual. He’d always been riddled with anxiety, but as he watched and felt Jimin nuzzle closer into his neck as he slept, his nervousness shot through the roof. It was normal. Whenever they sat together in a car or airplane ride, his hyung would always doze off, and he’d always innocently loll his head upon his shoulders. 

It was normal.

Though recently, Jimin’s touches set his skin ablaze. It was confusing how uncomfortable it made him, but he knew the second Jimin’s weight lifted from his body, he’d be equally as dismayed. So it was a constant push and pull of wanting Jimin near, and wanting him to be kept a foot at most away from him.

His hands began to clam up. He played with the hem of his shirt, trying desperately to keep himself distracted from how good Jimin smelt. Like lavender and sand wood.

And Jimin was so pliant against his chest. Soft cheeks on his shoulder, soft hands laying upon his thigh, and fingers peeking through his dark navy sweater all cutely it was almost so tempting for him to just reach over and lock it around his.

Yeah, that was not normal.

“Jungkook?”

Jungkook’s eyes widened and turned to his other hyungs with a broken and crescendoed, “yes?” There was shame evident in his face as he reclined back into the seat, wishing the leather cushion beneath would eat him right then and there. However, when there was no leathery consumption, he was forced to look at both Namjoon and Hobi embarrassingly.

Namjoon eyed him suspiciously, and Jungkook observed as those eyes darted between him and Jimin. He hummed, as if acknowledging something Jungkook wasn’t aware of, but didn’t say a word about it.

“Can you wake Chim up? We’re almost there.”

Not trusting his voice after the shameful crack earlier on, Jungkook only shook his head. Namjoon turned around and settled back into his seat, but not before raising an eyebrow at him. 

Jungkook turned his head slightly and his cheek brushed up against Jimin’s now bubble gum soft locks. Though his mission was to wake Jimin, the pressure Jungkook placed on him as he probed at his chest was barely there. Even his voice was inaudible as he leaned a little further down and called out to him.

Jungkook coughed awkwardly. 

“Hyung?” 

There was no response. He tried bobbing his shoulders up and down to jostle Jimin, but what transpired afterwards immediately had the younger regretting his actions.

Jimin, still in his stupor, but with an obvious pout on his lips, turned away from Jungkook and found comfort on Hobi’s arm on the other side of him. Hobi, though awake, paid no mind to the added weight on his arm, used to Jimin’s clinginess, and continued to look out the car window. Jungkook, however, was not as calm.

The visual bothered Jungkook. And being bothered, bothered him even more. 

He didn’t allow himself time to think over the unusual feelings and reached over to shake Jimin with a little more force than his previous attempts. 

“Hyung!” 

Namjoon and Hobi turned to him, head inclined in confusion.

“Jimin hyung,” he corrected lamely, and the other two turned away. 

Finally, to Jungkook’s relief, Jimin stirred in his sleep, though still latched onto Hobi. “Are we there yet?” He lifted his chin, catching Hobi in sight.

Hobi shook his head. “Then can I sleep more? I’m tired, hyung.”

There was something in Jimin’s voice that rattled Jungkook’s nerves. There was a familiar tremble in his tone that he got used to hearing whenever Jimin struggled with his image or his esteem.

Jungkook resented whenever that happened and so he learned to pick up the signs so he’d work quick to rectify his mood. His distress was usually masked under exhaustion, not that he didn’t suspect Jimin to not be tired, but he knew it was for a reason other than his workload or lack of sleep. 

Before he could monitor his actions, Jungkook found himself poking at Jimin’s side tentatively. “Hyung?”

Brown eyes turned to him and Jungkook was stunned. Because Jimin was ridiculously pretty and the light from the windows shone on him only enhanced that fact. 

His vivid pink hair faded into a lighter shade like cotton candy, his brown eyes popped, a well contrast to his ivory skin that ran smooth like milk. His jaw line, the one Jimin worked so hard for, was clean cut and sharp. Opposite to his button nose and his plush, pink lips.

Jungkook inhaled sharply.

He’s looked at Jimin before, but he hasn’t looked at Jimin like that before, and he needed to fucking stop.

After a moment of an intense inner battle, Jungkook finally found his voice again. He remembered Jimin’s earlier state, grounding him. “Stay up, please? We’re almost there.”

There was an understanding between the two, because Jimin watched Jungkook’s pleading eyes before giving him a small smile and a simple nod. There was a lift in Jungkook’s mood when Jimin relinquished his hold on Hobi and sat back up, shimmying closer so that their thighs were meshed together.

“I really am just tired,” Jimin tried assuring the younger.

Jungkook felt a sudden rush of courage and before the feeling could so much as wither away, he bounced on the adrenaline and reached for Jimin’s hand. Although Jimin didn’t flinch at the sudden touch, his eyes widened in curiosity.

Jungkook didn’t dare look and opted to face the other way, eyes gazing toward the passing streetlights upon the window. He could feel Jimin start to tense up, which prompted the younger to draw gentle circles with his thumb into the other’s palm.

“I know,” he whispered, still looking out. “And it’s okay.”

Jimin curved his fingers then, cradling Jungkook’s hand in his own.

Jungkook was in trouble.

He was stumped feeling helpless when Jimin needed cheering up the other day, and now he was absolutely floored seeing Jimin all cheered up and as grand as ever.

He’d assumed that it was a one time thing. He thought what he saw in the car, of a dream induced Jimin shining radiately under the sun rays would be the last time his thoughts drifted that far for the man.

He couldn’t be anymore wrong.

Because Jimin was in a white plain room, surrounded by cameras and his hyungs and doing the simplest thing ever -standing, and Jungkook found himself completely enamored by him. He couldn’t, even if he wanted to -and he so desperately wanted to- to just stop staring at the man.

Yet wherever the other moved, his eyes simply followed. As if physically being near Jimin wasn’t enough now, he had to have him in his line of vision at all times.

When had this happened?

Was it a side effect of ensuring the well being of Jimin? It made sense; of course, he had to see Jimin to protect him, but then again he didn’t have to marvel at his beauty every fucking second for everything little thing he did.

But…

His laugh was contagious, so by nature, Jungkook laughed with him and flung his body all over for the mere show of it. He wanted to show Jimin how amused he was by him.

His voice was soothing, so by nature, Jungkook would turn his attention to it. He wanted Jimin to know that he was there, always ready to listen to every word that came from his lips.

His visual was that of an angel, so by nature, Jungkook should appreciate the piece of art bestowed to him whenever possible. He wanted to show Jimin that he should never have to feel insecure.

But he was Park Jimin: his hyung and bandmate, and Jungkook shouldn’t feel inclined to ogle stupidly at the man before him, pink hair and all. But there he was, walking to Jimin’s side where he felt he so rightfully belonged, and gave him a once over from the back.

He took in his side profile, adoring the way his cheeks puffed out and his lips purse forward.

Damn it, Jeon. Focus on the game!

And so Jungkook focused on the game, as best as he could, because he was still a competitive brat and even Jimin couldn’t interfere with that.

And he won first place, and unfortunately, Jimin had lost.

“Do you need help buying the coffee, hyung?”

Jimin smirked, leaning into Jungkook’s side and Jungkook was literally knocked down by the honey smell of his hyung. Jimin toppled over with him, knees bent at the edge of the couch and they were upon each other.

“Whoa, you okay?” Jungkook had his arm around Jimin’s tiny waist, and before his mind and body could assess the situation, he felt his fingers riding up to his ribs, claiming their spot.

Jimin paid no mind to the intimate touch and instead lifted himself up, but didn’t pull away from the younger.

“Me? Are you? What happened?” Concern flooded Jimin’s eyes as he scrutinized the other’s features, looking over his face and even leaning in once more to press his palm against his forehead. “You’re all red. Are you okay?”

Jungkook was sure that the color of his face had nothing to do with any sickness, but rather because of a pink headed idol. He nodded his head meekly, mouth slightly agape and cringed physically when he saw Jimin’s face crumble and pull himself back.

Was I just leaning toward him? Jungkook realized. The shame painted his features, and to Jimin it only looked like he was in pain.

“Hey, Kookie?” Panic seeped in his tone and Jimin was now on his knees by the couch, crouching over Jungkook. “What’s going on? Are you unwell? Should we go-“

“I’m fine, I’m fine,” Jungkook cut him off. Though he was feeling anything but.

He didn’t know what he was doing, what he was feeling and why he was feeling them toward Jimin, but it scared him immensely. He needed to redirect the conversation, get it back to normal as soon as he could.

“About the coffee…”

But Jimin, being as stubborn and caring as always, did not drop the subject.

“Nevermind the coffee,” he bit back. “We’re talking about you right now.”

It was that attentiveness, the overwhelming affection for his safety and comfort that Jungkook had come to depend on from Jimin that he loved so much. But he hated the disgruntled pout that graced his face -it didn’t belong; it needed to be wiped away. Jungkook kept his gaze on Jimin’s, eyes softening for the concerned man. His hand reached out to brush his pink locks away from his eyes and smiled.

“I’m fine, hyung. I just lost balance.”

Jungkook didn’t miss the way Jimin followed his touch, pushing his forehead into his palm as if he found a home in his hold. It sent flutters down his stomach at the mere thought.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.” To further add weight to his claim, Jungkook lunged himself forward, pushing himself back on his feet. Jimin followed him soon after, tentative hands hovered over Jungkook’s shoulder and waist just in case the other had been lying and would fall over again.

“Don’t worry about me,” Jungkook laughed. “Worry about your bank account when you buy all those coffees.”

Jimin rolled his eyes, but joined in on the younger’s teasing almost instantly, like it was routine. “What do you mean? Weren’t you offering just earlier to help out?”

Jungkook delayed his steps and slowly turned his wicked grin toward his hyung. “Yeah… about that…” he drawled. Jimin watched him with slit eyes. “I changed my mind. You can suffer by yourself.”

“No take backs!”

There were certain pouts that Jungkook absolutely adored. The one earlier had left a bitter taste in his mouth, the pout Jimin gave him now caused multiple butterflies to erupt in his stomach. He felt like gagging, because how in the hell can someone be so damn cute.

His mind was malfunctioning and he couldn’t feel a drop of frustration, because how could he when Jimin was in front of him looking like a complete utter brat.

“Fine,” he submitted. “I’ll help you carry them.”

“Jungkook!”

Jungkook swore he wasn’t going to fall prey to Jimin’s pouts ever again after he found himself swiping over hundred dollars worth of pastries at the coffee shop.

“Who are you buying these for, hyung? They only penalized you for coffee.”

Jimin completely ignored him as he flashed a smile toward the flustered clerk behind the case and pointed out croissants and macaroons of a variety of flavors. The girl couldn’t stop looking at them -in fact, everyone couldn’t keep their eyes off them. Jungkook could hear the shuffling of their phones in their hands, the silent snaps and videos they were taking. It wasn’t so bad, considering the shop was quite secluded, but still… Jungkook wondered when was the last time he’d been able to go out in total peace.

Their managers and body guards surrounded them with a decent amount of space, but Jungkook still felt a little stuffed.

“Me? I bought the coffee, Jungkook.”

That took the maknae off guard. His eyes widened as Jimin kept on piling the baked goods onto the tray.

“I’m not following, Jimin.”

Jimin gave him a side eye, but Jungkook was too baffled to correct how he addressed his elder in public. He simply returned the stare, asking through wordless expressions what the other had meant. Jimin just sighed.

“Jungkookie…” he complained, lips sticking out in that damn awful pout once again. “Come on, the coffee was a lot.”

Jungkook rolled his eyes and mimicked his pout, but it was probably not as effective because Jimin didn’t falter in his brattiness. In fact, it only heightened.

“They asked for coffee, hyung -not sweets.”

“It’s a nice thing to do since we’re here. They work so hard for us.”

Jimin had a point, but if he felt so inclined to buy more than what he was meant to, he should be the one emptying his wallet and not him. Well, considering how much they’ve earned recently, he wouldn’t be ‘emptying’ his wallet per se…

But still.

“I offered to help you carry,” Jungkook wasn’t backing down from the argument. Jimin needed to understand that he couldn’t just get everything he wanted. “Not help you buy stuff.”

“Please?”

Jungkook froze. One word -a single word was all it took and his sudden resolve made a mere second ago was instantly shattered. And it wasn’t just that, but Jimin was looking at him with such an endearing glaze over his eyes, like Jungkook was his savior, and it made Jungkook feel good about himself which confused him.

Because why had the sense of gratification from fulfilling Jimin’s desire appeal to him so much?

Despite the turmoil in his head, Jungkook conceded without a second thought. But he bit his lip and strained to hide the eagerness he felt as he gave a firm nod. To which Jimin’s pout was then replaced with the world’s cockiest eating grin. Jimin had won that round.

“Thanks, Kookie. You’re the best.”

Eat shit, hyung, Jungkook wanted to say.

“Yeah. Yeah.” He said instead, and grumbled his way toward the cashier.

The two had finally entered the film room with boxes of treats and bags of americanos. Jimin came in with radiant smiles, while Jungkook entered with waning presence. His mind was just somewhere else altogether, thinking about why Jimin had such an effect on him. In ways he never thought possible, but since it’s been happening, it hadn’t been impossible in the slightest.

He absentmindedly passed out the coffees, smiling in return when the staff thanked him, and voiced out that there were also pastries set on the table for them to enjoy as well. Because since he bought them, they sure as hell are going to eat it.

“Jimin, Haewoon-sshi and Jinyoung are in the back working on the audio. Do you mind passing them their coffees and I can take the other two to my juniors?”

Jungkook’s ears perked at the mention of Haewoon and before Jimin even had the time to say anything, the younger had already dismissed the opportunity. He turned to Jimin with determined eyes and smiled politely toward his camera man.

“Don’t worry, I got it. Jimin hyung you can go ahead and get ready with the hyungs; I’ll see you there.”

They were doing great so far: no incidents, no interactions, and no senseless approaches. Jungkook was going to keep it that way as best as he could for as long as he could between Jimin and Haewoon. So long as he was near, Jimin was never going to face him if not absolutely necessary.

In fact, as he was walked toward the back of the room, Jungkook had a selfish moment of disregarding Haewoon’s drink altogether. But as soon as the thought was introduced, it filtered away just as quickly. Haewoon was still a hard worker and he deserved what the the others received, despite how badly he didn’t want to see the man.

He’d hope he saw Jinyoung first, that way he could pass the drink onto her, and bypass Haewoon altogether. Unfortunately, Jungkook wasn’t feeling so lucky today because just as he rounded the corner of the room, Haewoon appeared.

The man looked flustered at first, rightfully so because they hadn’t interacted in months due to previous events, but his expression mellowed out, his eyes glinted with an unfamiliar disdain Jungkook wasn’t used to seeing but understood right away.

And he didn’t like it.

So in reaction, Jungkook stilled, held his glare and bit his tongue so he wouldn’t say anything he’d regret.

“I thought Jimin lost. Why are you passing out the coffee?”

Jungkook could easily pick apart the disappointment in Haewoon’s words, and it was obvious the other had wanted him to hear it. It bothered him so much, to understand the situation at hand -Haewoon was waiting for Jimin, seizing his opportunity with his hyung due to his punishment. Calming his temper was difficult, but Jungkook managed to pass his coffee into his awaiting hand already held midair.

“Helping out.”

“I wanted Jimin to be the one to give this to me.”

“He doesn’t want to see you,” Jungkook seethed through his teethe. His patience was wearing thin. He wasn’t prepared for an altercation with him; he hadn’t even expected Haewoon to be so direct. Jungkook was glad he’d managed to intervene between Jimin and him because who knew what Haewoon would’ve said if he hadn’t.

Haewoon’s face hardened. There wasn’t a trace of the friendly features Jungkook once remembered when they were younger. However, Haewoon could probably say the same about Jungkook since the younger hadn’t so much as given him a single smile.

“Are you sure he doesn’t?” Haewoon asked lowly. “Or is it that you don’t want him to see me?”

Jungkook was floored by the question. He couldn’t refute it as there may have been some truth to the accusation. Because although Jungkook knew Jimin felt uncomfortable by Haewoon, he hadn’t once insisted to stay away from him. It was all Jungkook; it was his vehement and stubborn pleading that Jimin kept away. Ultimately, it wasn’t Jimin’s decision, though he followed through with Jungkook’s desires and the realization of that hit him hard.

Had he forced Jimin to feel like he had no choice but to go along with what he wanted?

But Jimin asked him to protect him…

Or had he assumed that role onto himself and Jimin merely gave in to him because he was the maknae? And Jimin, most of the time, always gave Jungkook what he wanted.

Even so, there was one heavy truth in that question: Jungkook did not want him near Jimin.

“I don’t,” Jungkook panned out, serious.

“You can’t keep him away from me,” he whispered. Jungkook felt a chill run down his spine, and he felt inclined to leave his presence, but he was curious.

“What do you want from him?”

“The same thing you do.”

It sickened Jungkook. Just the tone of his voice laced with inappropriate desire. It felt cold and detached. It was frightening... and to have him associate himself with his rancid obsession....

Jungkook ended the conversation then and there and ignored the way Haewoon held his smirk as he walked furiously passed him to place Jinyoung’s coffee onto their setup table. He avoided his eyes when he spun over and headed straight to the dressers room.

His body felt hot, his mind in disarray, and he couldn’t control his breathing. He found himself pacing just before the threshold of the dressing room, not ready to face his hyungs when all he could feel was anger and rage broiling in him.

How was Haewoon so brazen? What did that man want from Jimin and why had he included him with it? Jungkook couldn’t wrap his mind around the accusations, the implications, and the questions. Because it didn’t take long for Jungkook to understand his words.

He always knew how Haewoon felt about him. He wasn’t sure how deeply he felt, but Jungkook knew that Haewoon liked Jimin. And if he delved deeper into his interaction with Haewoon, he simply implied that Jungkook had felt the same.

The difference was, Jungkook wasn’t sure if his growing interest in Jimin was due to him liking him, because hello, when had he ever liked men?

But it would make sense, because despite his denial, Jungkook couldn’t stop the way he looked at Jimin recently. Had he begun, unwillingly, looked at Jimin the way Haewoon had? Jungkook could feel himself physically shut down at the thought. He leveraged his weight against the wall and slumped over, but his legs weakened, and he soon found himself stationed upon the floor.

Jimin never felt uncomfortable, or he hadn’t showed any signs. But was he so enamored with the pretty boy, was it possible that he’d misconstrued Jimin’s companionship? Jungkook shook his head and fought his own thoughts.

No.

Jimin enjoyed him being around; in fact, Jimin had usually the one asking for him.

Those smiles he couldn’t fake. His laughs were always genuine.

That was the difference between Haewoon and him. Feelings aside, Jimin liked being around him. Jimin liked him. And Haewoon could shut the fuck up about being the same because they weren’t even remotely close.

“Is something wrong, Kook-ah?”

Jungkook flinched at the touch. Jin appeared with wide eyes, hands retracted back in alarm.

“What happened? Who do I need to fight?”

He watched as the elder fisted his hands, and although there was an angry tint in his eyes and Jin was more than ready to put anyone in his place, Jungkook chuckled at the thought of Jin throwing hands at anyone. But it wasn’t enough to ease the discomfort; it wasn’t enough to erase the rage Haewoon so easily riled out of him.

“Jungkook…”

But even so, he needed to get a hold of himself.

“I’m just… stressed out.” It was honest; not relatively the full truth, but he wanted Haewoon omitted from the conversation.

“Do you need a break? I can tell the-“

“No, no, “ Jungkook quickly dismissed and gave Jin a small smile. “I can do it.”

Jin’s eyes sharpened and his lips thinned out. “There’s something else. You’re not telling me.”

It wasn’t a question, but more of an observation. There was a lightness in his tone though, as if he was letting Jungkook know that he wasn’t going to push him for answers, but he needed to know whether or not he could handle whatever difficulty he held.

Jungkook shook his head.

“I just need to think about some stuff, hyung… understand myself a little more.”

He could feel Jin cup his shoulder and squeeze assuringly. “We’ll be here for anything, Kook. Now get up; it’s time to dress you up.”

And his bad luck didn’t stop there.

Jungkook was not in first place. He wasn't even remotely leading in one way or another.

And it got worse because now he was last place with Jimin.

Jimin, of all people. Usually he was competitive, and usually it didn’t matter which one of his hyungs he was up against, Jungkook would strive to win. But he felt hesitant as they prepared for the final round.

There was no punishment declared besides the run down of all the props, but what if Jimin had lost again? Would there be a secret penalty afterwards? One where Jimin had to assist the staff of some sort -provide the staff with treats again? Would Jimin be subjected to seeing Haewoon somehow depending on the result of the game?

Can Jungkook let that happen? No. Can he prevent the possibility of that happening? Yes.

Even at the expense of his competitive streak and his desire to win at everything? He thought of Jimin’s smile whenever they were together, bright and large, it was a huge contrast to how he seemed when he was with Haewoon. Jungkook frowned at the thought.

There wasn’t much to think about, because the answer was yes. He’d let Jimin win, and he completely didn’t mind.

Because it wasn’t as if he hadn’t had a chance at winning. Because Jungkook had a clue what Jin’s possible answer may be, nonsensical or not; Jin was predictable, his answer would surely have something to do with being handsome.

And all he needed to do was stack coins. Honestly, he could swipe the change into the palm of his hand and have it tower on the table in a matter of seconds, way before Jimin could finish his push ups.

But he’d graciously pretend as if he had no idea what to expect when Jin gave out his pun question. Jungkook’s hands drawled in movement and he stared blankly ahead of him, feigning ignorance and total obliviousness. Suddenly he heard Jimin cheer and Jungkook felt a rush of instant satisfaction and warmth.

He lost, but in a way he had also won.

During their next shooting, Jungkook had been paired with Namjoon and Jimin with Jin. This time, Jungkook couldn’t spare a lost because he had to win for the sake of his role model. That and his poor ego could only handle so much failures on camera. He had a reputation to keep up and it was something he took pride in.

So he showed off during filming. There was an inkling of wanting to impress a certain someone in particular, but Jungkook didn’t have time to access the feeling. Therefore, he went above and beyond during the jump rope segment and displayed his ridiculous jumping abilities, as well as his alarming pain tolerance.

Other than dropping his weight upon pressure point pads, the younger had taken a beating from Jimin’s oncoming rope from behind, and only merely flinched at the contact. The others had laughed -Jimin unaware.

Once again, he took his rightful place in first place. And Jimin being Jimin, once again lost, but thankfully all they needed to do was perform a carefully crafted play produced by the non-losers.

As they were wrapping up, Jin watched the way Jungkook sauntered next to Jimin with bambi eyes shining with amusement. The younger leaned below his hyung’s chin, and showered him with overwhelming happiness as he praised the other for his cringe performance.

Jin frowned playfully. He wanted some praise too. “Why are you picking favorites, Jungkook?”

“Huh?”

“I did a fartastic performance, too! Where’s my praises?”

Jungkook blushed, but gave a tight smile toward Jin. “Hyung, you can do better,” he teased. And Jin gasped so obnoxiously loud, the ambient air thinned slightly.

“I did not raise you to be like that!”

Jimin and Jungkook chuckled at the disbelief in his tone. Their giggles mingled in harmony, and Jungkook was shocked to hear how they nearly sound the same. It made him happy.

“Not only that, but don’t think I didn’t pick up on the way you purposely lost last week!”

It was Jungkook’s turn to gasp -but not as playful sounded as he hoped it would be. The accusation -though true- knocked him completely off axis. Even if he had been obvious about it, he didn’t want to be called out for it. Though instead of an argument, he just gaped at Jin.

Come on. Say something! He plead within.

“Not!” Jungkook mentally slapped himself. Great refute. He rolled his eyes.

“I noticed too,” Yoongi pointed out. “Is it because Jimin’s your favor -don’t look at me like that.”

Jungkook corrected his expression, not realizing he made a face to begin with. But he was baffled by their forwardness; even if what they were saying were true, he only allowed Jimin to win that one time! He turned to Jimin in hopes to get some input on the situation, but the other merely shrugged his shoulders arrogantly. A smile graced his perfectly crafted face.

“He’s not wrong,” he laughed. “You let me win.”

Embarrassment flooded Jungkook. So Jimin had noticed too?

Something in Jungkook’s mind went haywire and he began scrambling for an explanation. Although at the end, he retired with none. Because he couldn’t just confess that he let Jimin win because he’d been afraid of Haewoon being given the chance to interact with him.

Jungkook had an altercation with him earlier that day and it was nasty. The possibilities terrified him and he was desperate trying to assure himself that Jimin wasn’t going to experience that unpleasant event so long as he could prevent it.

So the truth was out of the question. Lie, Jungkook decided.

Jimin was still laughing despite Jungkook’s declining mentality. Oh, were his laughs the sounds of bells, but Jungkook was too distracted by the knowing looks of his hyungs.

“I do not,” Jungkook lied, but he had his arms crossed over his chest and his lips turned into a pout, and the aggressiveness Jungkook sought wasn’t found.

“You do,” Jin chimed in.

Pretend. “When?” he insisted.

The two elders scoffed, but Jimin only pulled his grin further up, shiny teethe bright enough to scorch his eyes out.

“Okay, even if you didn’t. You can’t tell me you don’t favor Jimin. You’re so soft for him.” Yoongi stated matter of factly.

“Nuh-uh!”

“Oh, so when I accidentally hit you, you hit me back. But when it’s Jimin, you just melt away,” Jin complained and inched backward so that he was now hidden upon Namjoon’s front so as to avoid Jungkook’s physical retaliation.. Namjoon made room for Jin, but continued to work on removing his mic, one hundred percent checked out and disinterested in the conversation at hand.

Jungkook just rolled his eyes and denied ever doing that, completely disregarding the way he simply laughed from being hit face first into Jimin’s jump rope. Jimin was unaware, simply doing his mission; if anything, Jungkook should’ve been more careful, steering clear from the impending forces of the rope.

And the conversation died out.

Well, until they boarded their car, Jimin and Jungkook once again stationed in the same vehicle.

It was silent for a bit, but Jimin turned to him eagerly, but adorning puppy eyes the other wasn’t completely prepared for. Jungkook gulped at the visual because Jimin was much too cute to handle.

“I’m not your favorite?”

Jungkook laughed. “Shut up, Jimin!”

“Really?” Jimin pouted -the same damn pout that encouraged Jungkook to buy dozens of pastries just last week. Jungkook snatched his attention away from Jimin, stopping himself before Jimin could ask something of him that he’d undoubtedly follow along with.

“Kookie?” he whined, and Jungkook felt his tiny finger poke at his side.

It tickled, but Jungkook bit his lip.

“...You’re my favorite,” Jimin gleamed and Jungkook could have sworn his stomach dropped like weights.

His whole body tingled at the confession. His fingers started to curl up at his sides and he pinched at the denim of his jeans. Jungkook couldn’t see his reflection, but he was sure his face had picked up on a few more shades of pink.

He turned to Jimin wanting to play off disgust in his face jokingly, but when he was hit with the beauty of Jimin’s face and his body nearly curled up next to him, Jungkook could only smile sweetly in return. He so craved to pull Jimin in a little closer, cradle his paw like hands into his own, and lean his head into the crevice of Jimin’s neck.

The moment was delicate. So frail and pure. Jungkook realized…

Okay, so maybe he’s incredibly soft for Jimin. But he shouldn’t be since the only thing soft about Jimin was his dumb ass eye smile and small fingers.

Everything else and Jimin was nasty: competitive as hell, strict on formalities…

Jimin touched him then, interrupting the list Jungkook had been making in his head, and leaned his head onto the younger’s shoulder.

And suddenly, due to the innocent contact, Jungkook’s mind went on a sudden tangent opposite to his earlier thoughts.

…and works harder than anyone he’s ever known, looks after his team members with grace and affection, loves with all his heart -

Jungkook groaned, startling Jimin. But Jungkook shook his head dismissively and laughed at himself and the situation. He cupped his palm upon Jimin’s head and ushered him to return on his shoulder. The other complied wordlessly and the warmth continued to translate through his body, in his veins, and down to his nerves.

He couldn’t kid himself. Jimin was far from being anything near ‘nasty,’ as he was just the epitome of perfection. His damn flaws were perfectly imperfect too.

He glared below at Jimin’s petite looking head with so much disdain, and hoped the other would feel just how distraught and incredibly blessed his mere existent put him through. It was a constant battle of contrast with Jimin and Jungkook had frequent mental breakdowns because of it.

Because he didn’t know why it was like that.

He didn’t know what Jimin was doing to him.

Or why he felt the way he did.

It was frustrating and exhausting and so incredibly mind crushing.

But he willingly put himself through it. Because if he had to choose between mentally breaking down each time Jimin clung to him or breaking down forcing himself away, he realized just now, that in the end, he’d much rather be shattered within Jimin’s embrace.

Chapter Text

If Jungkook from the past saw what Jungkook had been doing in bed, he was sure the younger would have dropped himself from BigHit immediately. Because never in his life could he have imagined himself laying in bed at ass o'clock in the early morning to stare intently at his phone displaying a picture of Jimin for several long minutes.

Really, he had intended his actions to be justified for research purposes, but for the first couple minutes, Jungkook was blatantly admiring how good Jimin looked.

Jimin exuded such prominent stage presence; he was born to be a performer and Jungkook admired him greatly for it. Jimin danced with such grace and fluidity, his voice was standard for lullabies, and Jungkook couldn't find a single thing about him that anyone could hate him for.

Sure if they hated cute and adorable, then it would make sense. But they would also have to hate fierce and sexy, because that's what Jimin was as well.

Jungkook gulped nervously and looked around the darkness within his room as if to check to see if anyone had heard his embarrassing thoughts. It was silly considering that Jungkook had now shared a room with no one.

He was beyond stressed. Stressed to a degree he wouldn't question it even if he got up in a few hours and found hair falling from his head. He was an adult now. Just several months shy from being twenty one and he still couldn't get his damn feelings in line.

He stared at Jimin's picture, scrolling through the many shots he took of him in his gallery and noticed that the hyung took about more than half of his phone memory. It was a true testament to just how much time he spent with Jimin. And judging by the copious amount of grinning and laughing videos of the other, it proved just how much the two enjoyed each other's company.

Even so, Jungkook still refused to believe he could see Jimin as anything more than his cherished hyung, his Busan best friend, and his closest bro. Because he couldn't. He couldn't fathom the thought of potentially liking Jimin as anything more than that, despite the many indications that proved otherwise. He just couldn't entertain the thought; and when he did... he couldn't linger on it for too long without feeling ashamed.

There was nothing wrong with boys liking boys. He had to keep telling himself that; he held true to that belief with pride. He just never expected himself to be like that. But really, how can anyone expect to like anyone? And gender, no one could really control preference.

So he stared at his pictures of his hyung for an ungodly long time hoping some sort of revelation would bestow itself upon him.

Yes, Jungkook admitted he was smitten with Jimin's appearance. But it wasn't like he hadn't seen beauty at all. Everyone in Bangtan was beautiful; the entire idol community was sprinkled with pretty people left and right. Hell, Jin and Taehyung were one of the two physically appealing men he'd ever seen -they were crafted so carefully, but neither of those two could have Jungkook keeling over for their attention like he had with Jimin.

"What is it?" he grumbled as he traced his index finder against his screen, circling his finger around Jimin's mochi cheeks.

"What are you doing to me, hyung?"

And he wasn't mad at the idea of possibly liking his hyung, he was just confused and frustrated.

Maybe distance would help; he just needed to be sure. Were his feelings genuine? Or had he come so accustomed to Jimin's presence so much it had made Jungkook reliant on his warmth?

"Distance..." It didn't feel right when he associated that word with Jimin.

He'd experience firsthand how it felt when Jimin first pulled away from him in the early years of their debut. And Jungkook felt like utter shit.

He remembered how confused he was. He was also so close to Jimin off camera, but when the cameras started rolling and Jimin was near, his mind sometimes completely shut off and his reflexes were the only thing prompting him to move and act. And it had definitely created a strain between the two. One day Jimin and him were eating out together, and then the next the other barely held eye contact with him, barely spoke to him, barely wanted to stay in the same room with him. For the longest time Jungkook moped around trying to figure out what he had done to hurt him so bad. He had a guess, but Jimin had always told him that it wasn't because of him.

That didn't ease him though, he always felt so lost. The comfort Jimin provided was something he needed, and Jungkook soon realized after being deprived of it.

And it took awhile for him to get closer to Jimin again. Because during that time the older had spent less time with him and a substantially longer time with Taehyung. Both him and Taehyung had always been inseparable in a way. They were always the closest, being the same year and all, but during that time especially, Taehyung wouldn't leave Jimin's side at all -much like how Jungkook was to Jimin now.

His mind went on a tangent at the brief realization of it. He frowned at the though that maybe Jimin been experiencing something back then too? Did he have similar hardships before?

Something dark washed over Jungkook when he thought of his hyung, his small, sweet hyung harboring such struggles. He felt like crying imagining the pain he could've been feeling, the pain of everything else he knew he felt and still probably felt.

Distance was not an option.

Three days. He needed three days at most to get a grip on his feelings. Three days to understand himself. He needed to do it for himself and for Jimin. He needed to be honest. And he was never one to lie to his hyung. Sure he'd say a few white lies like, 'he was tired,' when he wasn't, 'he wasn't hungry', when he was, but he never truly outright lied to Jimin.

Never to Jimin.

Three days.

"Wait for me, hyung." He frowned a little deeper when he scrolled a picture of the two of them, cheeks pressed up against each other, smiles so radiant. "Please."

And day one had been difficult.

After many months of literally only being separated from each other because of work, the two were stuck to each other like glue. Instead of asking the other if they wanted to hang out, they only asked each other what they were going to do, as if whatever it was they wanted to do already entailed the other's presence. So when Jimin asked him what they were going to do after rehearsal today, Jungkook struggled to tell Jimin that he wanted some time alone.

The way Jimin's face fell physically tore Jungkook apart. He might as well have taken a jab to his face, it would have hurt less.

"Is something wrong, Jungkookie?"

Oh how he loved when Jimin called him that. He stopped himself from melting to his feet and gulped, fighting to keep his expression stoic.

"Did I do something?" His voice was barely a whisper and Jungkook had to strain to hear him.

Jungkook quickly shook his head and offered a small smile, hoping it would assure Jimin. However, the other continued to look at him worriedly.

"Of course not. I'm just... trying to wrap my mind around some things, hyung."

"Do you need help?"

"Uhnopethanksthough," Jungkook mumbled recklessly. He reached behind his neck to rub against his skin, it did not relax him as much as he hoped it would.

Jimin faltered even more before pouting a small, "...oh okay."

Hurt. All Jungkook could feel was hurt.

His nerves flared beneath his skin when his mind screamed to reach out and pull Jimin into his arms. And he did. His hands shook, but they slid between Jimin's arm and around his waist, dragging the smaller man in with no hesitance. It felt right; the familiar heat of Jimin, the curve of his body flush against his chest, and the way his head rested perfectly below his chin.

"Kook?"

"I just need to clear my head, hyung. But I kind of need to do it myself."

He felt Jimin nod his head below him.

"Hey, hey, are you sulking?"

"No!" Jungkook was entertained to hear the literal pout in his voice. He cooed at the older man and rubbed his cheek against Jimin's soft hair.

"Jimin, baby, I'm not going to leave you or anything. We're in the same band," Jungkook laughed.

Jimin pinched the back of Jungkook's skin and the younger nearly flung Jimin out of his arm from the pain; luckily for Jimin, he had an iron grip on Jungkook, so the other was only able to detach himself for a second before being pulled back in.

"I'm not a baby!"

It was a good thing Jimin had been snuggled into his chest because Jungkook wouldn't be able to handle him baring witness to his delighted and content grin. "What did I tell you, hyung. You're my baby."

This time was no accident, but the combustion was equally as detrimental to Jungkook's composure. Heat engulfed Jungkook's cheeks, and he was sure he was as red as a tomato. He felt Jimin's arms drop to his side, but he couldn't dare let go; he couldn't let the other see how ashamed he turned.

"Kook? Hey... um... okay," Jimin once again circled his arms around Jungkook's waist, but they felt languid and noodle like. "I guess we're still hugging then," he joked, a giggle slipping past his thick lips.

"Yeah, I uh- umm, cool," Jungkook stuttered. "I like hugs." He bit his lips and shut his eyes. Don't be weird. "You have the best hugs. Small and soft." Good job.

Jungkook rolled his eyes as he contemplated his next actions. He shrugged internally, he'd already made a fool of himself already. To reinforce his earlier statement, Jungkook bent his knees and secured his hold on Jimin before lifting him up onto his shoulders, ignoring Jimin's surprised squeal and protest.

"Jungkook!"

He felt completely embarrassed, but Jungkook was happy. "Let's bring you to practice, baby."

"So like... did Jungkook just carry you here?"

Jimin was on the couch, arms crossed, eyes in slits glaring at the maknae as he joked around with Hoseok and Jin. He had no idea what was going on in their maknae's head -spouting nonsense like he needed time to think, looking so serious, worrying Jimin, and then treating him as a child right after. The nonsense of the entire exchange baffled Jimin.

What did he need to think about? Why did he need his space? Why couldn't he ask Jimin for help?

"He treats me, his hyung, like a baby," Jimin seethed, but there was no real anger in his voice.

Tae rolled his eyes and rested his head on Jimin's shoulder. "I mean... when you're all grumpy like that -"

"Finish that sentence and I'll revoke your soulmate card."

"I'm just saying," Tae snorted.

"It looked like something was bothering him, but he wouldn't talk to me about it." But as Jimin watched how Jungkook laughed at something Hoseok said, he was doubting whether or not something actually was bothering him. That or he was great at hiding it. But Jungkook was never great at hiding anything, which got Jimin even more curious.

"Same goes for you," Tae whispered, but it was loud enough for Jimin to catch.

He replaced his attention from Jungkook onto the man currently leaned up against him. "Tae?"

"Jimin, you're my best friend and I know when something's up. I'm not trying to push you into telling me, but can you be honest with me? Is there something bothering you?"

Jimin sighed and shoved Tae off of him. Taehyung was just about ready to retaliate, feeling hurt at the rejection, but was appeased when he found out Jimin only pushed him away to cuddle into his arms. He chuckled at his clinginess, and rolled his eyes at the way Jimin even wondered why Jungkook was treating him like a baby when he acted like one sometimes.

"Is it obvious?"

Tae scoffed. "Minnie, you didn't actually hide it last time; you just slept it off."

Another sigh breached through Jimin's mouth. Taehyung took a peek at Jungkook and frowned. "Is it Jungkook?"

Jimin stilled at the mention of his name. In response, he turned to look at Jungkook whom already had his eyes on them, and was confused to see uneasiness pool in the younger's gaze. Jimin smiled slightly, and even if it took awhile, Jungkook returned the gesture albeit sadly.

Before Jimin could question it, he turned away and continued playing around. All traces of disturbance wiped clean from his expression. What was that?

He needed to talk to someone that wasn't Jungkook to talk about him. If he needed to be honest, Jimin was relieved to have Tae be the one he'd be honest to. He couldn't hide a lot from him to begin with, aside from Haewoon, Tae practically knew everything. He hadn't even mentioned his struggles with Jungkook, but leave it to Tae to Sherlock Holmes his way toward Jimin's major inner struggles.

"He's part of it."

"Want to talk about it?"

"Maybe not now," Jimin resigned. "But soon?"

Maybe it was good that he and Jungkook took a break from each other for now; Jimin needed the time to think for himself as well.

"Promise?"

"Promise." Jimin nudged his head to the side, directed at the practice floor. "Let's go practice?"

Tae whined under him and thrashes his legs immaturely. "I don't wanna!" he complained, which made Jimin boast in laughter.

"And I'm the baby?"

"Oh shut it! You're still the smallest."

"I will hit you." Jimin flipped himself over so now that he was glaring straight at Taehyung. His glare intensified when he noticed the smugness Tae was purposely portraying as he lifted his chin to look down at him.

"With what? Your tiny ass hands?"

Jimin didn't hold back then, flying his fist straight into his shoulder. "You're so annoying!" he chuckled and pushed himself off Tae.

"But you still love me."

"Unfortunately," Jimin drawled, rolling his eyes.

Taehyung made an effort to side eye Jungkook inconspicuously and was intrigued to see that Jungkook's earlier attention was brought back and his infamous tongue and cheek poke visible. He had his suspicions earlier on when it came to Jungkook, but he needed to confirm them. Because whereas he knew Jimin was gay, he had no idea about Jungkook.

"Say you love me back, Min." Tae tested.

"You don't deserve it."

"Come on, please."

Jimin cracked his neck to calm himself, but went along with Tae's child like behavior. If only to get him to shut up. "Love you too, brat." He sounded cold, but his smile meant otherwise.

Tae caught the way Jungkook rolled his eyes and walked away from the scene.

"Hmmm, looks like it ain't one sided."

Jimin turned to him. "What was that?"

Taehyung only smiled and shook his head. "Nothing." Looks like Jimin isn't the only person I'll be talking to.

But for now, Jimin was his main priority. So right after practice, he yanked Jimin away from the others, but not before announcing they were gonna get dinner together and that they'd be back at the dorms in a couple of hours. He spared Jungkook a look, oblivious to the way the younger watched them leave with an apprehensive look.

They didn't go far. Just a chicken shop real close in the neighborhood.

Being as they were famous, the owners moved them to a special room and blocked their room with a divider.

"Thank you," Jimin and Taehyung bowed toward the ahjumma, who simply wave their appreciations away with a kind smile.

As they waited for their food, Taehyung made himself comfy and leaned against the chair to stare at Jimin. He wave his hand in the air impatiently when Jimin had done nothing but drink water. "So...?"

Jimin frowned and threw his hands into his face to groan out his frustrations. Taehyung watched patiently as Jimin peeled his fingers away from his face and took a deep breath. They locked eyes for only a moment before Jimin completely exploded in hushed volume.

"I don't know what's going on Tae! I think I've had a crush on that dumb kid since forever -you've seen the way I've acted before, all pathetic and desperate. I realized that too and kind of forced myself to drift away because I'm not supposed to, you know? I mean back then I couldn't accept that I was, you know -" he blurted with wide eyes, nodding his head to affirm who he was, Taehyung just nodded his head sadly in return. "Yeah. So upon that and liking someone in our band no less? You could imagine the trauma in my mind. The blame, the constant anger and fear."

"And then even when I've finally accepted that's who I am, how could I accept who I liked. I can't like him Tae! I tried -I tried so hard to push him away. And it was fine up until a point and I realized I just can't. I can't stop it. I can't force myself to stop it. And then that asshole has to go and be even closer to me than we ever were and it's not like I can tell him to stop because I like it. I like being with..."

Jimin paused for a few seconds. He hung his head low, looking at his hands upon his thigh as he played with the fringe of his shirt. Tae was near tears hearing the tremble in Jimin's voice, to feel and see how much his best friend hurt. Tae gulped down a sob.

"...him," Jimin continued, his voice cracking only slightly.

"But I can't. It can't be that way. It's only going to hurt me. Hurt him. Hurt us -Bangtan. And I'm constantly living in so much fear blaming myself for something that hasn't happened, but might possibly happen. I'm afraid our falling out would be my fault... I can't... Tae, I can't-"

 Taehyung launched himself from his seat to circle around Jimin, cradling his shoulder before the other completely broke down.

"Jimin breathe!" he pleaded. "There you go, in, out, in, out."

Jimin felt so silly, but complied with Tae's directions as if he had been a yoga instructor, following his pace and calming himself.

"I'm so sorry, Minnie. I can't believe you were holding all of this in by yourself." Taehyung reached for the cup of water and perched it against Jimin's lips. Jimin cracked a smile, but tilted his head back to drink the water down. 

"What is this?" Jimin laughed when he took the cup away from Tae's hand to put it back on the table.

Tae wanted to smile, but he couldn't. His heart felt heavy and his muscles ached to encompass Jimin completely in his embrace and to shelter him from the cruel, cruel world.

"Minnie," he croaked out. Taehyung was struggling to keep his composure, but he'd always been sensitive and way too empathetic, so he couldn't keep the couple of tears from falling from his face.

Jimin was now cupping his face, small hands upon his cheeks, and even smaller fingers swiped away his tears.

"My baby." Jimin made a face and Tae slapped his hands away laughing, but still feeling immense strain in his heart. He looked at Jimin, noticed he was stressed as fuck, but not nearly broken like he sounded.

It was one of the things Taehyung had greatly admired Jimin for. His strength and endurance. He was everyone's emotional pillar; so when he crumbled, everyone fell apart around him. Taehyung worked hard to be his foundation, but he could be so weak with emotions.

"Jimin... how can I help you?"

Jimin simply shrugged his shoulders. His eyes were sad when he looked at Tae. "Nothing, really. No matter what I'm still going to like our little Kook. Just have someone listening to me, though, really helps."

Taehyung slapped his hands together and gave a firm nod. "Alright," he announced rather loudly, Jimin flinched at the boom of his vibrato. "Then I'll listen to every vent, every rant, every struggle -everything." Taehyung glowered at him and pointed a strict finger toward Jimin -the other just blinking blankly back. "I mean it Jimin, every damn thing. If me listening to you helps, THEN I'M LISTENING DAMN IT!"

"Okay, okay," Jimin laughed and rose slightly to slap Tae's arm aggressively. "Now shut the fuck up! There's people eating in peace!"

Jimin was truly blessed to have Taehyung, his super annoying soulmate. Guilt ate at him when he thought of the things he hid from him. There wasn't anything wrong with relying on people and hearing his hardships, because he expected no less from him to do the same. He trusted Taehyung, with everything.

"There is one more thing..." Jimin whispered. Taehyung tilted his head sideways and waited.

But before Jimin could say any more, the ahjumma returned with plates of their steaming hot chicken and tteokbokki.

"Eat up, darlings!" she greeted joyfully. She supplied them with even more food than what they ordered -many sides and cups of rice and even ramen. The smell was intoxicating and Jimin and Taehyung forgot about their earlier discussion, stomach rumbling from the anticipation.

They were halfway into the pile of chicken when Taehyung pulled himself away. "What else, Jimin?"

Jimin stared at him all the while trying to stuff rice into his mouth. "Hmm?"

"You said there was one more thing?"

Ah. Jimin shook his head. The last thing he wanted to do was spoil his appetite talking about Haewoon.

"I'll talk about that half some other day. Let's just eat!"

Taehyung didn't complain and scarfed his way through the hot rice cakes.

So it was Jungkook's idea to stay away from Jimin. It was his idea to spend some time apart so that he could think about himself and his feelings. Yet all he could think about as he sat in his studio room was what Taehyung and Jimin could possibly be talking about without him? Taehyung hadn't even asked any of the other hyungs and himself if they wanted to join them for dinner. He'd just up and swooped Jimin away without a second glance.

And though he knew deep down it wasn't something to worry about, Jungkook couldn't help but feel intense anxiety over it. And it was itching at his core, because how dare he? There really wasn't any cohesive explanation except that Jungkook was jealous when he knew he shouldn't be. He didn't have a right to be. 

Jungkook was jealous of Taehyung because even if he knew he made Jimin happy, he knew Tae would always have the upperhand in that department. They were soulmates. Jungkook and Jimin were only extremely close by Haewoon's extension. And that sickened him.

Because if it hadn't been for Jungkook witnessing what he had many months ago, there was no guarantee him and Jimin would be like they were today. But Jimin and Taehyung, they've always been like that.

And that bond, that special bond that they shared, Jungkook wanted that too.

Maybe even more?

More? Jungkook stiffened at the thought of it. Dread filled his mind and confusion choked his throat.

What exactly did he want from Jimin?

Jungkook curled himself into the bed, finding solace in the quiet of his room and the softness in his sheets. He really should be focusing on himself, but he couldn't think about anyone else except Jimin. Jimin. Jimin.

Jimin and his calming presence. It seemed without him Jungkook was a mess, shaking with paranoia and anxiety. Jimin made him feel safe and protected, relaxed and collected.

Did Jimin need him, or had it always been the other way around?

Jungkook wasn't sure anymore, but this is what he needed to find out, right?

So he spent the early evening thinking about it patiently and logically.

Did Jimin make him happy? Yes.

Does Jungkook want him happy? Yes.

Does Jungkook want to be the reason for his happiness? Uh. Duh.

Was Jimin special? Of course.

More special than the rest? ...yes...

Why?

That's where he was stuck. The question that led to multiple unsaid answers, that led to possibilities he wasn't quite ready to confront.

Why?

Because Jimin was his hyung. Because Jimin was from Busan just like him. Because Jimin reminded him of his hyung back home. Because Jimin treated him well. Because Jimin cared for him. Because he was kind to him, patient with him, and understood him the most. Because Jimin took his anxiety and turned it into confidence. Because he continued to cheer him on through his insecurities and struggles. Because he was so easy to talk to, to relate to, to be with, to smile with, to laugh with, to share stupid ass jokes with, to fight with... and make up with.

There were endless reasons. And majority of them could be attached to his other hyungs.

Except for one reason.

Jungkook felt the happiest with Jimin by his side.

And the why for that had an infinite amount of reasons as well.

Jungkook sighed. It was going to be a long night after all.

The second day was also shit. But this time Jungkook didn't bother to wait for Jimin to see if he was okay or where he was going. He didn't want to see the upset in his eyes, so he worked hard to avoid it, to avoid him even if he hated it. Once practice was over, he had immediately left the room with Yoongi, missing the way Jimin trailed his eyes off with worry.

Taehyung took Jimin by the shoulder and led him in the opposite direction, ready to erase his mind off from worry.

"Hey Kook, is something up with you and Jimin?"

Jungkook turned to Yoongi, feigning aloofness, but Yoongi was always the more perceptive so he knew his facade was especially noticeable. "Nothings wrong," he whispered honestly.

Because there really wasn't anything wrong with them. There was just something wrong with him.

"You two went from being inseparable to barely going near each other. Anyone can tell that's somethings wrong, and it needs to be fixed. So you either fix it or we're intervening. Which is it?"

Jungkook understood where he was coming from, only because they were a team, but it still grated on his nerves. "I just want time, hyung." His tone was a little too cold. Jungkook blinked several times and quickly apologized after, but Yoongi simply waved it over, dismissing the frustration.

"I'm confused."

He sounded so tired when he heard his own voice. But that's what having only two hours of sleep due to staying up having a crisis over a single man, and then going hard six hours into draining physical exercises and practices did to a man.

"You can talk to me, you know."

He could, Jungkook mused. It would help having someone's input other than his chaotic mind. But talking to any of his hyungs about his feelings for his their fellow band mate sent Jungkook's nerves into mayhem.

"Or anyone," Yoongi continued. And somehow the idea of anyone else hearing of Jungkook's struggles felt infinitely times worse.

"I know, I know," Jungkook sighed. "But I kind of think I need to think about it a little for myself first."

Yoongi watched Jungkook sympathetically; he always held a soft spot for Jungkook, being he was the youngest, but he also held an even softer spot for Jimin because he knew of the other's emotional baggage. He hated to see them both going through something, and feeling so utterly helpless about it. So although Yoongi wanted nothing more than to clench Jungkook's shirt by the chest and threaten that he tell his problems so he could go ahead and mend it for them, he refrained and allowed the youngsters to figure it out themselves. Because they were still young. And they still needed to learn.

"Don't forget, Kook, you come to me when you feel ready, got it? And if it gets too painfully hard, you're gonna fill me in whether you like it or not."

It was a command. Jungkook only nodded.

"Good."

And when he was confined in his room once again, Jungkook was in his sheets thinking of only one person in particular, headphones in his ear. Lie on repeat. He wondered where he was. If he was back in the dorms or if he was still in the practice room with Tae. He wished he wasn't working himself too hard. He debated going over to check up on him, but decided against it.

Just one more day. One more day and he hoped he could face Jimin a little more honestly.

Jimin had been in the studio room for quite some time since Taehyung left him alone half an hour ago. He laid sprawled on the ground, thoughts in disarray as the image of Jungkook's troubled face flickered in his mind like flashcards. He so badly wanted to comfort him; it was in his blood and nature to make sure people were feeling their best, especially Jungkook. So it physically took a toll on Jimin seeing him anything but happy.

"Ah what am I gonna do with you, Kookie?"

"Jungkook again?"

Jimin startled at the familiar voice. He scrambled to a sitting position and turned back to see non other than Haewoon, crouched down to level his eyes with Jimin. There was a darkness to Haewoon's expression that chilled Jimin's bones.

Haewoon looked pale, lips dry and peeked, and his eyes were dark with anguish.

"Why do you always talk about him?" he hissed. Before Jimin had time to move away, Haewoon had already sprung his arm forward, grabbing a full amount of Jimin's forearm with a tight grip and yanking him forward into his chest. "Why can't you ever just think about me?!"

Anger started to rise and Jimin's temper exceeded his patience. With his free hand, Jimin roughly pushed Haewoon by the shoulder, but to his surprise the older had snatched it with his other hand and Jimin was suddenly pinned to the ground, wrists trapped above his head and bounded by Haewoon. Jimin's heart started to quicken, his beat literally jack-hammering under his flesh, but he tried to remain calm. He sent daggers below, wishing his irritation and rage would be enough to convince Haewoon he was doing something he'd regret.

"Get the fuck off me, Haewoon!"

Unfortunately, Haewoon was already too far gone. It was sick. Haewoon only smirked at Jimin in response, as if his aggressive talk had no effect on him.

Haewoon's eyes softened, but Jimin felt no sympathy. He'd cross a line, obliterated it, in fact. "Why don't you love me, Jimin? I love you so much..."

"Okay. I get it," Jimin nearly growled and attempted wedge his legs below his hips in hopes to knee where he was most sensitive. But just like earlier, Haewoon had been steps ahead of Jimin as he pinned himself down on Jimin's waist, allowing no room for a healthy ball kicking. "You can love me, but you can't touch me! You can't -"

"I can!" Haewoon screamed at him then, shutting Jimin up in cold fear. Jimin had never been yelled like that before, and when Haewoon locked eyes with him, Jimin couldn't hold the disturbed gasp that blew from his lips. Haewoon looked feral, as if he was an animal in heat and all he could think about was Jimin. To have Jimin be his, with or without his consent.

The fear began filtering throughout his body, but Jimin couldn't reign it down. Instead he screamed for Haewoon to stop when the older man nudged himself between his neck, leaving open mouthed kisses and unwanted dark hickies across his neck and slightly exposed collar bone.

"So pretty," Haewoon whined, licking a stripe from the end of Jimin's neck up until the lobe of Jimin's ear where he quietly nibbled before resting his entire mouth on it. "So pretty for me," he continued to praise as he leaned in Jimin's near. He shuddered at the wetness, but he couldn't get far as Haewoon chased after him stubbornly.

"The things I'd do to you," Haewoon wheezed before slowly releasing his hold on his wrist with one hand, while the other hand was already in position for the switch. His fingers felt like acid on Jimin's skin, but he was relatively okay... Jimin convinced himself it couldn't get worse, he'll get out somehow...

Until.,,

"My baby..."

"No! Fuck no! Get the fuck off! Now!" Jimin was thrashing now, but somehow his voice was getting weaker, like there had been an entire block stuck in his throat. He strained to get a single scream out, but all there was was breathless croaks. Jimin needed to scream, he needed to cry for help. But he was silenced. All he could think about was having Jungkook save him again. To step through that door and yank Haewoon off of him.

Jungkook! Jungkook! Jungkook!

Tears began to well in his eyes when he finally felt pressure on his cock. Not from Haewoon's legs upon him, but his nasty, dirty, intrusive hand. He cupped around the fabric of his jeans, applying enough pressure to stir the blood below him. And Jimin was getting hard... he was getting hard. He was disgusted with himself, and with Haewoon. He shimmied away from his touch, but Haewoon squeezed his thighs over him, immobilizing Jimin completely.

Jimin struggle to thrash against him to no avail. Panic and fear, anguish and pain clouded over Jimin, and then he was suddenly immobile, darkness had completely taken over his body and he was paralyzed. Unable to move, unable to call for help.

The feeling of helplessness nearly made Jimin passed out, but he fought to stay awake, despite his growing panic.

He tried desperately to whimper out, but no sound came from Jimin's lips. He watched as Haewoon's tongue licked the bottom of his lip in anticipation, but when he spoke, no doubt saying some explicit things, Jimin couldn't hear him.

Instead he could just feel. The disgusting touch of his hand on him. The invasive weight stationed on his hip. The harsh grip around his wrists.

Please! Jungkook! Help me!

Jimin woke up drenched in his own sweat, cheeks moist from the tears that fell, and his breathing near hyperventilation. He got up hastily, looking around the empty practice room, but found himself to be alone. In need of confirming what had just occurred was just a nightmare, Jimin jogged toward the mirrors, checking his neck and collar bone for any marks -there was none.

But Jimin was still shaking and his limbs were still heavy and his voice was still gone.

Fresh tears started to spill and Jimin fell to the ground, crying alone in the dark, scared out of his mind.

It felt so real and he felt so dirty.

He pulled his phone out of his pocket and scrolled down to Jungkook's contact, his thumb hovered over the call button, but he hesitated. He remembered; Jungkook was going through his own troubles. Jimin was tired of piling his hardships to his maknae even if he promised to let him in. Tae was not an option either, because he hadn't even talked to him about Haewoon yet, and he didn't want to start that conversation with his nightmare.

His anguish only existed through the dead silence. Weak and exhausted. Jimin laid back into the corner of the dance room, breathing broken and chopped, and tears spilling from his eyes in a constant flow. After much thought, Jimin dropped his phone onto the ground and cried for the remaining hours of the night.  

Alone.

Chapter Text

Though it was a rest day for Bangtan, Hoseok continued to go to the practice studio to get his daily dose of dancing. So he often woke up early in the morning to leave the dorm and spend a couple of hours working on new and current choreography before heading back in time to catch breakfast with the others.

It was relatively routine: get up, wash face and brush teeth, bring a duffle bag with extra clothes, a towel and a bottle of water and head down over. He had moves he wanted to perfect in his mind, and his body was ready to execute. But as soon as he turned the knob to the room and saw Jimin curled at the corner of the room, Hoseok wasn’t mentally prepared to take in the visual.

His hands started to shake and his thoughts thundered as it conjured up the worst possible scenario as to why Jimin was left alone throughout the night.

Hoseok sprinted over to him, dropping all of his belongings and slid his knees down to Jimin’s side.

“Jiminie? Jimin! Are you okay? Hey, hey please wake up! What’s going on? What’s wrong?”

Hoseok was frantic as he struggled to be gentle or rough while waking Jimin up, but the moment he placed a hand over Jimin’s shoulder, Jimin’s eyes shot open and he roughly pushed Hoseok away.

“Get the fuck off me!” he screamed, which startled and scared Hoseok altogether.

Hoseok retrieved his hands back, but left it open as if he were being told so by the cops. Worry consumed Hoseok as he took in Jimin’s shivering form, eyes burning in absolute fear and rage. He’d never seen Jimin like that at all -so vulnerable and afraid. But even if he had no idea how to face Jimin, everything in his body was telling him to calm the other down and as quickly as possible.

“It’s me,” Hoseok whispered gently. “Jiminie, it’s me… Hoseokie hyung.”

It was just a second; Hoseok saw the immediate switch of Jimin’s emotions. The fear replaced with sorrow and shame. His heart clenched at the sight and he instantly had Jimin lifted from the ground and into his arms as he consoled the quiet boy. Jimin wasn’t crying, but Hoseok could feel that he was in his heart, screaming for help and comfort.

“Everything’s okay, Jiminie. I’m here; I’m here,” he repeated, all the while rubbing his back.

“I’m sorry, hyung. I didn’t mean-”

“I know,” he cut him off immediately. “I know. Just calm down for me, okay?”

His voice was so hoarse, Hoseok assumed it was due to him sobbing all night. His eyes were puffy and rimmed red, his body cold and stiff. Hoseok held him a little tighter, terrified that the boy in his arms would drift to a place he couldn’t get to.

And then suddenly his sadness was overcome with anguish and confusion. Who in the hell would hurt Jimin to this point?

He clenched his fists so hard his knuckles bloomed white. He was going to find out; the perpetrator be damned.

But for now, what Jimin needed wasn’t his interrogation, but his warmth. So he remained quiet, comforted him with sweet words and affectionate hands. They stayed there in each other's arms until Jimin fell back asleep, his breathing evened out under the care of Hoseok.

When Hoseok was sure Jimin was fast asleep, he quickly pulled out his phone to call for help.

“Namjoon, head to the studio right now... Jimin needs our help.”

When Jungkook woke up, the house was quiet, almost too quiet... it was eerie.

There was no Jin whipping up breakfast in the kitchen, no morning arguments between Tae and Jimin, no Namjoon in his studio and no Hoseok scrolling through his phone in the living room couch. He assumed Yoongi was still asleep, so he skipped past his room and down the hallway, but was met with complete emptiness.

Where was everyone?

It was their rest day, so Jungkook assumed everyone else already had plans. Even Jimin. All except him.

He dragged his body to the kitchen and made himself cereal. It was almost maddening how silent the house was without his hyungs. The crunch of his cereal as he chewed being the only noise he could hear.

He pulled out his phone to help pass the time, but after a few moments of scrolling, boredom hit him. His fingers itched to call Jimin and see what the other had been up to so early in the morning, but once again stopped himself, his hand fisted above the screen.

It was ironic. He asked for the space, but he was craving for attention.

The clock hit eight in the morning and after half an hour of waiting and no life yet to stir, Jungkook decided to hit the gym.

Upon getting the call from Hoseok, Namjoon rushed out his room urgently and called for his manager to drive him to the studio. Namjoon struggled to stay still in the car. Thoughts of Jimin shuffled in his mind and an intense feeling of dread for what awaited for him gnawed at his composure. He had to assure his manager multiple times that everything was fine, even when he had no idea if it really was.

When Namjoon finally pushed through the practice door, his heart sank at Jimin's pale and tortured face. Hoseok had him on his lap, stroking his back in calming circles while the other slept.

The two friends locked eyes with one another before looking back at the weak, sleeping man.

"What happened?"

"I don't know, Namjoon. He slept here and he was alone the entire night. When he woke up he screamed at me and -and you should've seen his face. His body was trembling so bad from fear and anger and I don't know. Something happened. Namjoon, something happened to our Jiminie."

Namjoon found it difficult to not falter in his emotions. He was the leader; he was supposed to make sure his members were well taken care of, so it was disheartening to see that Jimin was surely not in the best state.

"Help him up, Hobi? Let's get him back home."

Namjoon had Jimin on his back when everyone excluding Jungkook lingered in the living room. Jin had just returned from grocery shopping, and Yoongi and Tae had came back from their morning walk. Everything would've been normal, if not for the ashen look on Namjoon and Hoseok's faces.

"What's up?" Yoongi questioned. He observed Jimin's sleeping form upong Namjoon's back worriedly. Tae was already pacing toward them. "Why are you carrying Jimin?"

"Where did you come from?" Tae added on.

"And why do you look that?" Jin peered through the kitchen.

The silence and tension thickened the air around the boys. Hoseok turned to Namjoon and nodded his head toward his bedroom. "Can you lay Jimin on his bed? Tae and I will look after him for now."

Namjoon simply nodded and headed over to the room, ignoring the questions of the others, and prioritizing Jimin's comfort foremost.

Jimin felt like he had the worst hangover to date, yet he knew he hadn’t drunk a thing last night. He winced as he cracked an eye open all the while wondering why there had been so much pressure all around him. He stiffened slightly when he noticed he was being embraced, but quickly relaxed after realizing the familiar warmth of Hoseok’s face in front of him, and he’d assumed Taehyung was behind him.

“Yah,” he groaned and attempted to wiggle out of their hold. “You’re suffocating me.” It came out a whine, but Jimin didn’t want it any other way.

The two stirred awake, and in a flash they were upright and towered over Jimin worriedly.

Taehyung looked like he’d been crying and Hoseok looked as if he’d seen a ghost. Jimin frowned at the sight above him and felt guilty because he knew he wouldn’t be able to conjure up a reasonable excuse as to why he reacted that way toward Hobi earlier.

“Jiminie,” Hoseok whispered and reached out to push back the hair matted to Jimin’s forehead. “How are you feeling?”

“Better?”

Taehyung slapped his shoulder in irritation. “Better?” he seethed. “You had better tell me what the hell is going on Jimin! Why did Hobi hyung find you like that? Why were you at the practice room all night? Why didn’t I notice sooner? This is my fault for leaving you there, so help me make it better-”

Jimin reached out to Taehyung and pulled him in for a hug. Something twisted in Jimin’s gut at Taehyung’s redirection of blame, because it was no one’s fault. Not even Haewoon. It was a nightmare and Jimin had to deal with it. He would deal with it.

“Calm down, Taehyungie. I’m fine, it was just a nightmare.”

Hoseok shook his head next to him, a frown planted firmly upon his structure face. “It’s not just a nightmare Jimin-ah… I’ve seen your sleeping patterns, your habits -I know you. This isn’t just a nightmare.”

“But it was,” he argued back. He didn’t want to face either of them, because one look at their concerned faces would surely push Jimin to his breaking point. And although he was always there to comfort others when they were distressed, Jimin never liked being on the other side of that as he hated feeling like a burden. Even if he knew that the others would never see him as one.

“Okay, fine,” Hoseok grumbled. “If it was just a nightmare, what was it about?”

Jimin tightened his hold on Taehyung. Tae felt the uncertainty radiating through Jimin's embrace and he knew the other was contemplating between playing off his nightmare as something less than it really was. Tae didn't appreciate Jimin's hesitance on relying on them so he pushed him away at arms length so that he could hold his eyes in his. He won't let Jimin hide away from them, not anymore -not when he already got a glimpse of the hardships he went through throughout the years.

Jimin understood. For so long he assumed he'd be able to hide it from them. He thought everything would blow over, but it didn't; it wouldn't so long as he acted as if he couldn't depend on the people whom cared for him most. He could depend on them.

His eyes drifted from Tae's to Hoseok's.

He was so afraid, even if he needn't be. Their entire band was built on trust and loving themselves, but every time he kept himself hidden, proved Jimin to be a hypocrite. He didn't want to be anymore. So he had to confess. Before he could talk about Haewoon, he needed to be open with himself first.

"Hyung..."

Jimin hadn't even started but he could feel himself start to hyperventilate at what was to come. Negativity fanned the flames of insecurity in his mind and Jimin struggled to get another anything out, the words lodged in his throat. Why was he finding it so hard to just be honest? He told Tae and everything turned out okay, so why did telling Hoseok terrify him greatly?

"It's alright Jimin-ah," Tae assured in front of him. "You have nothing to worry about."

Tae pressed lightly on his hand, tightening his grip around Jimin's smaller fingers. Jimin lifted his gaze to him once more, feeling immense gratification for Taehyung's unconditional support and fed off his encouragement.

"Hyung... umm I'm gay?" Jimin shook his head and clicked his tongue. "No... no. I am," he said with a little more affirmation. "I'm gay."

It was quiet. Jimin didn't dare look up and kept his eyes held down to stare at the sheets below him crinkle and smooth over as he played with it. The longer the silence, the colder his heart felt.

Maybe it wasn't the right time? Maybe he was disgusted? Jimin hoped it wasn't the latter -he wouldn't be able to handle it. Hoseok had always been the overly optimistic one and Jimin's steady column, and if that was taken away from due to who he was, Jimin might just starting hating himself once again.

Jimin's fear grew by the second and Tae's comfort barely helped even as he continued applying pressure onto his hands for support. Jimin wanted so bad to run out and hide himself, to be left with his thoughts, to suffer in silence.  

He was ready to dash for it but was stunned when Hoseok crashed into him, his entire weight forcing the other to sink back into the bed.

"Was that it?" Hoseok wailed. Jimin could see the slight sheen near his hyung's tear duct. "Were you afraid of us not accepting you?"

Jimin bit his lip painfully hard to distract himself from the impending breakdown waiting at the end of Jimin's faltering sanity. He was so tired of crying, but feeling Hoseok's body shake above him, and seeing Tae's mouth start to quiver from behin Hoseok's shoulder made it incredibly hard not to.

"Stupid, stupid Jiminie!" Hoseok snapped. "Trust your hyungs a little more, yeah? We love you no matter what!"

Jimin should have known that it would be the case, but he couldn't stop himself from doubting. However, now that it was up in the air, and someone besides Tae knew and fully accepted him, confessing no longer frightened him. A huge baggage of worry lifted from Jimin, and he finally felt lighter, freer. That was two out of six so far.

And though Jungkook was probably going to be the hardest person to talk to, Jimin believed him to be the most understanding of him. Because Jungkook cared for him. So despite having to hide his feelings from the youngest, allowing himself to be honest with Jungkook about himself was something he deserved. Jungkook deserved his honesty.

 "Thank you, Hobi hyung. Thank you, Tae. Thank you for giving me strength."

Taehyung soon joined the hug and in a quick minute all three were now tangled in eachother's limbs, reveling in each other's warmth and basking in each other's smiles.

 When Jungkook returned, it was a little past ten in the morning. The house remained empty save for Namjoon standing timidly against Jungkook’s bedroom door. He observed him for a bit, saw the way Namjoon bit his lip and fiddled with his fingers. Besides award shows and interviews, Jungkook had never seen him so bothered before.

“Hyung?”

Namjoon turned to him and the early nervousness were blanketed over by determination.

“Hey Jungkook, you have a minute?”

Jungkook was drenched in sweat due to hours in the gym. He didn’t necessarily want to decline Namjoon his time, but he always hated being sticky in his own clothes. Jungkook glanced briefly down toward his shirt, saw the contrast of the darker gray where his sweat gathered to the light gray of his shirt, and gave a quick side out to the showers just down the hall and contemplated. He did have a minute, but...

“Oh shit, sorry,” Namjoon laughed and stepped aside. “I’ll come find you after you freshen up.”

“I’ll be quick, hyung.”

And though he rushed down the hall and into the showers, Jungkook’s sudden agility wasn’t due to his need to talk to Namjoon, but to leave the awkward atmosphere as quick as he could. There was something in Namjoon’s expression that worried Jungkook. That look of concern and confusion plastered on his hyung’s face made Jungkook feel as if he did something wrong and he needed to explain it.

But as Jungkook washed his hair at a sluggish pace, he couldn’t wrap his mind around what he possibly could have done. Or was it something he hadn't done?

Suds fell into his eyes and Jungkook flinched back due to the burn. His fingers furiously rubbed at his eyes, washing away the shampoo with water. He tried to calm his breathing and his mind; surely it wasn’t anything too serious.

He always fell prey to the onslaught of unnecessary thoughts and felt stupid when what he found himself worrying over something that turned into nothing. But he always felt restless when it came to his hyungs; their troubles were his troubles.

However, there was only one way to find out what it was and he couldn’t keep Namjoon waiting any longer than he already had. When had ‘I’ll be quick,’ turn into a thirty five minute shower? He quickly dressed in comfortable joggers and a tee, dried his hair with abandon, and forced himself out of the bathroom in search for Namjoon.

Jungkook found the leader in his recording room, door slightly left a jar, left opened for him he assumed. So he let himself in after knocking the threshold a few times to signal his arrival. Much to his surprise Yoongi and Jin were sprawled upon the couch, as if they were patiently waiting for him.

But he had the assumption that it was just Namjoon that needed to talk to him. The anxiety he shoveled down during his shower was starting to surface back up and Jungkook couldn’t help but gulp down excessively.

His foot turned to the door and his body was ready to bolt for it. “I can, um, leave hyu-” Jungkook began to offer, but Namjoon had waved a hand out for him to stop.

“No, no. Sorry. We all kind of have something to say.”

Jungkook frowned as he took in the serious looks of his older hyungs. All they were missing was Hobi, he wondered where he was.

“Am I in trouble?” Jungkook asked meekly, eyes filtering between the three of them worriedly.

Jin diffused the tension with a smile and wheezing laugh. “No Kook-ah, we just have questions and concerns.”

“Questions and concerns…” Jungkook repeated cautiously. He sat across from them in one of Namjoon’s rolling chairs and waited. When no one uttered a single word, Jungkook raised his eyebrows in confusion. “Okay… so what are they?”

Yoongi began first. He folded his arms against his chest and leaned further back into the couch and got himself comfortable. Jungkook observed carefully; apparently, it was going to be awhile.

“What’s wrong with Jimin?”

Jungkook was not expecting that. He was blind sighted by the question, since he came into the room assuming the sit down was going to be about him, but to actually be about the bane of his confusion. But he was also confused because, what did he mean by that? Did something happen to Jimin. Was that why everyone was gone in the morning, and he so stupidly just went to the gym without trying to contact anyone?

“I don’t know what… why? What’s wrong with him?”

Jungkook saw Namjoon bite the inner part of his cheek from his peripheral. It looked like he was ready to talk, but Yoongi continued the flow of the conversation, his tone stern.

“He hasn’t said anything to you? Kook, anything? There’s something off and I know you know something.”

Jungkook gaped at Yoongi like a deer in front of headlights. He wasn’t wrong; Jungkook did know something, probably a lot more than any of them pertaining Jimin and… Haewoon. However, he felt as if he couldn’t quite tell them about him because it was something Jimin and him had yet to discuss. He didn’t want to overstep Jimin’s privacy like that. So until they had a proper conversation about it, Jungkook remained mute about the situation, although he much rather included everyone.

In fact, Jungkook was still sort of kept in the dark by Jimin. He knew there was a lot more that Jimin wasn’t telling him, but he never wanted to force Jimin to tell him.

“Hyung-”

Yoongi could sense the hesitance in his voice before he even got another word in and stopped him right there. “You’re close right?”

Jungkook would like to think so. “…yeah.”

“You guys are extremely close, Kook-ah. And that’s fine, I get that. But why is that?” Yoongi shot back, curiosity swimming in his penetrating gaze.

Jungkook was extremely perplexed by the situation. Was it a bad thing to be close to Jimin? They were in a band together; the relationship they had with one another was strong and coveted by a lot of their peers. There couldn’t have been anything wrong with being extremely close to each other.

“We’re not saying there’s anything wrong with that, Kook,” Namjoon interjected, ready to answer the confusion plaguing the younger’s min. “It’s just… there’s something off.

It’s Haewoon, Jungkook wanted to admit, but he bit the inside of his cheeks instead. It was Jimin’s choice. He had already declared Jimin to stay away from him, and Jimin honored that; it was only right that he gave Jimin the choice to share his troubles with the rest or not.

“Jimin said you were looking out for him. It was a slip up on his part and he tried to play it off, but I can tell when Jimin’s hiding something. We all can tell,” he finished softly. Yoongi’s mind drifted for a bit, but the silence was understood amongst them. “He may be great at hiding his emotions, but we can always tell when there’s something up.”

“Today… or rather last night. Something happened to Jimin, Kook…”

Jungkook’s heart sank. He stared at Namjoon with intense eyes, pleading to understand what was going on. Why the mood had been so cold, why the questions of Jimin…

“Hoseok has never seen him so shaken up. When he woke up, Kook, he couldn’t stop trembling. It took him awhile to relax before going back to sleep. He stayed there, at the practice room and cried all night.” Namjoon’s hands fisted against his thighs and he refused to look at anyone, opting to focus on the tiny speck of dust beneath one of the sofa leg.

“He was alone all night… crying?”

Jungkook wished he could bet himself into a pulp.

He knew he should’ve called; he knew he should’ve checked on Jimin and picked him up from the studio. He was so close to giving him a call -if only he had!

Fuck distance!

This is the consequences whenever Jungkook ever thought to keep himself from Jimin. All because he was trying to explore his feelings? He should’ve just explored it with Jimin by his side. And Jimin wouldn’t have…he wouldn’t have been alone.

Jungkook would have noticed had he been there. He would have put a smile on his face instead of the tears in his eyes. Hurt blanketed Jungkook’s entire being at the thought of Jimin suffering alone once again. And he promised he’d protect him.

“You and him were practically inseparable, Kook. That’s why we wanted to talk. Figure it out. Hobi and Tae are with him in his room right now, waiting until he wakes up. But we wanted to hear from you. What happened, Jungkook?”

“He didn’t tell me anything….” Jungkook whispered, eyes falling forward. And why would he? He’d been the one avoiding Jimin. How could he have told him anything? He stared at the ground below his feet, feeling useless and tired once more.

He didn’t say anything…

And with that, his mind filtered out one possible source for Jimin’s anguish: Haewoon. Had it been him? Jungkook’s fists clenched on his lap, and he glared daggers at the ground before Jin called out to him.

“That!” he announced and pointed an accusatory finger at Jungkook’s expression. “What is that?”

Jungkook tried to relax his features, tried to push Haewoon from his head, but they were both set in stone. Having knowledge of Jimin upset and alone and crying did nothing to ease his temper and the hurt in his heart. He was so angry.

“Last week too… I’ve never seen you so mad, Jungkook. Irritated, yeah, but never truly mad. I didn’t want to pry then, but I want you to trust us.”

Jungkook’s frown deepened. Of course. Just as much as his hyungs’ hardships were his, his hardships were also theirs. So of course they wanted Jungkook to open up and express his struggles, help him solve them and ease his worries. But his struggles were Jimin’s struggles. And he had a hard time betraying Jimin like that. Because Jimin’s trust was so important to him.

“I trust you, hyung. I trust all of you…”

“Then what’s going on Kook-ah? How can we help? What’s going on with you and Jimin? What’s going on with Jimin?” Namjoon asked gently. He was now leaned over, elbows resting upon his thighs as he watched Jungkook with quiet concern.

They all were.

But their eyes on him burned and Jungkook was suddenly finding it hard to breathe.

“Jimin…” Jungkook started, but there was a lump in his throat and he had difficulty continuing. “Jimin hyung he-”

His cheeks started to dampen and Jin was instantly at his side, kneeling below Jungkook and cupping his face with care and attention. Jungkook could barely see Jin below him, eyes blurred with tears. He hadn’t even realized he started crying until he felt the first few tears spill from the corner of his eyes.

The frustration and anger were finally being let out. He’d held them all in without an outlet, and Jungkook never felt so good to be so vulnerable in front of his hyungs. He had no idea how to control his emotions, not when there were so many things running rampant in his mind and his heart constricted whenever he so much as thought of Jimin.

Sometimes he felt incompetent; not enough to truly care for Jimin the way he needed him to be. And he carried around so much anger for Haewoon without any release. There was only so much working out and exercising could do for him, but he wanted so bad to just have someone to talk to about his rage for the staff member, and his confusion with all things Jimin. Yet he had to refrain for Jimin’s sake and simple because he was afraid.

He was so freaking afraid of what it all could mean. He didn’t want to understand his feelings, but float around in it in ignorance.

But it was getting tiring being alone to deal with it all; he was exhausted.

“What did Jimin do?” Yoongi asked, worry laced in his words, for both him and Jimin.

“He didn’t do anything,” Jungkook croaked out and shut his eyes to force himself to stop crying, but it didn’t matter, the tears cascaded down.

Jimin didn’t do anything, and that’s what angered him.

Because Jimin didn’t do a fucking thing. He didn’t deserve to be stressed out by Haewoon; he didn’t deserve to be called out for his appearance; he didn’t deserve to be criticized harshly for his efforts; he didn’t deserve all the years of internal hurt and pain.

Because he was an angel: kind, compassionate, and understanding.

And that only fueled Jungkook’s irritation, because Jimin was all warm hearted and just so irrevocably good, that he wouldn’t allow himself to actually do anything regarding Haewoon.

Sure he avoided the man and told him off, but Jimin would rather put up with his harassment himself than to seek out help from others. If Jungkook hadn’t witnessed his uncomfortable firsthand, he was sure Jimin would be harboring the struggles alone.

And Jimin didn’t deserve to ever feel alone.

He didn’t need to encompass all the hurt in his small body because he had so many people around to love him unconditionally; he had them… and him.

But sometimes Jungkook felt as if he weren’t enough. Like today. When Jimin once again make the decision to not come to him to share his problems, Jungkook was forced to believe it was because he wasn’t good enough.

Another sob ripped from Jungkook’s mouth and Jiin finally had him cradled against his body, shushing him and caressing his back gently.

“Okay, Kook-ah. It’s okay. Please be okay,” Jin’s voice started to tremble. He absolutely hated seeing Jungkook cry because of the rarity of it; Jungkook always struggled to express his hardships, so whenever he so much as displayed frustration, everyone’s heart simply shattered.

But Jungkook was far from being calmed down. The more he tried to hold his wails back, the louder the cry.

Now all three wrapped themselves around the younger. A ton of emotions spiraled drastically around Namjoon’s studio, and Yoongi struggled to keep his own tears at bay while the other two were already bailing alongside their maknae.

“Fuck okay, okay stop!” Yoongi complained. “Let’s all calm down. I can’t handle it, Kook. I can’t handle seeing you or Jimin hurting.”

“I can’t either!” Jungkook groaned, throat already hoarse from the excessive crying. “And I’m trying so hard so that he doesn’t, but he still is and I don’t know what else I can do. I don’t know how else I can help!”

His grip on Jin tightened. His emotions were heightened and unhindered and Jungkook couldn’t stop himself from letting it all out and letting himself be heard.

“I’m not Hobi hyung or Tae hyung or any of you who are so much better at comforting people. I don’t know how to comfort people! But I want to comfort him; I want him to be happy! Tell me how can I do that? What do I need to do?”

Yoongi allowed himself to finally break down. He’s never seen Jungkook so distraught and in pain before, and it was all because of his desperate need to attend to Jimin’s feelings, and not his own. Jungkook was so selfless, harboring the pain within himself because he cares for his hyungs that much. He and Jimin were one and the same in that sense, and he couldn’t handle not being there for them like he was supposed to.

Jin and Namjoon held similar sentiments. They were the hyungs; they were responsible for looking after them, but seeing how badly Jungkook was crying over Jimin’s pain, they all realized they hadn’t done their part at all. Two boys were suffering under their care, under their noses.

It was ironic because what Jungkook felt for Jimin, their hyungs felt for the both of them. It was a never ending cycle bottled in frustrations and Namkoon needed to pop it open before it exploded like it had for Jungkook.

“We’ll be there with you, Kook. We’ll help him together. But you have to let us okay? Let us help you… We can’t do that if you aren’t open with us.” Jin pulled Jungkook closer to him. He practically raised the boy and he’d protect him from everything. Jungkook was his baby. “Tell us.”

Jungkook nodded his head. It was wrong of him to keep what’s been happening to Jimin a secret. Especially since it involved them all. Haewoon was their staff and Jimin was their precious member. And if it kept Jimin safer, Jungkook would do anything.

And he was just so damn tired. Tired of feeling useless and crying and feeling angry. He was done doing nothing.

It took awhile for Jungkook to compose himself. Namjoon and Yoongi stripped themselves away from the embrace, but Jin remained rooted next to Jungkook and continued to rub against the younger’s back.

“Haewoon…” his voice was broken, but he still managed to fuel the name with disdain.

The mention of their staff dissipated into the air without a response. Yoongi and Namjoon shared a confused look before turning their attention back to Jungkook.

“The audio tech? What about him?”

Jungkook sighed and pressed his hands above his mouth to control his breathing. The thought of the man was rippling a new brew of anger.

A few seconds later, Jungkook pulled his hands away from his face, but his gaze stuck to the floor.

“I think he’s obsessed with Jimin.”

Chapter Text

“Seriously?” Yoongi hissed, and his small frame shook as he struggled to compose himself.

Namjoon and Jin appeared extra restless.

“What exactly did you see again?”

Jungkook recalled the memory bitterly. “He was persistent with Jimin, even when he kept telling him excuses. But -but I saw him reach out toward Jimin when he’d been distracted, saw him palm his neck, and the look in his eyes, hyung! You haven’t seen it because you haven’t bothered to look for it, but the way he looks at Jimin. There’s this lustful gaze he only directs toward Jimin and no one else. And I don’t think I’m misreading it; Jimin is uncomfortable with him too.”

“And that day, after our shooting for GAYO… he literally told me he wanted Jimin to give him a cup of coffee, hyung. He hated that I had been the one and that I wouldn’t be able to keep Jimin away from him.”

Jungkook let the words spill, one after another, all of his thoughts and his interactions with Haewoon.

“I don’t doubt you, Jungkook… and I hate to say it, but is that all?” Jungkook glanced at Namjoon, who in Jungkook’s vision looked almost afraid and disturbed. “A touch, sinful gazes, and cryptic words exchanged between the two of you?”

Jungkook almost scoffed at Namjoon, but reigned back his impoliteness. “You can’t downplay this, hyung,” he merely retorted. This was how multiple cases have gone astray -because people didn’t catch signs quick enough, because people tend to keep silent, because people didn’t act quick enough.

If it weren’t for Jin holding him down in his hold, Jungkook would have already excused himself out of the room.

“I’m not trying to, but Kook, there’s not much we can do. We can’t just accuse someone because we don’t like the way he looks at Jimin or -”

Jungkook got it. He understood the position they were in, that Haewoon was a staff of merit, that Jimin didn’t bother to tell him or anyone else of what’s been going on and therefore not making a true case of the incident. Jungkook knew that, but it didn’t make him feel any better.

Jungkook knew that despite confessing what he knew of Haewoon’s interactions with Jimin, that there literally wasn’t anything that could be done. There was no actual assault to vindicte him of, no proof of the incident besides word of mouth, and Haewoon was a ‘respected’ colleague amongst everyone else. He was disappointed after the expression of fury on his hyungs fell into frustration.

“I know. I just -I needed you to know. That way we can all look after Jimin; I’m not always with him, so it’s better for him to have you guys there when I’m not.” Jungkook dropped his eyes once more to the floor down below. “Haewoon seemed serious when he told me that I couldn’t keep him away, and I’m afraid that one day I won’t be able to. I know his intentions well enough. He likes Jimin a lot. I know it. And I know he wants Jimin all to himself...”

“How do you know for sure, Jungkook?”

The same thing you do. The same thing you do. The same thing you do.

It was a question that Jungkook had tried desperately to shove in the back of his mind, because he hated how it was Haewoon that took part in him realizing the feelings Jungkook tried to suppress. But he couldn’t deny it anymore; he couldn’t deny himself. All the time needed to understand himself was utter bullshit.

Because Jungkook knew it all along.

He was just afraid. 

But he was surrounded by people who gave him unconditional support and love. Namjoon and Yoongi were the ones who taught him of acceptance, despite societal beliefs. Aside from his family in Busan, his family in Bangtan were riddled with people Jungkook trusted with his life. He needn’t be afraid.

He wasn’t raised to be fearful of himself. He was raised fearless and proud; he was raised to be determined and head strong, to know what he wanted and to strive endlessly until he got it.

And right now, with his hyungs in front of him, Jungkook knew he was no longer ‘confused’ or ‘afraid’, he was awakened.

He lifted his head and straightened his back. There was no shame as he looked to Namjoon, proud and confident, not a hint of hesitation he’d been feeling the past two days left in him.

Jimin had always been in Jungkook’s mind and heart. He’d already expressed them in his actions and in his words, but he’d never allowed himself to make sense out of them in his mind. Now his emotions and thoughts were finally in sync with one another, and he couldn’t be any more happy knowing that Jimin was the person on the other side of his affections. He’d give him more -he’d give him anything. So there was no way he was going to let Haewoon take him away, even more so since he knew Jimin didn’t want that either.

“How do you know Haewoon-sshi wants Jimin like that?”

The words flowed from Jungkook’s mouth smoothly and the answer stilled his hyungs in quiet disbelief.

“Because I do, too.”

Jungkook didn’t have time to be embarrassed over his sudden confession. In fact, he felt exuberant and free and ecstatic and almost foolish, because why’d it took him so long to admit it? To himself and to the others? It was liberating not questioning himself and why he felt the way he did because there was no way of controlling such things -people just feel, there was nothing wrong with that. What was wrong was how it was expressed.

Jungkook holding himself back was wrong and dishonest.

He wants Jimin. He’s been wanting Jimin. His smile, his laugh, his affection, his everything. And he wanted to be that for Jimin too. So he understood the raw emotions he saw in Haewoon; Jungkook witnessed the desire and the confliction in his eyes.

But even so... fuck Haewoon. Because although they did want the same thing subjectively, Haewoon was still an intruding and imposing asshole.

Jungkook laughed at the shocked looks plastered on each of his hyungs’ faces. Really, he could laugh at himself too. Jungkook never felt so relieved to just let everything out in the open.

“Wait, are you fucking with me right now?” Yoongi scolded.

Okay, maybe it wasn’t the best time for Jungkook to be laughing. The youngest quickly pursed his lips into a thin line, holding in his giggles, and shook his head.

“Okay Kookie, I don’t want to misunderstand you…” Jin whispered.

“There’s nothing to misunderstand,” Jungkook shot back with a slight shrug. “I said what I said.”

Yoongi shook his head and struggled to wrap his mind around what had just occurred. “Okay,” he breathed out, calming his tone, and held Jungkook’s attention. “But what you said is “because I do too,’ correct?”

Jungkook gave a firm nod. “Yes.”

“And you just said Haewoon-sshi wants Jimin all to himself…” Namjoon added slowly.

Another nod, another “yes.”

“So by you saying you did too… you mean you also want Jiminie all to yourself?”

“Yes.”

More silence ensued, but Jungkook was getting restless. His newfound acceptance surged an adrenaline rush throughout his veins and he couldn’t stop his desire to find Jimin, pull him in for the tightest embrace and shower him with endless affection. But although he wanted to do that, he didn’t want to scare Jimin away. Yes, Jungkook loved himself enough to not be ashamed of his gay awakening, but he wasn’t sure Jimin would match his enthusiasm. He knew Jimin loved him, but Jungkook didn’t want to shove his romantically infused love down Jimin’s throat.

He needed to practice control and patience. He was going to tell Jimin, but for now, having the three hyungs in front of him know were good enough for now.

“Doesn’t that imply you’re obsessed with Jimin, too? Should we look out for you as well,” although Namjoon asked jokingly, Jungkook could pick out the slight concern in his tone. It didn’t sit well with him to be associated with Haewoon to that degree, but his worry was understandable. Haewoon had also been someone Jungkook once trusted, so a little caution was always welcomed.

“You don’t have to worry about me,” Jungkook grinned cheekily. “Just look after Jiminie, please? Please, hyung? And don’t tell anyone yet. Not even Hobi or Taehyung. I want to confess on my own terms and on my own time.”

The others quickly nodded, respecting their maknae’s decision with care.

“So… when have you known? I mean with you toward Jimin?”

Jin finally removed himself from Jungkook to situate himself with Yoongi, who was still shell-shocked, on the couch.      

Jungkook thought back to his sleepless nights with Jimin prancing in his mind, keeping him up through the late hours. During those nights, Jungkook tried to recall when exactly the shift between him and Jimin began, when Jungkook wanted nothing more than to be the reason for Jimin’s laughter. He couldn’t put a date on it; nor could he pick out a specific moment or event.

Maybe that’s why he’d always pushed Jimin aside. He wasn’t aware of it then, but he’d been shy and overwhelmed by Jimin’s affections and he had no idea how to react to them. But over the course, it was that constant interaction that probably set a spark in Jungkook. That love he felt, the adoration that only Jimin provided him, he was shy from it, but he reveled in it. 

So Jimin had always been special to him, and their moments together were always so precious. There wasn’t a need to know when because it just was. It was bound to happen, and it did. Jimin and Jungkook were fated. He wasn’t sure if he was meant for Jimin, but Jimin was meant for Jungkook.

“I’ve probably known for a really long time,” he admitted shyly. Jungkook averted his eyes from his hyungs and opted to find amusement from the wall behind the couch instead. He could feel his face burning up. It took Namjoon and Jin all their willpower to coo at Jungkook’s adorableness.

“When I’ve finally accepted it… literally just a couple of minutes ago.”

“You look and sound so happy, Kook.”

He was. Jungkook hated Haewoon’s guts, and he wanted nothing more than to see him rot, but if there was anything good that came out of it, it would definitely be Jungkook’s uprising brevity and recognition for his view on Jimin.

“I am, hyung. You have no idea how good it feels to just… I don’t know, ‘come out’?”

Namjoon didn’t hide the way his smile fell to a frown. “How long were you hiding it?”

“Honestly, I don’t think I was hiding anything. I was just struggling for a bit and confused, definitely. But it was just Jimin. Jimin was the only one who made me feel this way.”

Jin, Yoongi, and Namjoon listened attentively, softening over Jungkook’s gushiness. Although the news was still being processed in their minds, they were glad Jungkook had finally stopped crying. Funny how he was sobbing in hysterics for Jimin ten minutes ago, but now he was all giddy and smiling over the same man.

“Before him I had always just felt something toward girls; I was afraid of interacting with them, but it wasn’t like I didn’t find them attractive or anything. And before Jimin, I for sure didn’t even think I liked men. Maybe I’m bi, I don’t know. It’s just... I like Jimin hyung. And that’s that. So no, I wouldn’t say I was hiding my sexuality. I just didn’t know it. I questioned it multiple times, but I just wasn’t sure. What I’m sure of though, is my feelings-”

“- for Jimin hyung,”

“- for Jimin hyung,” the other hyungs mocked, rolling their eyes. Jungkook made a face at that.

“Okay… that’s good,” Namjoon sighed, the smile returned on his face. “It would’ve sucked, Kook, if you felt as if you needed to hide that from us.”

Jungkook shook his head to assure his hyung. “I trust you guys. You practically let me get away with anything,”  he laughed. “How’s me liking men going to change that? You guys love me too much.”

“Mmm, getting quite cocky there,” Jin rolled his eyes, but his smile was just as wide as Jungkook’s.

“Yeah, unless you trash my studio or fuck with Jimin’s feelings, you can do whatever you want.” Jungkook frowned at Yoongi.

“I wouldn’t,” he pouted, and Yoongi offered him a smile so Jungkook could stop sulking.

“I know you won’t. So are you going to tell him?” Jin asked from the side.

Jungkook blinked a few times until the question fully registered in his brain. “About me liking him? Uh… no? I’ll tell him I’m gay, sure, but yeah… that’s all.”

“So what are you gonna do then? Just let your feelings wade off?” Yoongi pitched in after.

Jungkook simply shook his head. “I don’t think it will,” he replied simply. Jimin was too good of a person for feelings to drift off easily. Jungkook knew Jimin had an intense hold on him and he wasn’t willing to escape from him.

“So you’re going to hide your feelings for him?” Namjoon’s concern was once again evident. The leader always hated secrecy within the group, especially when it involved them all. Because secrets tend to strain the relationships they've worked so hard to build; anything that could jeopardize that needed to be mitigated immediately.

Jungkook understood that as well. “Not forever. I just need time to collect my thoughts and emotions. I feel like if I confess now, I’ll just embarrass myself.” 

“Let us know, okay?” Namjoon reminded, his role as leader stepping forth. “And you need to inform manager Sejin and Bang PD. We need to protect you. You know how this country is…” he warned sadly.

Jungkook merely nodded. He knew of the risks, but he was still let down by it. Jungkook was an expressive person, an open book, so hiding things were a struggle for him. But if it was for the sake of Jimin and Bangtan, he could control himself.

Well, he’d hope so.

“Could you let them know?”

Namjoon groaned at Jungkook’s whines. “It’s about you Jungkook! This is something personal, I think you should do it.”

Jungkook intensified his pout and his doe eyes increased in size. “But hyung, you’re the leader and I’m giving you permission. You talk about these stuff better than I do anyway…”

It took a few seconds, but Namjoon eventually caved in. He slumped his shoulders forward and ran a frustrated hand through his locks. “Fine,” he conceded. “I can talk, but you still have to come with. We need to hear your agreements or disagreements regarding what needs to be done. Understood?”

“Understood. Thanks Namjoonie hyung!” Jungkook winked and shared his bunny smile, which earned another set of groans from the elder.

“Save your sappiness for Jimin, brat.”

Yoongi and Jin snickered at that. Jungkook only sighed. Maybe he should've left out him liking Jimin and only confessed about him being into men. He was sure he'd received a lot of teasing from his hyungs, especially Jin... and he wasn't sure if he could handle all that teasing without him wanting to strangle the oldest member on a daily. Maybe he'll stall telling Hobi and Taehyung, because he knew he wouldn't hear the end of it if they knew, too.

It was a little early in the evening when Jungkook finally saw Hobi and Taehyung. His talk with Namjoon, Yoongi, and Jin ran for a little over two hours. Right after that he accompanied Namjoon over to speak with the higher ups regarding his situation, and that meeting itself took over his entire afternoon.

There were a lot of rules imposed on Jungkook, but the meeting went relatively well. Bang PD was a very accepting and kind man, strict at times, but overall, extremely respectable. He took everything in stride, offered extra protection, and had appointed Namjoon to monitor him much to his hyung's reluctance. Jungkook felt bad for adding to Namjoon's responsibility, but he knew the other would rather be the one to check on Jungkook than anyone else.

So in the end Jungkook had to follow four major rules:

1. There would be no public announcement regarding his sexuality. He was able to support the community, but could not individually be a spokesperson for them.

2. if Jungkook were to court someone outside or within the company, he and the other party must report to Bang PD immediately. Their relationship must also be heavily kept in complete secrecy, bound by contract.

3. Jungkook must inform the other members. (Bang PD understood that it didn't need to be immediate, but it needed to be done).

4. Bang PD must hold everyone and anyone aware of Jungkook's sexuality silenced by contract; that meant if Jungkook wanted to reveal himself to anyone, they would need to be bound by paperwork so as to hold them accountable if ever Jungkook was revealed.

Bang PD made it very apparent that only a few of the staff would be made aware of the situation to further protect Jungkook. Aside from the members, that included his personal trainer, their managers, their head stylist, and head bodyguard. Jungkook was allowed to inform his family as well friends he was ready to come out to. However, seeing as Jungkook would have to subject them to contract, he knew that there would only be a handful of people he wanted to get involved, his parents and hyung, and Yugyeom and Bam Bam were definitely on that list.

Before the meeting ended, Band PD engulfed Jungkook in a small, brief hug.

"You're brave for letting me know. I wouldn't expect anything else from the fearless maknae," he joked, before taking on a stricter tone. "But be careful Jungkook, the world is mad out there; we will do our best to keep you away from it. So cooperate with us and let us know what you need it."

Manager Sejin offered Jungkook a kind smile on the side, one to which Jungkook returned gratefully. 

Jungkook, contrary to what everyone believed, wasn't afraid of the madness, but he appreciated the comfort and security the company provided him with nonetheless. He was sure other companies may not be as understanding, so it was truly a blessing for Jungkook to fall under a company that was. He'd hate to hide himself from his fans, but he knew that the only people he needed to know were the ones that truly mattered, and he was more than content with that.

Namjoon and Jungkook returned to the dorms a little past eight and was greeted with Jin's magnificent cooking. Jungkook hadn't noticed how hungry he was until he got a whiff of the carbonaro Jin was almost done whipping up. In fact, him and Namjoon hadn't eaten since that morning.

But even with starvation pulling Jungkook to the edge, all he could think about was the missing member not stationed on the dining table.

"Where's Jimin hyung?"

Everyone turned to him, and although Tae and Hobi's expression were normal, his other three dumbass and nosey ass hyungs looked to him with a slight smirk, obviously finding the innocent question extremely entertaining. Jungkook flashed Jin a warning glare when he noticed the other's mouth start to twitch in laughter -and Jin had the audacity to wonder why he was on the receiving end of most of Jungkook's playful abuse.

"He went to sleep again," Hobi answered among the awkward silence. "He was a little tired again. Do you mind getting him? He hadn't eaten much for lunch and he needs to eat dinner."

"Yeah Jungkookie, why don't you get our precious Jiminie?" Jin sung and turned his back to plate the pasta, completely ignoring the heavy daggers Jungkook was currently throwing at him.

 "Don't want our cute Jiminie to starve, right?" Yoongi joined in annoyingly.

Jungkook's cheeks were painted with a pale pink, and he groaned at his hyungs before stomping  away from the kitchen, body already gravitating toward Jimin's room.

Taehyung was suspicious of the overall exchange, especially toward Yoongi; it was a rare case for him to tease Jungkook about anything like that, and to tease him about Jimin no less. So he looked to Yoongi for answers, but was dismayed when the other had already focused his attention back to his plate of food, devoid of the his livelier expression earlier.

His curiosity eased when the grumble of his stomach pulled him back from his thoughts. He spent so long conversing with Jimin and Hobi about their hardships that all three of them barely ate throughout the day. He'd think about it a little more later, when his stomach was full of pasta and cream.

Jungkook on the other end was filled to the brim with thoughts of Jimin and little with Jin's famous pasta. He stepped through the threshold of Jimin and Hobi's room, ready with the bunny smile Jimin loved and a hug to welcome Jimin with after days of lack of interaction.

But he was stumped when he saw Jimin's usual angelic face cushioned by his pillow, his body curled within his sheets, and his tiny hands peeking through the blanket. Any other day before today, Jungkook would have no problem simply cooing at his hyung before flinging him off the bed. But now Jungkook was riddled with a newfound affection, an awakening of his emotions for Jimin, and he couldn't contain the level of endearment he held for his hyung as he slept so peacefully several feet away from him.

 "Damn it," he whispered.

Jungkook shook his head a little and began to hype himself up. He jumped up and down to get the blood flowing throughout his system and started to phantom box. It went on for a couple of minutes; Jungkook punched the air with enough force to cut the wind in front of him. After a few more minutes, he got carried away and started grunting, "you got this. Be normal, act normal, you dumb idiot."

Then even worse, he began imagining Haewoon in front of him. Jungkook never thought he'd be the violent type, but as an illusion of Haewoon started appearing in front him, his punches intensified to a point where beads of sweat started perspiring on Jungkook's forehead.

"I'd like to see you catch these hands the next time I see you near-"

"Kookie?"

Jungkook froze, his body altered in the mid of his uppercut, and he looked straight into Jimin's dumbfounded eyes. To say Jungkook was embarrassed was a damn understatement to how he felt at that moment.

An instant wave of heat blew over Jungkook's face and any word that he attempted to get out of his mouth ended up being incoherent mumbling. Even if Jimin was confused, the way Jungkook flustered over his actions and tried to recover from it horribly sent him into a flurry of giggles.

"H-hey, hyungie, I- yeah, uh... so... what are you up to?"

"I mean I was sleeping, you probably saw that," Jimin answered through laughter.

"Yeah, yeah, I did. So what did you want?"

Jimin raised his eyebrows. Jungkook was holding in a gag from post and current shame.

"Uh, Jungkook? You came into my room?"

If there was some divine being that could strike Jungkook down now, the younger was allowing it to happen now. But no strike came, and Jungkook was still in the room with a clueless but entertained Jimin, as he fumbled over his words with his sanity close to snapping.

When Jimin saw Jungkook physically shut down, he sat up worried.

"Jungkook? Is something wrong?"

Stop making him worried! Jungkook composed himself, but the bile was still in his throat, threatening to spew out if he so much as said another dumb thing.

Jungkook smiled and relaxed. It was just Jimin, he reminded himself. Beautiful and kind Jimin.

"Sorry, yeah. I just -that was embarrassing," he admitted with a chuckle.

"I've seen you do worse," Jimin grinned.

Jungkook sat on the edge of Jimin's bed now and took in the sight of his hyung's exhausted features. Even after a day's worth of sleeping, Jimin still looked so tired. His face was still slightly ghostly and it concerned Jungkook. He reached over to cup Jimin's plump cheek into the palm of his hand, wanting to feel the heat of his flesh. It was an intimate touch, but Jimin paid no mind to it, relieving Jungkook greatly.

"How are you, hyung?"

Jimin leaned into his touch and Jungkook's heart tightened, and when Jimin smiled, his eyes disappeared into crescents and that was when Jungkook's heart exploded.

"I guess you heard? I'm okay. It was just a nightmare."

Jungkook frowned. He didn't really hear about why Jimin was left alone in the studio room, but just that he had. The other hyungs beside Hobi and Tae were too busy attending to him instead.

"Want to talk about it? I'm so sorry I wasn't there, Jimin. I should've been there." Jungkook's free hand moved up against the sheets to rest upon Jimin's thigh. "I thought you promised to let me know when you needed someone; why'd you stay there by yourself, hyung? I would have come to you."

"I was about to, but I didn't want to bother you, Kookie. You had things you were dealing with too..."

Jungkook's heart had already exploded, but the remaining pieces shattered due to the immense guilt that hammered him.

"Even then!" Jungkook's voice hit an impressive octave which startled Jimin slightly. "Even when I'm tired or sick or at a schedule, you call me. No matter what, okay? Whether you need me to come get you or you just need to hear the sound of my voice, alright? Because I'm there for you, Jimin -for anything."

There was a swell in Jimin's heart after hearing Jungkook's words, along with seeing the sincerity expressed on his face. He could never fall out of love when it came to Jungkook because it seemed like he could only fall deeper and deeper in. He loved Jungkook's protectiveness over him, especially when it came to Haewoon and his feelings. Jungkook was always ready and willing to offer a hand, an ear, and his entire body for that matter. His big maknae was so grown now, so mature and attentive to Jimin's every need; it was the kind of care and love that he desperately yearned for. And even if he knew Jungkook deserved his honesty, and he was determined to give it to him, Jimin was still stuck in fear of confessing to him. 

Because even more frightening than his dream, was the thought of Jungkook not being able to see him the same anymore. Jimin wouldn't be able to cope with that knowledge of Jungkook possibly treating him differently; it would wreck him.

So until then, Jimin would bask in the warmth Jungkook provided.

And Jungkook, opposite to Jimin, was eager to spill everything to Jimin. He only hesitated for Jimin's sake; he didn't want him to stress over yet another thing. Jungkook wanted to make Jimin's life a little easier and a little lighter from the heaviness he tend to carry.

Despite that, Jungkook wasn't too bummed over it, because confessing could be done without the actual confession. Jimin would still feel his love over actual involvement with him. Jungkook hoped Jimin would notice just how gentle he held him compared to others, how his tone lowered when they spoke in private compared to others, and see the way his eyes darkened or light up with joy at the mere sight of him compared to others.

But even if Jimin didn't get it by the time he was finally ready to pour his entire heart out, Jungkook would never stop showing his mini hyung endless and much deserved love.

"Thanks, Kook."

"You're stuck with me, hyung." And in that moment, Jungkook's stomach began to gargle in different pitches, crescendoing from piano to forte in a matter of seconds. Jungkook's smile twitched only slightly in irritation before melting into pure fondness at Jimin's boastering laugh. 

"You're stuck with me," Jimin repeated with a mirth of a smile so stretched out, Jungkook could feel it tearing apart his lovely, luscious lips. "I assume you came in here to call for dinner?"

Jungkook nodded while another sweep of crimson framing his neck and cheeks and the tip of his ears. He'd forgotten he had come into Jimin's room with a purpose. They were now fifteen minutes in, and Jungkook still hadn't even told him about it. He was surprised Jin hadn't already come in, foot against the door, and guns blazing asking what the hell was taking them so damn long.

Even if a substantial amount of waiting time commenced was left uninterrupted, Jungkook didn't put it Jin's motherly nature past him. So he lifted himself off the bed and away from Jimin relunctantly, but his efforts went to vain when Jimin extended his arms in a grabby motion. His little tiny hands opened and closed in need of comfort.

"Baby wants to be carried again?" Jungkook teased with a raised eyebrow.

"D-don't kid yourself, Kook."

Jimin huffed and retracted his arms back to his side.

"Then let's go, hyung. I'm staving," Jungkook chuckled, and circled his hand around Jimin's wrist, pulled him from the bed and guided him to the door.

"I dreamt of Haewoon," Jimin whispered and both men stopped in their track. Jimin could feel Jungkook's hand tighten for a second, before it loosened, his thumb rubbed faint circles against his bone. "It was a nightmare, as you can imagine. I couldn't wake up from it and I was just so... scared."

Jungkook turned on his heel and his heart broke at the sight of Jimin looking so small next to him. With no hesitaton, Jungkook dove into Jimin and cradled him woefully into his arms. He rested his head onto Jimin's mussed up hair.

"You don't have to be afraid okay, Jiminie? Just dream of me next time and I'll knock him out for you."

Jimin snickered at that, but the thought of being allowed to dream of Jungkook gave him solace everytime he'd shut his eyes. Oh how he appreciated him. Jimin circled his arm around Jungkook's tiny waist and pulled him flush against his body.

"It seems like we're always hugging things out," Jimin pointed out.

"Are you tired of them?"

Jimin shook his head. "Never. You're so warm; I could never tire of it."

"Good, cause I'm not tired of giving it." And for a long time, Jungkook knew, he never would.

Chapter Text

Jungkook, to put it simply, was a little shit.

He confessed to Namjoon, Jin, and Yoongi, and though it was a climactic part in their discussion, even more than the revelation of Haewoon's sick obsession, Jungkook felt as if their reactions weren't satisfying. Jungkook was grateful of their acceptance of him, so much so they had the gall to poke fun of him about Jimin here and there, but he wanted something more.

Which led him to what was probably a very bad idea of dropping hints any chance he got for Hobi, Tae, and Jimin to pick up on. Oh, especially Jimin.

He'd already decided to shower him with even more loving comments and touches so that it was instilled into Jimin's mind just how much of an effect he had on him. So he would do just that. Again and again and again.

Even during inappropriate times like as they were just about to depart for Hawaii.

"Jimin, you look so sexy."

Namjoon choked on his bread. Jungkook just gave him a side eye, enjoying the way Namjoon was flustered at his boldness despite the older always teasing him about it.

Jimin on the other hand blushed, laughed nervously, and hid behind his hands like the cutie he was.

"Shut up," Jimin laughed, but Jungkook knew just how much he loved the praise.

"You're so handsome," Jungkook repeated, his smile large and flirty.

"Stop," Jimin begged, though the grin on his face said otherwise. "What's up with you?"

"You're just so handsome."

"Stop it! What do you want? Did you take something from me, you brat?" Jimin started patting down his pants, and Jungkook didn't miss the way his hands went over his butt, which instantly brought Jungkook's mind further south.

Jungkook bit his lips and looked away, no matter how badly he was into Jimin, he was not ready for those rated R thoughts just yet.

"The prettiest hyung ever," Jungkook continued.

Namjoon was near death at that point and Jimin finally went over and offered him water, the other grabbing it instantly and chugging the liquid down in a matter of seconds. Jimin patted his back several times, eyes worried for the leader as the man struggled to find his breath. Namjoon smiled gently toward Jimin with enough affection that set a slight alarm in Jungkook's head.

Jungkook watched the interaction between the two and felt the pits of stomach churn into something ugly and unfamiliar. He wasn't oblivious to their dynamic, with Jimin being the hyung of the maknae line and Namjoon being the maknae in the hyung line, they shared a very special bond. In fact, everyone shared a special bond with Jimin since the social butterfly was a professional at making everyone he associated with feel good and better about themselves.

But there was something about the bond between Namjoon and Jimin that he felt uneasy with. Because Jimin returned Namjoon's gaze -it felt too personal. Suddenly Jungkook felt inadequate once more, because now he had Namjoon to compare himself too.

Namjoon was smart and driven; he was talented beyond belief and held himself with charm and grace, despite being the most destructive member of Bangtan. He was what Jungkook strive to become and the reason for a lot of his insecurities.

Jungkook never thought to himself to be 'smart'. He never truly enjoyed school, and lacked proper education due to his time being an idol (which he never complained about), but he lacked the motivation to study. He was talented, but he could never be exceptional good at just one thing. Not like Namjoon -or the other hyungs for that matter.

Namjoon and Yoongi were profound lyricists.

Hobi and Jimin were masterful dancers.

Tae was an amazing actor.

Jin was a keen cook.

Jungkook? Jungkook was just a good singer and dancer and lucky . But he'd work harder to be greater.

He was baffled when news came to him about being the main vocalist of Bangtan and he had Jimin to thank for that. Jimin believed in him and his abilities, went as far as to scold him and curse him out whenever he so much as doubted himself. But it was what Jungkook needed in the time. Jimin was someone Jungkook needed to thank with all his heart; without him, he wasn't sure he would have gotten this far.

Though he couldn't erase his doubts and insecurities, just like Jimin couldn't do the same with his. They were better at loving themselves now, but they shared that characteristics, Jimin and Jungkook would always be their harshest critics.

But Jimin shouldn't settle for someone who hesitated his confidence... Someone like Namjoon on the other hand...

"Kookie?"

Jungkook snapped out of this thoughts and noticed Namjoon was gone and Jimin was in front of him now. How long had he been lost in his thoughts?

"You're doing that thing again?"

Jimin pointed to his face, but it only confused Jungkook. "Doing what?"

"You're pouting and doing that whole tongue in the cheek thing. That means you're bothered by something right?"

Well... he couldn't really say it was because of him and Namjoon. Jungkook shrugged.

"Yah!" Jimin shouted and slapped Jungkook's shoulder much to the younger's surprise. "I don't appreciate you spouting stuff like 'tell me when you're feeling down' and then you don't do the same for me. Were you jealous that I was paying attention to Namjoon more than you?" Jimin was joking, but Jungkook's eyes went wide with the realization.

There was a name to what Jungkook was feeling after all and he didn't like it; it was jealousy. Jealous of Namjoon -not because of his relationship with Jimin, but because his compatibleness with him, which was stupid because Namjoon knew of his feelings and he wouldn't see Jimin in any other way than his dongsaeng. 

But the feeling was still there, turning and storming in his veins, and it didn't belong.

So it was ridiculous to even mention it, but he couldn't lie to him about it. And there Jimin was, laughing impudently at his inner turmoil.

Ah... fuck it .

"Yes."

That quickly ceased Jimin's laughter. Too bad Jungkook sucked at planning ahead, so when Jimin asked him if he was serious, the younger only took off, mumbling hastily about how they needed to hurry or they'd be late.

Jimin was left alone, confused but... happy. He didn't want to take Jungkook's admittance of his jealousy to heart, because it would only give Jimin a false sense of hope. But it did numbers to his affection for him. He really was too cute, which was mind boggling because he could switch it up in just a second.

Bold and confident, but then easily flustered. He couldn't wait for what nine days in paradise with Jungkook would be like.

There were many things Jungkook wasn’t prepared for during their trip in Hawaii. One, being partnered with Jimin (though he wasn’t complaining). Two, having witnessed the amount of times he caught Jimin giving off flirty vibes to strangers (which he complained internally about). And three, having him and Jimin share a room in the still of the night.

One of the best parts of the trip was being around an illuminated Jimin. His smiles were larger, his eyes shone with a glittering amusement, and his laughs had an extra beautiful melody in them. And Jungkook bore witness to them all.

He stared in awe as they were upon Mauna Kea, freezing from the cold, but heart warm as they observed the beauty of the sky and the clouds as the sun set. Jimin announced his insecurities, talked about how he wished to improve his voice and his desire to create a song of his own that represented him.

“You sing well.”

And he did. Jungkook truly believed that he did. Being that he debuted after only a year of training proved that. His voice was angelic and sweet; Jungkook wished that Jimin could trust in his abilities a little more. But he knew the need to criticize oneself harshly, Jungkook was guilty for the same thing, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to continue reminding Jimin otherwise.

Upon landing on Oahu, Jungkook’s luck continued.

When both he and Jimin pulled apart their sheet of paper to bear witness to their matching number which indicated their partnership, Jungkook could barely hide his excitement. He eagerly pulled Jimin toward him, and if not for his colossal bag mounted over his shoulders and onto his chest, Jungkook would have settled for a congratulatory hug. Jungkook reveled in Jimin’s wide grin and soft giggles as he expressed his happiness at the turn of events.

If Jimin being his partner in the first minute of their session was anything to go by, Jungkook knew it was going to be an amazing mini break.

Upon the group’s split up, Jungkook and Jimin successfully found the correct bus and hopped on it with no hesitation. What proceeded afterwards had Jungkook’s heart beating under his chest crazily.

There was space, a lot of it. And although Jimin wasn’t known for distancing himself physically, Jungkook still found it extremely intimate with the way Jimin propped his entire leg on him, rested it against his thigh as if he made a home out of it -as if they weren’t already situation amongst three seats already.

Jungkook loved the way they detoured to an L&L, fascinated by the copious amount of korean bbq plated in their container and shared a single large coke. He loved their silly banters and teasings. He loved walking the streets of Waikiki at night with both him and Jin and just letting loose and having fun, and equally being embarrassed at their antics without him.

He hadn’t quite wanted things to end.

Especially the nighttimes when Jimin had come to Jungkook seeking comfort from his nightmares and Jungkook welcomed him with open arms.

The first night he offered Jimin to join him do laundry. They talked all night; Jimin teased him a plethora amount of times regarding his lack of outfits and Jungkook would playfully scoff at him.

“It’s easier this way, hyung. I get to pack lightly with just this one shirt.”

Jimin laughed aloud, but tried muffling it with his hands so as not to disturb the others; Jungkook surely looked cute in the red and white aloha shirt, but the article had been washed so many times the color had already started to fade. “Kook, you’re washing the damn thing every night.”

“Well, I’m washing everyone else’s clothes so I might as well.”

“You’re a psycho,” Jimin groaned as Jungkook dumped the detergent and softener into the machine. “Seriously, who in the world is this clean?”

“Not my fault you’re a slob, Jimin.”

“I am not,” Jimin whined.

To retaliate against his earlier statement, Jungkook searched the pile of laundry for Jimin’s shirt. He had come across it earlier as he was separating colors and whites, so when he found a plain white tee and accompanying flannel that belonged to Jimin, he brought it up for the older to see.

There in the dim light of the room, held up by Jungkook for Jimin to see the stain that tainted both articles.

Jimin huffed and crossed his shoulders petulantly. “The burger was big.”

“Mhmmm,” Jungkook rolled his eyes. “So stop teasing me about my choices in clothing or I won’t wash yours.”

Jimin puffed his cheeks in defiance, but conceded with an eye roll of his own. “Fine,” he whispered.

Jungkook offered him a smile before tossing the load into the second washing machine. He turned to Jimin still pouting, resembling a child who didn’t get his way. It was uncanny how similar the two images were and Jungkook snorted at the thought.

“What’s funny?”

“You’re too cute, hyung.” Jungkook didn’t miss the way Jimin’s cheeks burnt pink, but Jimin completely missed the way Jungkook’s cheeks did the same.

The second night, when the staff moved into their own rental and all the cameras were shut, Jimin had slipped into his room with uncertainty once again. Jungkook wanted nothing more than to wipe the discomfort from his demeanor as the other made his way through the door, his eyes so pleading and soft, Jungkook knew he would give Jimin everything if the other simply asked.

“What’s up, hyungie?”

“Can I sleep here… with you?”

It was a bold request on Jimin’s part, but he figured Jungkook owed him considering the fact the boy climbed into his bed so often back in the days. And Jimin hadn’t hesitated to let him, not once. So if Jungkook so much as dared to defy him-

“Come here,” Jungkook announced, the words rang in Jimin’s ears like bells. Jimin eagerly followed through, a dumb smile plastered right on his face as he neared Jungkook’s bed. The cushion sank below him and Jungkook had already turned his back to allow more room for Jimin’s small frame to fit behind him.

Once Jimin was under the sheets and Jungkook’s warmth radiated off his back, Jimin felt something akin to total bliss and peace. His eyes started to carry a little weight and he struggled to keep them up, despite his want to speak with Jungkook a little more. It felt nice and soothing.

Jungkook so badly wanted to turn around and drink in Jimin’s features, but thought it best to just give the other his presence and not his senseless talkings. So he turned away, willing Jimin to find purity in his actions and find comfort in him.

He also wanted Jimin to touch him. He wanted Jimin to wrap his entire body around his, to intertwine their fingers and tangle their legs. He wanted Jimin to push up against back and rub his nose on the crook of his neck where he was most sensitive. He wanted Jimin to touch him everywhere.

After several minutes, Jungkook was slightly disappointed to be faced with constant silence and lack of physical interaction. But just as the emotions and thoughts processed, Jimin shimmied his way over and nuzzled his cheeks lovingly upon Jungkook’s back, his tiny hand tentative and gentle placed at the dip of Jungkook’s waist.

“Thank you,” he whispered.

“For what?”

Jungkook knew what he did, but he wouldn’t miss the chance for additional compliments; he wondered if Jimin’s praise kink had rubbed off on him.

“Being there for me when I need you.” Jimin sighed into his neck and Jungkook swallowed a gulp. “For always being patient with me.”

Jungkook was pliant under Jimin’s hold. His body softened under Jimin’s hands and he leaned further back so that he could feel more of his chest, more of the heat that radiated off his skin, and to have his cheek rest upon the nape of his neck. Jungkook was larger in size, but he loved the feel of his smaller hyung encompassing him, to feel sheltered by Jimin’s embrace filled with care and affection.

He assumed Jimin thought the cuddle to be platonic, but to Jungkook it had been everything; it was everything he hoped to have with Jimin, desired to be with Jimin, and craved to give to Jimin. It hurt, just for a moment to think that his feelings may never be reciprocated, and if he so much as told Jimin, that the warmth he was given now would lessen and cease entirely.

Jungkook wasn’t ready to give that up, but he also knew he couldn’t hide it from Jimin forever. One day, for better or worse, Jungkook knew he had to tell Jimin.

One day.

But until then he feasted on all of the intimacy he could share with Jimin, tonight included.

“I’m there for you so long as you’re there for me too,” Jungkook replied in earnest.

“Of course, Kookie. Always, always, always.”

Jungkook couldn’t stop himself as he dragged his hand down toward Jimin’s and held it in his own. Soon after their fingers were linked and Jungkook pulled his hand forward, which simultaneously forced Jimin that much closer to his back, his entire body now practically framed around Jungkook. Jungkook brought his their intertwined fingers to his lips and kissed each knuckle, light and gentle.

I like you, Jungkook thought as kissed Jimin’s pointer finger.

I want to protect you, he kissed his middle finger.

I want to make you happy forever, his lips lingered a little longer on his ring finger.

He felt Jimin stiffen behind him, but didn’t pull away. It encouraged Jungkook to continue and so he pressed his lips to Jimin’s tiny pinky before resting their hands upon his chest.

I promise...

If Jungkook’s exhaustion wasn’t already hitting him deeper, he would have apologized until his voice went hoarse from abuse. After the realization of what he had just done, Jungkook felt just a little apprehensive, though there was no sign of it physically.

Jungkook was scared that he had just subconsciously crossed a line with Jimin; he meant to be a little bolder, but he hadn’t planned on doing that. However, it was always like that with Jimin; with Jimin, Jungkook had no plan, because the majority of the time he acted on his emotions. It was so easy to get lost with Jimin near, to just allow himself to be free and genuine, and that meant showering Jimin with precious and gentle touches and words. There was nothing Jungkook wanted to do more than to let Jimin see him: as a brat, as someone he could love and rely on, as someone precious, as a role model, as… his someone.

Jungkook wanted to be Jimin’s person.   

He knew of the repercussions of such thoughts. For all he knew, Jimin was straight. But Jungkook himself hadn’t thought to be gay or bi or whatever, so anythinng was possible.

So he held Jimin a little tighter and reminded himself that there was a chance that he could be all those things for Jimin. If Jimin didn’t pull away or told him to back off, Jungkook would try. He wouldn’t force himself on him, but if there was a chance that Jimin could love him as more than just the maknae, he’d take it.

But he hadn’t realized that Jimin already had. Jimin had already felt those feelings from way back into their earlier years. So when Jungkook finally drifted to sleep, his small snores an indication of that, he hadn’t seen the way Jimin looked at his back so fondly, hadn’t heard the way Jimin tried to snuff away his joyful tears, and hadn’t felt the way Jimin pressed a light kiss on his broad shoulder in return.

“What are you doing to me, Kookie?” Jimin whispered before he too, fell into the silence of the night and slept. 

Jimin woke up first. His body was a little stiff, but didn’t mind the slight numbness when he realized it had been due to his position in bed. Jungkook, his cute, but huge maknae was still laid out in front of him and his hand was remained to be held by Jungkook’s larger one.

There was a slight feeling of guilt that Jimin tried to push down; he liked the feeling of Jungkook’s lips on him a little too much, probably a lot more than he should. But who could really blame him when Jimin liked him for as long as he did. Yet he knew Jungkook didn’t feel the same way, and it’s because of that, despite it being Jungkook’s actions and initiation, Jimin felt as if he somehow enticed the sleep induced boy. Jimin shouldn’t have kissed his shoulder last night.

Yet, it was because of that exchange that Jimin found his sleep to be the best he ever had. He slept with a light heart and a thrilled mind, and it resulted in sweet, sweet dreams of a timeline where he and Jungkook could be. But it was back to reality. Jungkook was his dongsaeng and Jimin was his hyung. So once again, for the thousandth time, Jimin shoved the feelings down and released himself from Jungkook to get himself ready for the day.

Jungkook was slightly disappointed when he woke to an empty bed, the space Jimin had taken up now cold. He knew the bitterness he felt was misplaced because he shouldn’t have expected Jimin to stay, but Jungkook expected him to, though really, there shouldn’t have been expectations in the first place. 

He turned on his other side and laid his arm flat upon the sheets that blanketed his hyung a few hours ago. He imagined what it would have been like had Jungkook faced the other way, locked eyes with Jimin as the other rested himself on him. Would he have kissed his fingers the same way, or had it been the brevity of not seeing Jimin’s face as he did so which gave him the courage to perform such boldness? Would he have done it? Jungkook wished the answer was yes; he didn’t want to be afraid of showing his affection, but he also didn’t want to make Jimin feel uncomfortable.

An unsettling feeling began to form as Jungkook put Jimin’s absence and his actions together.

“Oh no,” he whispered and rubbed his hands in front of his face in shame.

What if Jimin was uncomfortable with him. His hyung was too kind for the world, so it was probable that Jimin didn’t say anything last night to spare his feelings, to ensure the atmosphere wasn’t awkward. But coming morning, Jimin had decided to dig out. Maybe he hadn’t even stayed throughout the night and waited until Jungkook fell asleep to make a dash for it.

Jungkook didn’t want to leave the safety of his room. He wasn’t ready to face Jimin and explain his actions or not explain them.

Why’d he kiss him? Why’d he kiss his fingers? And then sleep right after?

Jungkook flung himself back into the bed and groaned, wanting nothing more than to disappear into his bed so no one, especially Jimin, could find him. Everything had been going so grand lately, he couldn’t believe he allowed himself free rein for his emotions to dictate his actions. He should’ve more in control of himself, for Jimin at least.

Now the other was probably weirded out. He was probably telling the others and oh God… what if Namjoon talked to him about it? What if he decided to separate Jimin from him because his inability to control his urges like Haewoon.

What if Jimin started seeing him as Haewoon?

Jungkook was crying now. He hated the thought of being compared to Haewoon that he hadn’t realized he had already started behaving like him. It wasn’t his intention at all and he could only hope that Jimin didn’t see him that way, but judging by what just happened, Jungkook wasn’t sure that he wouldn’t.

He grabbed the neighboring pillow hastily and slammed it onto his face to muffle the sobs that were rapturing from his chest. It started to hurt more than he could bare. All his mind could consume at the moment was the detrimental thought of a possibility of Jimin choosing to cut off ties with Jungkook, to look at him in disgust, to tell him off like he had with Haewoon, and to find shelter upon someone else a lot more trustworthy.

In the midst of his breakdown, Jungkook heard several knocks on his door and the knob start to turn not too long after. Jungkook bit his lip and attempted to control his breath; he didn’t want anyone to know that he was crying.

“Jeon Jungkookie,” Jimin sang.

And his beautiful voice strung a slight whimper from Jungkook, one he had to quickly swallow down. Jungkook noticed Jimin didn’t sound mad at all, so he relaxed slightly, but refused to get up.

“Wake up, sleepy head!” Jimin gave a weak slap to the side of his butt.

Jungkook moaned at the contact, which elicited a giggle from Jimin.

He hadn’t sounded disgusted at all, not even slightly. And he hadn’t distanced himself away; Jimin chose to be the one to get Jungkook. Jimin chose to wake him up.

“Hyung, five more minutes, please?”

Jungkook still held the pillow onto his face, hiding away the useless tears he shed over his lack of belief in Jimin’s character. He should have known Jimin wouldn’t just up and disregard Jungkook; Jungkook should have trusted him a bit more. So he felt ashamed when he felt Jimin run his hand up and down the sides of his arms to massage his limbs, to make sure his body was being taken care of unaware that the man he was attending to thought so little of his loyalty just a few minutes ago.

“Five minutes, but I’m getting your ass on the dot. We have to leave in an hour, and I am not missing the ATV adventure because of you.”

Jungkook smiled at the threat. Jimin didn’t need to miss the ATV tour if Jungkook didn’t go, but it sounded nice hearing Jimin wanted to do this with him.

Jimin sat on the edge of his bed and waited patiently for the first minute, but into the second minute, the longer his attention lingered on Jungkook and the hands stationed above the pillow that laid on his head, Jimin felt something stir in his heart.

Jungkook had been so patient with him and so gentle. His kisses last night felt full of love and filled with desperate whispers of promises. Jimin wanted to return the affection, even if it probably meant more to him, even if just an hour ago he felt riddled with guilt. If Jungkook could do that to Jimin, then Jimin should be able to do the same. He’s handled being rejected by Jungkook before, so if he was not wanted, he’d take it in stride and move on.

But for now… he’d test what he could give. Jimin would test the boundary of their growing relationship. He could always suffer the consequences of his actions after.

So as Jimin stood to leave, he approached Jungkook’s fists and whispered, “three minutes,” before he placed a kiss upon his largest knuckle. It was short, merely a second of contact, but it was enough to set off the flames in Jimin’s heart and had him shuffling out the door. 

Jungkook stayed in bed for the next minute just processing what he felt. His knuckle still tingled with the sensation of Jimin’s lips on him. It was a second, featherlight, barely there, but it was and it was Jimin.

So much for being afraid that he scared Jimin off, because instead he just inadvertently made the other more more daring.

Was Jimin mocking him, perhaps? Jungkook stopped that trail of thought immediately before it derailed into more unnecessary crying. Jimin was not like that. That only meant that Jimin probably appreciated his kisses to feel as if he could reciprocate them. And he heard how quickly Jimin bolted out the door; Jungkook wished he could see the bloom of Jimin’s face and the embarrassment he probably felt before he left. He probably looked extremely cute.

Jungkook was so happy, so incredibly happy and paralyzed on the spot. He tried to remember the feeling of the slight pressure on his hand again and again, until…

He heard the door slam open and for a moment Jungkook’s heart leapt at the thought it could be Jimin again. But when he heard “time’s up!” and a sudden weight drop down onto his entire body, he was disappointed to realize it was just Tae.

“Get off!” Jungkook flung his body from here, ripped the pillow away from his face and was met with Tae’s boxy grin.

“Rise and shine, beautiful. Jimin sent me to get your ass out of bed! Apparently he had to cool down or something.”

Jungkook only smirked at that small revelation -it appeared his hyung was a lot more affected than he realized.

Yeah, Hawaii truly was paradise.

The trip had come to an end, unfortunately. Many memories were made, a lot of delicious food eaten, and beautiful sights were taken in. He got to witness Jimin’s excitement for dinosaur props in Kualoa Ranch and his tiny lizard friend at the house, learned the basics of surfing, and took a cruise out to watch the sunset; Jungkook wasn’t quite ready to go back home. He never liked traveling and sightseeing as much, but Jimin did. He was so happy and carefree, and although he knew Jimin loved the idol life, Jungkook sometimes saw the way it ate at him.

Jungkook just wanted to stay for just one more day, without cameras and tasks, and to drink up the innocence of Jimin’s freedom before they were tied to work again.

But it wasn’t like that. They had schedules lined up and they needed to prepare for them. And when they finally returned to Korea, they did just that. It was constant.

But what also stayed constant, that was brought back from Hawaii, was Jimin’s eagerness to share a bed with Jungkook on some nights despite being roommates with Hobi. What didn’t change was the way Jimin held Jungkook perfectly from behind him, the way Jimin didn’t miss a beat in nuzzling his cheek into Jungkook’s back and neck. What didn’t change was the small kisses exchanged between them -never on the lips, as Jungkook started to crave more and more, but instead on their fingers, the palm of their hands, their shoulders.

Innocence and purity. That’s what their pecks were.

It was confusing because Jungkook didn’t know what it meant, but he loved giving them and loved receiving them. He never questioned it, though he should, and just fell into bliss of the actions.

He just wanted to give Jimin a hint about his feelings, but now the hints were blurring into desires. And Jimin wasn’t helping. Sooner or later, Jungkook knew they would have to talk about it, about what it all meant. But for now, just like it had been for a couple of nights, Jungkook just wanted to take it slow. To showcase his feelings in a proper manner and to convince Jimin that he’d take whatever Jimin gave.

So for now, the light kisses shared between just the two of them were between them only, and Jungkook would think no more of it than just that.

Chapter Text

Since the members were now aware of Jimin’s situation with Haewoon, they’ve been a lot more attentive and protective toward the smallest member. However, they’ve all decided it’d be best to deviate from being too obvious as they surveyed Haewoon from afar in hopes that they could get an understanding of just how worrisome the staff could be.

For the most part, Jimin and Haewoon never interacted since they’ve arrived back to Korea from Hawaii. But Jungkook knew better than to let his guard down. After hearing the traumatizing nightmare Jimin had endured, Jungkook’s entire being functioned with the desire to keep Jimin protected.

Even more than he already felt inclined to do.

Jungkook and Jimin were chilling on the bed on their last night in Hawaii; the smaller man had his head laid upon Jungkook’s lap and Jungkook was playing with a few strands of Jimin’s hair. Jimin went into further detail about what led him to sleep by himself in the practice room. The visions still ran clear in Jimin’s mind and he found it difficult to recall the events, his fears and inability to fight back or even call for help.

“I don’t get it,” Jimin complained. “I have a black belt; I could kick his ass if I wanted to -I’m sure of it.”

Jungkook smiled at his fighting spirit, but kept his mouth shut from encouraging it. There was no doubt that Jimin was strong enough to do so, but the question remained if Jimin’s kind soul would be capable of hurting someone else. Jungkook instinctively took hold of one of Jimin’s hands and began stretching out his fingers one by one.

“Or you know, I could do that for you. We don’t want these soft hands tainted, do we?”

“You’re a red belt, Jungkook.”

“I’m a red- black belt, hyung ,” Jungkook argued, a little offended at Jimin’s dismissal though he knew he was just teasing.

Jimin snorted and preened his neck upwards so that he held eye contact with Jungkook. “Who’s going to take you seriously with that baby face of yours?” He curled his pinky around Jungkook’s index finger as the younger continued to massage him.

“My body says otherwise if you hadn’t noticed.”

The arrogance and cockiness was almost palpable and Jimin almost choked on it.

Yes, Jimin was very aware that Jungkook’s body had drastically improved: broad shoulders, slim waist, lean and muscular. Often times, Jimin would think about how his muscles would contract when Jungkook so much as lifted anything and how unbelievably attractive it was.

“Hmmm,” was the only response Jimin offered before looking away before a blush could surface upon his cheeks.

They’ve been relatively closer. Jimin had no means of complaining, but it was confusing as to where their line was.

“I can be intimidating, Jimin.” There was a slight bite in his words that startled Jimin. Manliness was definitely not something Jungkook lacked; there were times when his voice went low and sultry, his eyes dimmed dark and piercing, and he’d carry himself with such an authority despite being the maknae. Jimin was not oblivious to all aspects of Jungkook, but sometimes he wouldn’t allow himself to see past the boy who once drank an entire case of banana milk in one sitting and got a stomach ache a few hours later because of it.

“You can’t always see me as a baby,” he explained further, though it sounded more like a grumble.

Jimin wanted to laugh in disbelief but kept his mouth shut. “Yet you always treat me like one.”

Strings tugged at Jungkook’s lips and pulled them toward his ears effortlessly until a smile overwhelmed his face. Jungkook watched fondly as Jimin shimmied over and turned so that he laid against his stomach now, his body and face angled in his direction.

This time Jungkook didn’t reply to him. When he called Jimin his baby before, there was a slight tease in it, but now that his feelings weighed so heavily behind his words, calling Jimin his baby now would only make him more attached. So instead, Jungkook shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, his grin still intact. 

“I don’t want our trip to end, Kookie.”

Jungkook pulled Jimin’s hand toward his lips and rested the inside of his palm there; it felt warm and right and Jimin looked up to him with such endearing eyes that Jungkook melted at the sight.

He wanted this. He wanted him so badly.

 “Mmm, I don’t want it to, either...” ...baby .

Since that night, back in Korea, Jimin found it calming to have Jungkook nearby during late hours. It eased his mind and quieted his sleep; his dreams were pleasant and sometimes Jimin didn’t want them to end. So a couple of times every other week, Jimin would knock quietly on Jungkook’s door and Jungkook already knowing it was Jimin would call him in. The older would crawl into his cluttered and soft bed and Jungkook would turn his back for Jimin to wrap himself around him.

It became routine.

“You can tell me if I’m getting annoying,” Jimin whispered into the night.

“The only thing that’s annoying, Jimin, is you still feeling shy about all of this; you’re always welcome here... with me.”

“Thank you.”

“Now sleep, Jiminie, it’s gonna be a long day tomorrow.” 

And it had been. A long month, actually. Rehearsals and interviews and performance after performance. Jungkook was exhausted 24/7 and he’d been glad that his other hyungs were finally aware of Haewoon, because even if he wanted to be there for Jimin at all times, sometimes he found himself knocked out in the strangest locations and positions. But there wasn’t a need to worry because he knew when he awoke that Jimin was never alone.

Namjoon kept an eye on Jimin like a hawk.

Yoongi was there to talk to Jimin any chance he got.

Taehyung played with Jimin during their breaks.

Hobi took Jimin whenever he wanted to practice.

And Jin took him out to eat. 

There was never a time, other than when they were back in the dorm that Jimin was left alone. At first, Jimin had been overwhelmed by the attention. He’d been embarrassed because he originally though only Tae and Hobi knew of Haewoon and was completely oblivious to Jungkook’s admittance of the situation to his other hyungs. Though he wasn’t necessarily mad at Jungkook for involving them without his notice, he was still a little peeved about it.

But he understood Jungkook’s worry. Therefore, he never said anything about it.

In fact, after awhile, Jimin appreciated that from Jungkook; he loved his quality time with his members, he loved bonding with them, and getting close to them as much as possible. He hated being alone to begin with, so everything worked out in the end.

And the talks. Jimin needed to have talks. He got them from Taehyung and Jungkook, but now he had Hobi to talk to after each extra session they had. And it was great!

Especially when Jimin had accidentally bumped his head on a shelf and Jungkook had taken it upon himself to kiss the pain away, unbeknownst to him of the peering eyes of Hobi from across the room.

“So like… you and Jungkook?”

Jimin felt the talk coming from a mile away. When he turned to Hobi, the other had such an obnoxious smirk gracing his pretty face. It disturbed Jimin.

“What about us?”

Jimin tried to sound nonchalant, but his insides were burning.

“I saw him kiss your head, Jimin. I saw you blush.” Now Jimin was blushing again and he was worried thinking of whether Jungkook had noticed it too. As if reading his expressions, Hobi laughed and shuffled his hand into his hair. “Don’t worry, I don’t think Jungkook saw you blushing. But he was blushing too, you know.”

The way Hobi had said it disheartened Jimin. “Hobi...stop. He’s not like that.”

“It doesn’t look like that to me.”

Jimin huffed and threw his body to the dance floor. He let the ceiling lights blind him a little before he closed his eyes and let his thoughts wander. For so long he didn’t entertain the possibility of Jungkook actually liking him, but the hugs, his looks, and now his kisses literally threw Jimin into a wildfire of possibilities.

He never wanted to question it because Jimin was selfish. He didn’t want what Jungkook was so readily giving him to end.

“Please don’t,” Jimin whispered. “I don’t want to get hurt. You know how much I like him.”

Hobi’s eyes softened at his pouty dongsaeng and laid next to him. “I know, I know. I’ve just noticed lately… how differently he treats you.”

“It’s because he’s protective.”

“And we are too. Have you seen the way we hover over you after learning about your situation?” Hobi tried to reason. “But you don’t see us kissing away your booboos and looking at you like you’re our entire world. I mean, you mean a lot to me and to the others obviously. I swear Tae kisses the floor you walk on when you’re not looking-” Hobi teased dramatically, which earned a giggle from Jimin. “But Jungkook is on a whole other level. ”

“What are you talking about?”

Hobi swung to his side now, elbow parallel to the ground and propped up so that his head was lifted. He was now facing Jimin directly. There was an accusatory glint in his gaze that was oblivious to the other. “Don’t think I haven't noticed you sneaking out and into Jungkook’s room every two nights for the past weeks.”

If Jimin could curl himself into the tightest ball ever, he would. In fact, he attempted to before Hobi groaned and tried to whack him out of it. Jimin stared back at him bewildered, catching Hobi off guard by Jimin’s complete vulnerability.

“Hobi, I don’t want to hope for anything…” Jimin tried to control his emotions and pull back the tears that were threatening to fall over. Hobi caught the small change in demeanour before Jimin had a chance at recovering and instantly caught him in an awkward embrace as they laid upon the floor.

“Oh my poor Jiminie…”

“I really like him. I know I shouldn’t, but he’s been so nice to me and I -I…”

Hobi shushed him.

“You can’t keep this hidden forever, Jiminie. I know it’ll be hard, but we’re one here.”

“Give me time?”

Hobi nodded his head. “All the time you need, sweetie. No one’s rushing you at all.”

In an entirely different room, Jungkook was caught by a wild Taehyung. It was due to impeccable timing that Taehyung had managed to get Jungkook alone; he’d been meaning to talk to him lately, but with their hectic schedule as of late, getting the other isolated proved rather difficult. However, as their hyungs parted ways to work on their own projects and Jimin and Hobi went off to practice, Taehyung managed to corner Jungkook back in their dorm.

There were no schedules for the rest of the day, the evening was still young, and Tae was on a mission to get some answers. So when Jungkook was lured in by Taehyung on an Overwatch marathon, Jungkook was more than surprised to be bombarded with questions he hadn’t prepared answering.

“What’s your game? What’s up with you and Jimin? What’s up with you ? Why are you kissing Jimin every other day? Yeah I’ve seen that!” Taehyung sniped when Jungkook’s ears reddened and his eyes went wide with shock.

Jungkook had been meaning to let Tae and Hobi know, but considering they barely had enough time to breath lately, he postponed it for another day. After awhile, it slipped his mind entirely and he’d almost forgotten that among the seven of them, there was still three completely unaware of Jungkook’s recent ‘coming out’.

He was neither afraid or ashamed of revealing himself to Tae, but it was still awkward. By reflex, Jungkook ran his hand behind his neck to massage the discomfort away.

“Well…,” he laughed nervously. “I’ve been meaning to tell you something…”

Taehyung began to drink his bottle of water as he waited patiently for Jungkook to continue.

“I’m gay.”

Water. Water everywhere. Taehyung spewed water in absolute shock and elation as he realized that his assumptions were correct ? There was no time to react, all with Taehyung choking and Jungkook flying back in absolute disgust at having been spat at.

Jungkook wiped at his face rapidly with his sleeves and stared stupidly at the dark spot on his shirt where Taehyung had accurately targeted. Favoritism of his hyung was clearly evident in Jungkook’s mind, because If it had been Jimin snorting out his water at him, he would have probably cooed and made sure the other was okay. That was not the case though, and Jungkook was near glaring at Taehyung as his hyung was now sprawled on the floor struggling to catch his breath. 

“Gross, hyung.”

“I’m dying, asshole!”

Jungkook shrugged his shoulders unconcerned. “Didn’t think it’d surprise you that much, honestly. I saw the way you were purposely trying to get me riled up with Jimin.” It did take awhile for Jungkook to notice, but once he caught the pattern and Taehyung’s occasional look in his direction before he went to flirt with Jimin, it wasn’t hard to comprehend his hyung’s obvious intentions.

“You noticed?” Taehyung asked in between coughs.

“You ain’t slick, hyung.”

After switching his shirt with one from Tae’s closet, Jungkook displayed mercy and hovered over the suffering man and rubbed his back in comfort.

“So you’re double confessing to me right now?”

“Huh?”

“You just told me I was riling you up with Jimin. That means it did affect you… do you really like Jiminie?”

Jungkook’s face erupted in flames; he hadn’t meant to reveal that much just yet. He wasn’t ready to be teased again so out of desperation to change the subject, Jungkook slapped Taehyung’s back quite hard, completely unaware of the intensity of his slap, which caused Tae to howl in surprised pain.

“What the fuck, Kook!”

Jungkook immediately started rubbing his back once more. “Sorry. Sorry,” he mumbled.

“So now that you know, let’s play Overwatch!” he announced giddily and pranced over to his game console.

“Oh no you’re not! You answer my damn question, Kook!”

Taehyung needed to know now. If everything worked out well, Jimin’s crush on Kook may not be so one sided afterwall. He always had a hunch, but now it could finally be confirmed.

Jungkook sighed loudly. Taehyung’s eyes beamed with determination and Jungkook knew he wouldn’t be able to get out of it even if he tried. He set the controller down onto the ground and crawled into his bed and wrapped himself into his sheets so that only his the top of his head was visible.

Tae pounced on him, and although it was comforting, Jungkook wished for another weight upon him.

“Don’t be shy, Kookie. It’s only me.”

“Yes,” Jungkook mumbled.

The boxy grin on Taehyung threatened to rip his cheeks apart at the seams by the small confession, but he craved for more, something more solid.

“Yes what?”

Silence ensued the two and for a moment it was incredibly uncomfortable.

“Kook?”

“Yes, I like Jiminie hyung!” Jungkook bellowed and pulled his sheets further up so now he was completely engulfed and lost into his blankets.

Taehyung’s heart completely soared. Everything was lining up perfectly and so beautifully. Their fates were so intertwined with each other it was baffling: being born in Busan, being idols in BigHit, and now finding love with one another. Destiny really favored his two best friends and Tae couldn’t be any more happier than he was now.

“For how long?”

“Probably a long time, but I just found out probably two months ago.”

Tae frowned. “So you’ve been keeping this secret from us for that long?”

“Well…” Jungkook started hesitantly. “Not exactly. I’ve already told Jin, Namjoon, and Yoongi hyung…”

Jungkook could feel Tae shuffle himself above him, and after awhile he was completely off him. The bed sunk at the edge and Jungkook peeked through his sheets to see Taehyung sulking at the corner.

“And you’re only telling me now? Were you afraid of telling me?

There was only a tinge of guilt that Jungkook felt when he saw the betrayal in Taehyung’s eyes. He quickly shook his head to assure Tae that that wasn’t the case.

“No, no, hyung. I wasn’t afraid. I just didn’t have the time. That and I knew you were gonna tease the shit out of me.”

Tae’s eyes lightened, but he still felt a little hurt that it took Jungkook that long to open up to him. “I mean… you’re not wrong,” he laughed. “The way you’ve been with Jimin lately, anyone but him can probably see that you’re completely whipped for the guy.”

The blush returned on Jungkook’s cheeks. “I’m not trying to hide it, but I’m trying not to scare him also.”

“Why don’t you just tell him,” Tae suggested, because as far as he knew, Jimin and Jungkook were now mutuals with their feelings. He could tell Jungkook right now, but that would be going against Jimin’s trust. He was so conflicted; he just wanted to shove both of them inside a room and force them to confess to each other, but everyone had their own pace when it came to relationships and confessions.

But it’d be so much easier.

“Can I te-”

“No,” Jungkook cut off, then he shot his eyes in accusatory slits at Taehyung. “You can’t, hyung. Let me do it.”

Taehyung groaned in frustration. “Just do it then,” he whined.

“Tae,” Jungkook warned.

“ Fine! ” Taehyung surrendered. He was happy at the information, but he was bitter at having found out so late. “I’m just saying you probably won’t be disappointed if you do…” he drawled and slipped out of bed.

The implication was not lost on Jungkook so he scrambled out of his sheets before Taehyung could leave. “What do you mean by that?” he asked eagerly.

Taehyung only shrugged and his hand played with the door knob as he turned to Jungkook with a slight smirk. “Not telling.”

“Hyung,” Jungkook pouted.

“Pouting only works when it’s Jiminie doing it.” Jungkook nodded his head internally -Taehyung wasn’t wrong about that. “Maybe I’ll tell you after two months,” he shot back pettily before leaving Jungkook to his own thoughts.

 There was hope blooming in his heart at Tae’s insistence, but he didn’t want to wander too deep into his implications. Tae wasn’t as petty and full of schemes like Jimin was, but that didn’t mean Jungkook could be reckless with his words.

Was it implied that Jimin liked him too?

Oh how he wished that was true.

Or was Tae just teasing him?

Jungkook shoved his face into the pillow and screamed.

“I just wanted to play Overwatch,” Jungkook groaned.

After Tae, Jungkook thought it best to rip the bandaid entirely and confess to Hobi as well. So after one particular rehearsal, Jungkook had made an excuse that he needed help perfecting a single move, and told Jimin if he and Tae could head out to get some food.

Jungkook saw Tae wiggle his eyebrows flirtatiously from behind Jimin and he’d never desired so badly to be a little older than Tae than in that moment just so he could get the other in an infuriating headlock. He shot Tae a hard glare when Jimin wasn’t looking and the annoying demon simply laughed.

“Tae?” Jimin turned around in question. Hands in the air, Taehyung dismissed him.

“Nothing,” Tae chuckled. “Let’s go, Jiminie. We gotta feed our little Kookie with a lot of love and give this baby some food.”

Forget hierarchy, Jungkook was going to murder him.

Jimin turned back around to face Jungkook with a smile that calmed down all the irritation he felt just a second ago. The wonders Jimin’s smile could do.

“I’ll see you soon then? Don’t work too hard, please.” Jungkook nodded with a smile. “You too, hyung!” Jimin called out to Hobi, whom in turn gave their tiny member a thumbs up. 

When the doors finally closed and Hobi set up the radio, Jungkook began warming himself for his second confession within the same week. It wasn’t hard to do, but starting the conversation was always the most uncomfortable part. He wondered how it’d be like with Jimin as it was his reaction that was the most important to him.

He needed Jimin to understand him; he wouldn’t be able to function properly if that wouldn’t be the case.

“So which move was i-”

“I like Jimin.”

Band-aid had been ripped, though it wasn’t necessarily the confession he meant to say. Jungkook bit his lip timidly and silently cursed himself for having his mind plagued with thoughts of Jimin.

Oh well, Jungkook couldn’t just take it back, neither did he want to joke about it.

Hobi stopped in his tracks, remote still in hand, and mouth agape. Jungkook exuded the same awkward energy as he fiddled with his fingers and stared shyly onto the ground. “I thought I should let you know, ‘cause like everyone else knows… except Jimin hyung…”

There was an uncomfortable pregnant pause between the two as neither made an effort to say a single word. Jungkook didn’t even bother looking up to read his hyung’s expression, not wanting to see the shameless grin or the disappointed eyes of having been told second to last. However, Hobi had his mind far from teasing Jungkook or being disappointed, because all Hobi had in mind was the sheer, absolute coincidence of the timely event.

Not too long ago, merely yesterday, Jimin had poured his heart out telling him about his love for Jungkook, and now Jungkook was telling him he had the same feelings? Hobi didn’t know how to react except to squeal in absolute delight. How lucky those two finding each other the way they had.

“You need to tell him!” Hobi nearly screamed, unable to contain the excitement. “Like when he comes back. Like immediately.”

Jungkook was confused. There was definitely something he’d been missing.

“Uh… I was planning on telling him, hyung, but I’m not trying to rush things or anything.”

There was impatience and disbelief clearly painted in Hobi’s eyes and Jungkook just couldn’t decipher why that may be. It was really odd. 

Suddenly all the enthusiasm was drained out and Jungkook was then presented with a very distraught Hobi. The whiplash of emotions was almost too much to bare; he had no idea how to react.

“Why not just do it now?” he asked.

“You and Tae hyung… why are you rushing this? Is there something you guys aren’t telling me?”

The more Jungkook thought about the situation, the stranger it got. And it was only due to Hobi and Taehyung’s reaction to his confession -the two men who had been with Jimin the day after his nightmare…

“What are you hiding?” Jungkook persisted, which forced Hobi to be at a standstill, mouth suddenly tight lipped. And Jungkook wasn’t having it. “Is it about Jimin?”

Jungkook knew it was about Jimin, but he didn’t want to assume anything when it came to him. Jimin was sensitive and his feelings needed to be cared for carefully so Jungkook needed to attend to them with caution. He wasn’t going to confess to him if he wasn’t certain the other would feel comfortable with his sexuality. He wasn’t going to make Jimin feel tense, not with him, never with him.

So why was it that Taehyung and Hobi insisted, with vigor, that Jungkook go ahead and do just that. They would never purposely put Jimin in an uncomfortable position, not after what they had just learned about Haewoon. So why would they want him to instantly open up to Jimin about it?

Unless..?

“Is Jimin hyung…”

“Don’t,” Hobi warned, his tone a little colder and a little more wary. “That’s not something you should ask me.”

Though he was right, Jungkook felt on defense by the sudden change in attitude of Hobi. “Sorry,” Jungkook muttered. “You’re just not making any sense to me. This is my confession; I should be able to tell Jimin at my own pace, yet you and Taehyung are -for some reason- pushing me to do this immediately.” 

Hobi quickly lightened up and guilt ran through his face as he assessed what just transpired. He shook his head and approached Jungkook timidly. Though he was the hyung, Hobi felt ashamed at having dismissed Jungkook completely. Over the excitement of his two babies finding love in one another, he forgot to take into account that Jungkook may not be ready.

He just recently found out about Jimin and it turned out it had been years before he opened up to him. Now there was Jungkook -who knew how long he struggled over time. And there was Hobi, being insensitive to what could’ve probably been Jungkook’s hardest decision thus far.

“I’m sorry Kook-ah…” He rested a hand over Jungkook’s shoulder and squeeze him. Hobi offered a small and kind smile. “So you like Jiminie?”

“I do. Very much.”

Hobi now showed teeth and he tried to control the butterflies fluttering in his stomach. “He’s a really precious boy.”

Jungkook returned the smile now, grateful that he could skip past the 21 questions of when and what and how's he was used to answering after each revelation.

“I know,” he simply replied.

“Thank you for letting me know, Kook. You’re very brave.”

Jungkook shook his head. “I’m just honest.”

Hobi pulled him into a hug, arms crushing the bones of poor Kook’s ribs, but he hardly cared. The emotions were flaring within Hobi and he found it difficult to keep them contained.

“Hyung will support you.”

Jungkook had no idea whether Hobi meant he supported him liking men or he supported him in terms of Jimin; there was no way of knowing, but it was certain that Hobi seemed to have minded either one. And because Jungkook didn’t feel like pushing his curiosity onto Hobi anymore than he already had, he circled his arms around his hyung and reciprocated the embrace. 

“Thank you, hyung.”

For the remaining time as they waited for Tae and Jimin to return with food, Hobi and Jungkook opened up to one another. Hobi shared his insecurities within the group and Jungkook assured him plenty that without him, Bangtan would struggle with balance and foundation as Hobi stood as their pillar. Jungkook shyly spoke about Jimin and his struggles with the fear of possible rejection, but Hobi assured him that even if it didn't work with Jimin, Jimin was still going to be the maknae lover no matter what.

After half an hour, the door of their practice room slammed open, and Taehyung was on the other end with two plastic bags on his side. Jungkook leaned his head to the side to get a peek of Jimin, but was confused with the empty space behind him.

Hobi had the same intention when he leaned the other way to look. And finally, Tae blinked his eyes a few time when he too noticed the missing presence.

"Where's Jimin?" they all asked simultaneously.

Chapter Text

There weren’t a lot of conventional things Jungkook was afraid of. He welcomed ghosts, pranced through the darkness, loved heights and adrenaline, and hell, if death stared him right in the face, Jungkook would’ve probably nodded his head at him in greeting. So when Jungkook felt fear, it was usually in regards to someone else -particularly to people he cared for.

And right now, as Jungkook shared concerned glances between Hobi and Tae, whom Jimin was supposed to be with, but was not… the onslaught of tremendous terror engulfed him. Rarely was there a time Jimin had been alone outside of their dorm, and there was a reason for that. And that reason may very well have found Jimin and…

“Where is he, hyung?” Jungkook didn’t mean to sound as icy as he did, but multiple scenarios began playing in his head and none of them were pleasant.

Luckily, Tae hadn’t found it offensive as he too saw the magnitude of the situation. “I was just dropping off some food for Namjoon and Yoongi hyung. Jimin said he was gonna head up first, but why isn’t he here?”

“He didn’t,” Hobi clarified.

Jungkook was already up on his feet, trudging through the entrance ready to search every square inch of the building until he found his hyung. Whether or not Haewoon was even in the vicinity didn’t matter, because the slight chance that he was with the added knowledge of Jimin being alone, was enough reason for him to get into action.

“You guys can start eating; I’m just going to look for hyung.”

Tae shuffled to place the bags down in suit of Jungkook. “Hey, hey, hold up. I’ll come with.” Before he fully dashed down the halls as Jungkook had, Tae turned back to Hobi. “Can you stay, hyung? Just in case Jimin comes back? We might just be overreacting.”

Hobi simply nodded and waved his hand to signal him off to go. When Tae disappeared from the threshold, Hobi slumped back onto the cold, hard, wooden floor and sighed. He really hoped it was just them overreacting and that Jimin was fine.

Tae felt guilty as he hopped down the stairway, skipping several steps at a time, in search for his friend. He was sure Jimin could take care of himself, but he still promised to be there for him. In the split second he decided that he’d meet Jimin up at the practice room, it never occurred to him the possibility of Jimin crossing paths with Haewoon.

He knew Haewoon was in the building; he saw the asshole right before Jimin and him had left to pick up food. When they came back, Tae had completely forgotten all about him despite there being so much disdain he held for the man for causing unpleasantry onto Jimin. Tae felt as if he should’ve put the situation into more consideration.

So he didn’t think that there’d be a problem when he split with Jimin. He didn’t think about Haewoon. He didn’t think about Jimin.

And the regret didn’t hit him until he saw that Jimin wasn’t where he thought he’d be and watched the instant fall on Jungkook’s face upon the revelation of his absence. Tae had never seen Jungkook so worried before, as if his world shattered, and Tae had been part of the reason why.

“Damn it,” he seethed when he turned a corner to nothing. “Where’d you go?”

Jungkook wasn’t doing any better. Over the years, their practice buildings had only continued to expand. So there were many halls, many rooms, and lounges to look through, though all left him feeling disappointed and distraught. Each turn and every floor, Jungkook was only met with people who weren’t Jimin, and even worse, who weren’t Haewoon. If he had spotted Haewoon, Jungkook would’ve felt relieved. However, the mere thought of seeing neither, with the possibility that they could have been together, tore at his heart.

Literally, where could Jimin have gone? In the short time he separated with Tae, where in the hell could Jimin go?

He wasn’t afraid that Haewoon would do anything too drastic; Haewoon was still staff and a part of the company with major repercussions if he even thought of doing anymore than he already had. Jungkook, instead, was more afraid of having Jimin hear his sick obsession for him.

Because Jimin was kind. Surely his hyung wouldn’t tolerate the behavior, but he was compassionate enough to try and understand where Haewoon was coming from. More than anything, Jungkook didn’t want Jimin to sympathize with Haewoon and convince himself that it was okay for the older male to treat Jimin like he had. He didn’t want Jimin to have anymore nightmares or any more reasons to feel afraid.

He didn’t want Jimin anywhere near him at all.

Haewoon could taunt him all he wanted for that fact, because in all honesty, Jungkook didn’t give a fuck about any of his thoughts. What mattered was Jimin: his safety and his happiness. And if Haewoon so much as disrupted any of those two, Jungkook knew that he wouldn’t be able to rein in his temper. He’d tear apart Haewoon’s safety and crush his happiness if he even dared lay a finger on Jimin.

When he turned the next corner and saw that the hall was yet again Jimin and Haewoon free, Jungkook thought he was going to lose his damn mind. Jimin hadn’t been answering his phone nor his texts and the worry that was intensifying within the pits of his stomach was threatening to brim over. However, the second he turned and collided with a body that felt all too familiar with him, all of Jungkook’s anxiety was quickly replaced with a flood of relief.

Jimin, on the other hand, felt close to livid as he watched both ice cream cones fall from his hand and onto the tiled floors.

“No!” Jimin pouted, unaware that he just bumped into Jungkook, obviously more concerned for the lost of his frozen treats.

If Jungkook hadn’t been shaking with terror for the past fifteen minutes, he would have made fun of Jimin’s childlike behavior, but that wasn’t the case. Jungkook was beyond worried for the older man and had conjured up scenarios that did nothing but infuriate him. He realized then, that Jimin really was going to be the death of him. It was worrisome how much Jimin affected him -how his mere absence caused Jungkook to scout the area with no hesitation.

But he was worth it.

So Jungkook snaked his arms around his pouty and sulking hyung’s waist, pulling him in, and rested his cheek on the bed of his fluffy blonde hair.

“Fuck, Jimin,” he groaned out in frustration. “Where were you?” 

Jimin was a little dumbfounded after realizing who he’d bumped into and at the sudden embrace, but decided not to pull away. It was Jungkook. Jimin didn’t think there would ever be a time where he’d willingly deny Jungkook any sort of physical contact. Therefore, Jimin allowed himself to be engulfed of Jungkook’s warmth, despite being absolutely confused about the situation.

The ice cream slowly melted below him -bits of the waffle clones were shattered into crumbs all around, the mix of melted chocolate and vanilla cream trailed through the cracks of the tiles. Jimin frowned at the sad visual; he’d have to clean that up…

“Jimin? Why’d you split from Tae hyung?”

The rustle of plastic reached Jungkook’s ear. He pulled back slightly so that Jimin could display the bag of drinks that he’d been holding.

“We forgot to get drinks. I was going to just grab some for us and then I got distracted with getting ice cream,” Jimin replied softly and nudged his head toward the destroyed ice creams. “I got you one, too.”

Disbelief washed over Jungkook’s entire face and was then replaced with guilt.

“I’m sorry,” he mumbled as he followed Jimin’s dejected glance at his ruined treats. “I wasn’t paying attention.”

“Mmm,” Jimin hummed. “I take it that you were just worried that I was alone?”

Jungkook pulled Jimin into an empty room and closed the door with his foot before he slid his back down against the wall with his hyung is still in his arm. How long could Jungkook last without Jimin not understanding how he felt, why he was so protective over him, and why the mere thought of Haewoon with jimin angered him. How much longer was Jungkook going to act and not confess?

“You have no idea how worried I was, hyung,” he breathed. “I just don’t want anything to happen to you.”

“I’m fine, Kookie.” Jimin went pliant in his hold. His heart softened for the younger one. It was endearing to feel just how much Jungkook cared for him, to an extent where the other sounded so close to breaking. It confused Jimin because yes, it made sense for Jungkook to worry about him, but why had it felt like so much more?

“I can handle myself you know. You and the others don’t have to be so paranoid. It was just one nightmare… Haewoon really hasn’t even done anything or said anything to me for months.”

Jungkook nodded his head, eagerly agreeing with Jimin so as to not undermine his capability of taking care of himself. But Jimin was just so tiny compared to everyone else, and Jungkook always felt inclined to protect him from everything and everyone that so much held an inkling of disdain for the man. To protect him from potential hurt.

And the image of Haewoon’s disgusting determination rang clear in Jungkook’s mind. Even if he stayed away, Jungkook knew he hadn’t given up. But he didn’t want Jimin to feel as if he was powerless against Haewoon. Jimin was strong, both physically and mentally.

“I know, I know. I’m sorry.”

The beauty of Jimin’s giggles bounced off the empty room and Jungkook revelled in the sound as if it were the most beautiful melody he’d ever heard -in fact, they might as well have been. “If you’re really sorry, you’ll help me clean up the mess outside?”

Jimin felt the ripple within Jungkook’s chest before the maknae burst in laughter, a sound that equally comforted Jimin just as much as his hugs had.

“Yeah okay, okay.”

Jungkook was just about to lift himself off the ground, but as he released his arms around Jimin, the other had suddenly tugged him down, forcing Jungkook to stay where he was. There was a slight panic that Jimin felt at the realization of his action, but there was also that same boldness he adopted that day in Hawaii searing throughout his veins. It had actually intensified since then; the need to express himself with Jungkook the more the younger had displayed a single ounce of affection toward him was prevalent and overwhelming.

Jimin was just so comfortable with Jungkook, and so very reliant on the other’s understanding and kind nature. He hoped it wouldn’t scare him off, but Jimin was almost exhausted of holding himself back. How could he hold back when Jungkook was so reciprotary to his touches and to his words…

So he held on a little tighter, forgetting the spilled ice cream, disregarding that he still had to meet up with Tae and Hobi, and completely drowning himself in Jungkook’s scent and embrace. 

“Jimin?”

At the sound of Jungkook’s concerned tone, Jimin replied with a nuzzle into his chest and his nose rubbed against his collar bone. The contact sent a flood of blood to rush toward Jungkook’s cheeks, coloring his face with a blush pink; it was so unbelievably intimate, and although Jungkook was blooming with euphoria, he didn’t understand what was happening. Yet he’d be damned if he didn’t welcome the touches with open arms.

“Kookie…”

If they weren’t isolated within an empty room, Jungkook would have missed it. Jimin’s voice was so soft and gentle, it felt as if he was physically caressing him tenderly with just the call of his name.

“I feel safe in your arms,” Jimin confessed. And it was the truth, the honest truth. Whenever Jungkook was near, Jimin felt free and loved. That’s why Jimin craved for his presence, visited his room as often as he slept in his own room, and the reason why he always sought out Jungkook for a laugh.

Jungkook was his serendipity.

“Hugging you feels right.”

As the honesty cascaded from Jimin’s mind and out his mouth, it felt harder to stop himself from letting Jungkook know his feelings. The filter was faltering, but Jimin almost didn’t care. It felt good, so good to just let everything out.

“This feels right,” Jimin continued. “I’m sorry if I sound creepy, Kook. You just have no idea how safe you make me feel.” 

Jungkook wanted to cry. The emotions were wreaking havoc in his heart due to Jimin’s close proximity and the way his lips brushed up against his flesh every time he spoke. Trying to decipher what it all meant was like solving an equation with unknown variables; Jungkook couldn’t grasp the magnitude of what Jimin was saying and it frightened him.

His optimistic side wanted to take Jimin’s words in stride and reply to him with a confession of his own. In an ideal world, Jungkook would have told Jimin of his feelings, how much his existence meant to him and how lovely and beautiful he was. But Jungkook had to bite his tongue to refrain from pouring his entire heart out right then and there because the pessimistic side of him questioned the meaning of what Jimin meant by ‘safe?’

Would Jimin continue to feel safe after sharing what he truly thought of Jimin?

Would Jimin still feel safe in his arms if he’d known just how much Jungkook wanted him romantically?

It was the only thing that stopped Jungkook: the fear of instilling fear into Jimin. But just as Jimin entrusted Jungkook with his feelings, Jungkook was encouraged to do the same.

Jungkook leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to the top of Jimin’s head.

“I’ll always keep you safe, Jimin.” Jungkook could feel Jimin’s lips pull up into a smile and Jungkook felt himself mimic his actions. “I don’t exercise for nothing.”

“You exercise because you’re addicted, muscle pig.”

“How else am I going to protect you? My tiny cute hyung...” Jungkook teased.

Jimin pulled back and for a moment Jungkook panicked wondering whether or not he had crossed a line, but he saw the fondness in Jimin’s eyes as he looked at him between his legs. The silence was thick and heavy, but it was a comforting tension.

“What does this mean?” Jimin whispered.

Feelings were finally at its peak. The intimacy they’ve shared couldn’t go on without question anymore and Jimin needed to know. Understanding where they stood with one another trumped being afraid of coming out to Jungkook. He needed to know eventually anyway. He’d only hurt if he prolonged it.

Every hug, every kiss, and every endearing whispers Jungkook gave only to him could really fuck him up if he found out everything was just platonic. But Jimin could deal with it if he got to the bottom of it right now, before he fell deeper into Jungkook.

He never expected an ice cream run to turn into this, but fate was funny and unpredictable.

“Huh?”

Jungkook blinked his bambi eyes and Jimin swore he’d never seen anything cuter. Anxiety could choke Jimin, but being with Jungkook gave him breath. And that’s all Jimin needed to keep going. So he swallowed his nervousness, placed both hands to cup around Jungkook’s neck, and pried the other for answers.

“This,” Jimin elaborated. “What does it mean?”

Jungkook’s heart started to swell immensely as he drowned in the depths of Jimin’s expressive eyes. He felt the heat under Jimin’s finger tips and he was getting a lift from the warmth it emitted throughout his body. His voice was gentle and it pulled Jungkook in like a trance.

There was a lack of control when Jungkook flickered his gaze toward Jimin’s plump and full lips. There was a lack of control when he slipped one of his hands around the smaller waist and the other behind the nape of Jimin’s neck. There was a lack of control when all Jungkook could think about was Jimin and how angelic he looked, how absolutely ethereal he was.

He liked him so much. He wanted him so badly.

And it looked as if Jimin felt the same. But he was always the more difficult among the members to read and Jungkook never, ever wanted to assume with Jimin.

“Jimin, what does it mean to you?”

Jimin saw the desperation in Jungkook’s eyes and saw the truth. Fuck him if he read it wrong, but Jungkook was always the more expressive one. His eyes were literally the windows to his soul and right now Jimin saw hope and affection.

It was now or never.

Jimin decided now.

“I like you, Kook.” Jimin could feel his eyes start to water, his emotions at an all time high and it was too overwhelming. It was finally out in the open.

He’d only talked to Hoseok recently about not wanting Jungkook to know. Oh, how that lasted.

But the guilt instantly shot at Jimin just as fast as his brevity. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I know I’m no-”

Jungkook clicked his tongue annoyed, briefly startling Jimin into silence. Jimin’s tears started to overflow at the corner of his eye, and Jungkook caught them with the swipe of his thumb. He rested his palm against his cheek and offered Jimin a small smile. 

He was shocked, but more than that Jungkook was ecstatic and emotional and filled with intense adoration. He wasn’t going to allow Jimin to apologize for giving Jungkook one of the best happiness he’d ever felt; there was no way he was going to allow Jimin to feel bad for liking him when it was everything he ever wanted for a long time.

Once again, Jungkook stared at Jimin’s lips, wanting nothing more than to feel them against his own. There was no need to assume Jimin’s feelings anymore; everything between them were now completely real, which scared Jungkook, but excited him all the same.

Finally, he didn’t need to hold back. He could display his affections with no filter, tell Jimin just how much he truly meant to him, and care for him the way he deserved.

Reflecting Jimin’s courageous confession, Jungkook slipped his hand back to his neck and pulled him in, his eyes never leaving Jimin’s lips. When their nose brushed, Jimin sucked in his breath and Jungkook halted. There was so much tension between the two as they stayed an inch away from each other for a few seconds.

Jungkook closed his eyes and drunk in all of Jimin’s presence. He swallowed hard. Even if Jimin’s feelings for him were out, Jungkook still respected him enough to ask for his permission.

“Jimin… can I kiss you?”

The anticipation of his reply almost killed Jungkook. For every kiss that Jungkook placed on Jimin, the innocent pecks on his hands and head, intensified his desire to kiss Jimin senseless. Time of small affections fed Jungkook’s imagination of one day being able to hold Jimin close and press his lips on his. And in that moment, Jungkook could make it into a reality.

But only with Jimin’s permission.

“...yes,” Jimin whispered, his breath fanning Jungkook’s face.

And that was it. Jungkook closed the distance in less than a fraction of a second, and Jimin’s soft lips were finally on his. The spark the moment their lips made contact exploded within Jungkook. Everything felt so right and so incredibly pure. Having Jimin in his arms and having Jimin’s tiny hands upon his chest as they slotted their lips against one another was everything Jungkook imagined it to be and more.

His heart felt like it could combust at the spot. He felt so blessed to have Jimin reciprocate his feelings; Jungkook almost felt as if he didn’t deserve it.

The tiny moans and gasps that Jimin was letting out aroused Jungkook, but he held it back to focus only on his mouth, only on Jimin’s divine and delectable lips.

Jimin was so soft, so plump. The kiss was innocent, but over time it grew more sensual as Jungkook’s hands fell to Jimin’s waist so that he could pull him flush against his chest. Jimin’s hands, in contrast to Jungkook’s direction, traveled up so that he gripped his locks and pulled him in. The slight pain Jungkook felt surprised him, but it had also felt nice.

Jimin was just as eager as he was and that thrilled Jungkook.

They had no idea how long it had been, but Jungkook couldn’t get enough of kissing Jimin. He could kiss him from hours on end, just feeling the pressure on his lips provided by the beauty of Jimin and to hear the small whimpers and moans that could very much match his love of the sound of Jimin’s laughs.

They only stopped for a bit to catch their breaths, but they were back on each other as if they were pulled together like magnets. Jungkook wondered just how long Jimin had waited for him to do this and how long he waited to confess to him. Because Jungkook could feel the intensity of Jimin’s hold on him as if he was releasing a bottle of pent up emotions he’d been carrying for years. It made Jungkook feel guilty… because why hadn’t he realized sooner? Why hadn’t he confessed sooner? Why hadn’t he confessed first ?

Jungkook wanted to match Jimin’s intensity; he wanted to give Jimin everything, he would give him everything.

Jungkook’s hand ran below Jimin’s thighs and he lifted the smaller male to unto his lap. Jimin gasped at the change of position, which allowed Jungkook enough time to slip his tongue in. Another breathy moan vibrated from Jimin at the intrustion, enticing Jungkook even more.

“Kookie…” Jimin moaned.

And if Jungkook wasn’t already aroused, hearing Jimin moan his name as he craned his neck back, that had done it. If Jimin felt him harden on his lap, Jimin hadn’t said a word about it.

Their mouths were moving in tangent, their tongues met one another like a dance. Their kisses became faster, messier, and a lot more demanding. Jungkook pulled back to nibble and lick on Jimin’s full bottom lip, causing Jimin to whimper even more and cling even closer.

Kissing Jimin was amazing. He was so beautiful in his arms, with his eyes shut in ecstasy, full lips parted and ready for more kisses. What an angelic being, and it was Jungkook that was making him whimper and writhe under him, it was Jungkook that Jimin was calling out in the midst of his bliss.

Jungkook pulled down on Jimin’s locks and exposed the length of his neck. He sucked on Jimin’s bottom lip for a bit before dipping his lips further down, tracing his tongue down the shell of Jimin’s ear and whispered how perfect he was. He left open mouth kisses along his neck, and Jimin never felt anything more sensational than the heat of his lips on him and the wetness of his tongue pressed against his neck.

Jimin worried that they were probably moving way too fast for an impromptu confession, but all of it didn’t matter when Jungkook held him and pressed kisses on him the way he was.

“Jimin,” he whispered in between kisses. “So perfect. So beautiful,” continued to praise before placing his lips back on Jimin’s. “You’re everything…”

“Kookie…”

And the moment was gone when Jungkook heard footsteps just outside the door. He pushed Jimin back gently by the shoulders, while the other looked at him slightly dazed out but confused.

“Shit. Who dropped fucking ice cream here?” Jimin’s eyes widened at their obscene position. Jungkook’s hair was mussed and his lips were crimson red and swollen, Jimin knew he probably looked the same.

Hurriedly, Jungkook got on his feet and assisted Jimin back up. The younger grinned fondly as he fixed up Jimin’s hair with gentle hands, Jimin reached out to do the same. Before he decided it’d be best to leave the area, Jungkook gazed upon Jimin with complete devotion, reveling at the fact he had just kissed him. He reached out to cup Jimin’s cheek in his palm and leaned down to press one more gentle and sweet kiss, sending Jimin into a blushing state, before opening the door.

What they didn’t expect was to see Haewoon just right outside.

All three of them were stunned and shocked into place. However, Haewoon was the first to react as he took in the sight of Jimin with his hair still slightly messy, his wrinkled clothes, his swollen lips, and his reddened cheeks. As he glanced over to Jungkook’s similar state, it wasn’t hard to deduce what just transpired. There was darkness brewing at the idea of it and Haewoon couldn’t stomach that his perfect little Jiminie was tainted by the hands of the leech.

He bit back his growl and tried to reach for Jimin to check on him.

“Jimin,” he called out.

Jungkook hated the way Haewoon ignored him, and hated it even more when he saw the way his slimy hands went to reach for Jimin’s face. Not being able to control his temper at the situation, Jungkook shoved his arm away, which earned a heated glare from Haewoon.

“Don’t touch him,” Jungkook seethed.

“It seemed like you have,” Haewoon bit back. It infuriated Haewoon to certain degrees. Jimin shouldn’t have allowed Jungkook to touch him if Jimin had always rejected him. It just wasn’t fair. There was no way.

Haewoon began deluding himself. Maybe Jimin didn’t want him to touch him… maybe he was forced… Haewoon frowned at the thought and passed on a sympathetic look to Jimin, whom in turn tilted his head in concern. My poor Jimin , Haewoon thought as he once again reached for him.

But Jungkook caught his wrist middair, his grip almost painful. “I won’t say it again, Haewoon- sshi .”

Haewoon yanked his arm from Jungkook’s hold aggressively and returned the other’s glare.

"Be careful, Jungkook," Haewoon warned.

"Are you threatening me?" Jungkook asked, clearly taken aback by Haewoon's lack of professionalism. He should've had expected nothing less considering their last encounter, but it was still mind boggling how Haewoon even had the nerve to act that way.

It was silent; the two just glared at one another with intense heat and disdain.

They stayed like that for a moment, Jimin totally lost for words after realizing that they were practically caught -by Haewoon no less.

“Things doesn’t look good for you, Jungkook. Taking advantage of Jimin like this.” He sounded so sinister and threatening, it sent a shiver down Jimin’s spine, but Jungkook only held his glare. “You’d better stay away from him.”

“I think you need to.” Jungkook was absolutely baffled again by Haewoon’s directness. No staff would have the courage to even speak out against them like this in fear that they may lose their jobs for the mistreatment, but not with Haewoon. There was confidence that Jungkook just didn’t understand.

But Jimin was not having it either. “You don’t have a say in who gets to be near me, Haewoon sshi.” His tone was polite, but there was just a hint of irritation that didn’t go unnoticed by Haewoon.

It hurt him, but he only spurred that hurt onto Jungkook once more, twisting Jimin’s words in a way that didn’t affect him. “You’ve manipulated him…” he accused Jungkook, disgust radiated from the way he looked at Jungkook.

Both Jungkook and Jimin were heated at the accusation, but before anything else could be said they were jolted by the sudden loud steps down the hallway.

It wasn’t until they hurt Taehyung call out for them at the end of the hall when everyone seemed to snap out of it.

Haewoon’s entire demeanor dropped as he faced Tae with a cheery smile on his face. His character change was uncanny. “Oh Taehyung-ah! Hello!”

Taehyung gave a slight bow in formality. “Hello! I just came to get Jimin and Jungkook.” Tae turned to him with a boxy smile and nudged his head back toward the hall. “The food’s getting cold. Come on?”

Jimin nodded his head and followed after Taehyung. “I’ll be leaving now,” he announced to Haewoon, still keeping up professional interaction. When Jungkook didn’t move from his spot, Jimin tugged on his shirt to follow him. He did after a few tugs.

When they were out of earshot, and Taehyung was just a few feet away from them, Jimin turned to Jungkook out of concern.

“He knows,” Jimin voiced out. “Albeit his accusations of you were wrong… but he knows, Kook.”

Jungkook only rolled his eyes, though understanding the trouble that may cause, Jungkook couldn’t find it in him to really care. “Let him,” he said, tone low and dark. “Maybe then he’ll back off.”

“Kook-ah…”

Jungkook softened under Jimin’s apprehensive voice. The younger reached for his hand and rubbed calming circles on his palm. 

“Let’s go back for now, hmm? Let’s eat and we’ll figure this out after?”

Jimin was far from feeling better, but he always trusted Jungkook. He smiled up at him, despite the anxiety that was building, and nodded his head. When Jungkook returned his smile, the fondness in his eyes twinkled in Jimin’s direction, the older swooned.

Yes, everything would be fine. Jungkook would make sure of it.

When Jimin returned to the practice studio, Hobi rushed to him in concern and checked his body timidly as if he were looking for any sign of trauma or bruises.

“Are you okay, Jiminie? Where’d you go? You were gone for so long; we were so worried, oh my gosh! What happened?” he rambled.

“I found them facing Haewoon. I swear if I hadn’t stepped in I think Jungkook would’ve murdered him.”

Jungkook rolled his eyes, but then thought about it. He really disliked Haewoon a ton, but was it so bad that it looked like he could kill the other. Jungkook shook at the thought; he never imagined to be that violent at all.

“Did he do anything?” Hobi aserted. His eyes were full of conviction and worry. Jimin was grateful to have such support, but he didn’t want them worrying so much.

“No, he didn’t. I’m okay, hyung. Really,” he assured.

“Okay…” Hobi relented and rubbed Jimin’s arms up and down. “So where were you?”

“I was grabbing ice cream and drinks. Tae and I forgot to buy it so I went back to get some…”

Tae and Hobi nodded their heads firmly.

“So where are they?”

Jimin’s eyes widened in realization. “Ah shit,” he groaned. “I forgot it in the room downstairs,” he pouted and then blushed when he remembered the events that occured in said room. “And I dropped the ice cream because of Jungkook,” he added quickly so that his mind wandered somewhere else entirely.

There was no way he was going to recall Jungkook’s lips on his and sport a tent under his pants in the presence of Hobi and Tae who were known to be the biggest teasers in the damn company.

“Why’d you do that, Kook?” Tae whined, obviously looking forward to ice cream.

“Well excuse me I was rushing to find this troublemaking hyung,” Jungkook drawled.

“Yah!” Jimin pouted even more. “I’m not a troublemaker.”

All three, excluding Jimin, exchanged looks and rolled their eyes. “Mhmm, sure you’re not,” Jungkook replied sarcastically, the other two snickering and nodded their hands in equally mockery.

“I won’t stand for this,” Jimin retorted and stomped his foot on the ground like a child.

“Then sit,” Tae smirked.

“You guys are so annoying.”

“Says the one who has been literally missing for almost half an hour now,” Tae shot back and shoved the plate lunch in Jimin and Jungkook’s hands. “Now shut up and let’s eat.”

When they were done eating, Taehyung made an announcement that he needed some errands to run and that Hobi had to be the only capable of helping him. Jungkook sighed at his hyung’s silly antics, but was grateful for them because he’d wanted Jimin to be alone with him again.

It was silent for awhile, the heat of the moment that led up to their kiss now gone, which made their interaction just a little more awkward.

But it was the start something new with Jimin, and Jungkook desperately did not want to fuck it up.

“Jimin?” The older male turned to him and Jungkook’s heart dropped at the sight of him.

So beautiful… Focus!

“Can you… uh… forget you telling me you liked me?”

Well that didn’t come out right. Jungkook mentally slapped himself when he saw Jimin’s face fall to the ground and his eyes start to glisten with tears.

“No, no, no,” Jungkook plead, catching Jimin’s hands to soothe him. “Fuck that’s not what I meant.” He laughed in disbelief at his stupidity.

“Then why?” Jimin whispered, his voice cracking, tone thick with sadness.

“Oh no, Jiminie, no… I just meant can you please forget so that I can confess. I should’ve confessed to you, but damn… you’re always beating me.” Jungkook tried explaining. He placed a finger under Jimin’s chin and lifted his head so that he could assess the emotions filtering in his eyes. “Let me the one to confess to you first, please?”

Jimin giggled at the silly request. “Jungkook, I already did it first.”

The younger shook his head stubbornly. “Shh, that never happened, remember?”

It was so endearing to witness, once again, the maknae’s obstinate behavior over something so trivial. What did it matter who confessed first? The fact was that Jimin did and Jungkook felt the same way. But to entertain and please Jungkook’s request, Jimin simply nodded.

Well, not after teasing him.

“Always copying hyung,” Jimin tsked. “Born in Busan after me, wearing the same contacts as me, wanting to confess after me… Jungkook, have some originality, I can’t always start things for you.” 

Jungkook laughed at that, but caught Jimin in a swift hold and spun him around a few times.

“You are my beginning,” he whispered, and placed one more gentle kiss on his lips. 

Chapter Text

"Kookie, I didn't even get to tell them about me. Only Tae and Hobi hyung know."

Jungkook watched as anxiety flooded Jimin's face and the younger quickly engulfed his tiny hands to comfort him. Jimin melted under his touch, but the worry still hadn't completely seeped away.

"I know, I know, hyung. But I'm bound by contract; I need to tell Bang PD about me wanting to court you. If I get caught then I could get in a lot of trouble," Jungkook tried to explain. "If not Bang PD, at least not now, I have to at least let Namjoonie hyung know."

Though Jimin was pouting, he understood the circumstances, but he was still very uncomfortable as he hadn't quite come out just yet.

"I still can't believe you already told them. Like everyone," Jimin moaned and flung himself into Jungkook's chest. The other then slipped his arms around the smaller's waist and pulled him in closer, relishing his hyung's warmth. "It's been years for me and so far only three people that truly know."

"Everyone has their own pace, hyung."

"I know, but you being so up and proud of yourself kind of makes me feel bad about myself." Jimin's tone lowered, and his guilt radiated heavily in his throat. "I don't mean to act like I don't trust you guys, but -ugh, I don't know. I was just afraid. I didn't want to ruin our careers -we were just getting big."

"Don't think like that, Jiminie. If it makes you feel better, I was afraid too," Jungkook let his head fall in upon Jimin's shoulder and had his lips turned so that they lightly brushed up against the older's ears as he spoke."But I have you."

Jimin shuddered at the contact, but leaned into him.

"And I have you."

"You do," Jungkook confirmed and nipped the lobe of Jimin's ear eagerly. "So you never have to be afraid."

They were like that for a moment: Jimin engulfed by Jungkook's arms and Jungkook's mouth on Jimin's ear. It was peaceful to have each other like this.

"Just Namjoon hyung, for now," Jimin whispered back after awhile. "You can tell him, but I'll tell the rest. Maybe I'll do it today when I see Tae. As for Bang PD, we'll tell him together, when we're both ready." Jimin pulled himself back at arms length so that he could catch Jungkook's eyes with his. "Alright?"

Jungkook smiled in return, his nose scrunched up and his little whiskers appeared near his cheeks.

"Deal."

Though Jungkook has been opposed to keeping his newfound, budding relationship a secret from the other hyungs, respecting Jimin’s privacy was a must. Jungkook wasn’t going to rush him to do so. There was nothing more that Jungkook wanted than to ensure that Jimin was comfortable; they’d take it one step at a time.

And although they weren’t exactly ‘official’ due to Jungkook’s stubborn tendency to want to be the best in everything that he does, and that included confessing to Jimin, they were still inseparable. Even more so.

Their dynamic had changed drastically after their heated make out session. Touching each other intimately was almost second nature now and they struggled to go against it whenever they were in public.

However, once they found themselves isolated from the rest, hidden from view, in the darkness of an empty room, Jungkook couldn’t restrain himself from resting his large hand against the dip of Jimin’s back and pulling him close so that he was rested firmly on his chest. Jungkook couldn’t help running his fingers through Jimin’s hair and tugging it back so that the other had his head craned up to meet him. And when Jimin’s eyes flickered with the same heated desire, Jungkook couldn’t stop himself from leaning down to press a chaste kiss upon his awaiting lips.

“Mmmm,” Jimin would hum between their liplock. “We should probably head back soon.” Though contrary to his statement, Jimin made no move to release himself and instead nuzzled his face into the crook of Jungkook’s neck to give kitten like nips.

Jungkook tilted his head back to allow Jimin more access, groaning at the sensation. “One more minute, Jimin.”

And then one minute went on to two, and then three, and then five, and then ten…

And by the time they hit their fifteen minute mark, Jungkook and Jimin were panting in each other’s arms, out of breath. They stayed like that for a couple of minutes, breathing in their content and bliss, and stared at one another.

Jungkook saw the world in Jimin’s eyes -an entire galaxy. Jimin saw unconditional fondness in Jungkook’s. If it hadn’t been for the slight ring of Jimin’s phone, they were sure they’d spend another fifteen just gazing at one another.

Jimin turned his body so that his back was against Jungkook, the other maneuvered in a way so that he could comfortably rest his weight on him. The light shone on the phone slightly disoriented him, causing both Jungkook and Jimin to blink a few times until they adjusted. A preview of Tae’s worried texts began flooding Jimin’s homescreen:

Where are you?

Are you with Jungkook?

I swear Jimin, you’ve gotta stop disappearing on me like this, you ass. Unless you were kidnapped or something than you’re not an ass because then the person who took you would be the one.

Oh my gosh!

Can you respond?!

I’m gonna call the cops.

You want that? Cause I can do that and I will.

Jiminie… :C I just wanna get ice cream with my soulmate…

“Isn’t he the clingy type?” Jungkook teased with a roll of his eyes. He tightened his hold on Jimin, suddenly unwilling to let the other go now.

Jimin rested his head back onto Jungkook’s shoulder and snickered. “You’re one to talk.” And to further emphasize Jimin’s accusation, Jungkook refused to allow Jimin to wiggle free out of his hold. The stubbornness elicited a series of giggles from Jimin as he attempted again and again, with no success, to break free from Jungkook.

“Kookie, Tae’s waiting.”

 Jungkook pouted. “He didn’t even invite me.”

Jimin was in full blown laughter now. “You’re literally always playing games with him. Give me some time alone with my soulmate, Kookie.”

“Ugh, if he’s your soulmate, what does that make me?”

“Well, if you’d just confess to me already, you would be my boyfriend .” Jimin lolled his head forward and took Jungkook’s hand into his mouth and bit. The surprise shocked Jungkook more than the pain and he lost strength in his hold long enough for Jimin to pull back.

Then suddenly their playful atmosphere took on a more serious route when Jimin turned to face him, his face a little more thoughtful than teasing.

“Seriously, Kookie, when will you?”

Jungkook already had a plan; he just needed to wait a bit longer for it to be executed. Jimin’s favorite restaurant was reserved, his favorite dessert prepared, and Jungkook had his whole spew of how much Jimin meant to him already memorized. It was coming. Jungkook just needed to wait for next week for their small break from work to do it all.

“Soon, hyung. I’m sorry.”

Jimin smiled, hoping it’d release the frown that fell on Jungkook’s face. “Don’t be. But you know, I really don’t need anything fancy. You just telling me is all I need…”

Jungkook reached for his hand and held just the tip of his fingers gently, he brought them to his lips and rested them there. “I know,” he whispered and locked eyes with Jimin. “But you deserve a lot more than just that. Let me give you that to you.”

All Jimin really wanted was Jungkook; since the beginning of realizing his feelings for him up until now, Jungkook simply being himself was what Jimin appreciated and adored. His kindness, his bratiness, his smile, and dumb laughs. Everything Jungkook was, was everything Jimin needed. But if his lovely bunny wanted to spoil him with whatever it was he had planned up his sleeve, then so be it.

“Of course, my big baby,” Jimin smiled.

With that smile, Jungkook was floored by the intense radiancy of Jimin. And it was decided then... Tae could wait for another ten minutes.

 Oh man.

Jimin had finally left him after much struggle to visit Tae. Now Jungkook was sprawled on his bed, wrapped under his sheets with only his thoughts to accompany him. He’d never felt so content than how he felt at that moment. It was an enthralling experience taking in the knowledge that Jimin… Park fucking Jimin actually liked him.

The smile he sported could not go down.

There were many things that Jungkook had wanted to do with him other than sneak in a few heated kisses during breaks; he wanted to hug him every chance he got, he wanted to invite Jimin over to sleep in his bed like a permanent resident, he wanted to hold his hand in public and kiss his knuckles to see the shy smile Jimin usually gave him whenever Jungkook got bold.

But the damn contract and the secrecy. If there was ever a reason to not like his profession, it was his inability to express himself fully.

Which reminded him, “I have to tell Namjoonie hyung…” 

Jungkook pulled himself out of bed and trudged his body toward Namjoon’s studio room. He could hear the slight beats that pounded through the door, which signaled Namjoon’s presence, so Jungkook knocked on the door lightly before entering.

“Hyung?”

Namjoon paused the music and turned to Jungkook. There was a sympathetic look on the older man’s face that slightly confused Jungkook, but he paid it no mind when he fell upon the sofa adorning the wall adjacent to the computer.

“What’s up, Kook?”

For the past few days, Jungkook had lacked shame, but as he faced Namjoon, his role model and leader, there was a little bit of embarrassment of opening to him about his exponentially growing desire for Jimin. Which was absolutely ridiculous considering he’d already confessed to Namjoon about Jimin without any hesitation at all. But now it was real. It was happening; they were already kissing.

It was a matter of time before Jungkook wouldn’t be able to control his hormonal urges and stick his hand down Jimin’s pants - with his permission , of course. Jungkook’s innocence had completely been thrown out the window to never return. The thought of him and Jimin that intimate started a wildfire in Jungkook’s heart.

He never imagined himself to be with a man before. In fact, he’d never truly saw himself with anyone before, be it a girl or boy. Jimin had been his first and he’d like to think he’d be his last. So why had his mind gone so down south so quickly, so far into the depths of rated R material, despite not even been in a relationship before in his life? He hadn’t even watched porn between two men and suddenly Jungkook felt like he needed to spend nights studying up on something he wasn’t even sure was going to happen.

But he wanted it to happen.

Did he need to prepare for it? He didn’t want to be a disappointment. Hell, he wanted to be Jimin’s best experience… his only experience. How was it even going to work? When did they even have the time?

Jungkook gulped and took a solid breath to calm himself. He needed to bring back rationality and logic. Was he moving too fast? He definitely was. Was Jimin even ready for that? Was Jungkook even ready for that?

Then the vision of Jimin moaning under him, lips parted, eyes hazy and needy, calling out to him…

Kookie… Kookie… please....

“Oh my gosh…” Jungkook whispered, his face heated and he felt the blood rush down to his lower half. It seemed that Jungkook may not necessarily be ready for execution, but he was damn ready to see the results if it meant seeing and hearing Jimin like that.

Thankfully, it was a good thing Jungkook was wearing baggy sweats, otherwise Namjoon would have definitely had an eye full of something unpleasant.

“Jungkook?” Namjoon tried calling out to him, but the poor soul had been so overwhelmed with his own perverted mind that the other simply shunned him out.

Jungkook shook his head agitated. “Stop Jeon Jungkook,” he firmly scolded and slapped both cheeks, hoping it’d snap him out of his spiraling thoughts; he needed to respect Jimin, but he was his soon to be boyfriend, wouldn’t it be natural to think of him like that, in that position?

“Jungkook, no,” he scolded once more. “Bad Jungkook.”

At this point, Namjoon was concerned as he watched the flustered maknae speak to himself with a hot face and disturbed eyes.

“Hey Kook,” Namjoon tried again, increasing the volume in his voice. “You’re freaking me out, man. What is it?”

 Still no reply. Jungkook looked ready to explode.

“JUNGKOOK!”

That finally got Jungkook to look at him, but he looked so far gone with his lips and eyebrows twitching in distress.

“Hyung,” he groaned. “I’m a fucking pervert,” he whined and shoved his hands into his face out of embarrassment, wishing to hide from any judgment that was sure to be directed at him. "Just cleanse me, purify my mind or something -oh my gosh."

Namjoon scrambled toward Jungkook now, hands ready for comfort as he rubbed them against Jungkook's side. "Hey, calm down, calm down. We're all perverts, Kook," he tried to assure the younger, despite being completely confused of the situation. "If it helps, you know Jimin's the biggest pervert in our group."

It didn't help.

Jungkook's mind once again wandered. Jimin was the biggest pervert and the biggest flirt. Would he initiate their first time -if they even had a first time? Would Jungkook be the mess, moaning and writhing under Jimin? What would Jimin do to him... and how? Jungkook could think of a few things.

"No, no, no," Jungkook mumbled anxiously. "Holy shit, hyung. Stop me, please! The thoughts keep coming."

"I don't know what you're talking about, man," Namjoon reiterated, equally as freaked out as Jungkook, if not more. "Help me help you."

"I can't stop thinking about Jimin," he blurted. "About his lips and his body..."

Namjoon pulled back, eyes wide and uncertain; he definitely wasn't prepared for that confession. He should've expected it the moment he noticed the swift change between Jimin and Jungkook, but he hadn't acknowledged it thinking Jungkook would have told him if something happened.

"Uh,"

"-like I'm trying, hyung. But every single time he's near I just lose it. You know how hard it is not to pick him and smash my lips against h-"

"Whoa whoa," Namjoon interrupted immediately, hushing Jungkook from his rambling. "You need to control yourself, Kook. You don't even know if Jimin rolls that way."

"He does," Jungkook assured nonchalantly, as if such revelation shouldn't have been news to Namjoon. But then it occurred to Jungkook in that instance that it was news and he delivered it as if it were nothing. Like it had been obvious.

Namjoon was shell shocked; he removed himself from Jungkook's space and plotted himself back onto his swivel chair next to his computer and allowed himself a moment to collect his thoughts. He looked to Jungkook once more, opened his mouth to say a few words, but quickly shut it.

"I'm going to need you to elaborate on that, Kook."

Jungkook bit his lip and slouched further into the couch. "Jimin -Jimin hyung and I... yeah, he told me he liked me. And you already know how much I like him back. So we're kind of something?"

"Like a couple?"

"Not yet."

"Yet?"

Jungkook shook his head. "I haven't confessed yet, but I'm planning something special for him."

"I didn't know Jiminie was..."

"He has been for a long time."

Namjoon hurt at the information. For a long time he's been advocating for love, for acceptance, and understanding. He wanted his words and expressions to not only touch those of his listeners, he'd hope that his family would as well. If Jimin felt as if he couldn't come out to him, Namjoon wondered if he was genuine enough in his messages.

"It's not that he didn't trust you," Jungkook was quick to assure as he saw Namjoon's face quickly fall. "He was just afraid of how it would affect us; you know him Namjoonie hyung, he puts Bangtan before himself sometimes."

"More like all the time," Namjoon scoffed bitterly. "There's no Bangtan without him, I wish he could believe that a little more sometimes. It doesn't matter what he looks likes and who he loves; Jimin is Jimin and he's always been the most lovable person here."

earing the fondness in Namjoon's speech for Jimin both unsettled and calmed him. Their leader obviously cared for all of them and it was a blessing to have someone so accepting and willing to protect them. However, at the same time, there was the familiar and unwanted feeling of jealousy that Jungkook tried so hard to shove down. He knew Namjoon didn't feel the same way Jungkook did toward Jimin, but it always left him feeling incompetent when he compared himself to the other. Namjoon was an extremely cool person; Jungkook could only strive to achieve half of what Namjoon already has.

Jungkook shook off the feeling and went back to Namjoon's statement. He understood the frustration.

"I do, too. He's planning to tell the others; he wanted me to tell you, and when we're both ready, we were going to let Bang PD know, too. Could you accompany us? I feel better when you're there, and I'm sure Jimin would, too." Jungkook's eyes swiveled down at his request.

The leader took the information at miles per minute, assessing the situation and how best to tackle it. There was no problem, in his eyes, that his two dongsaengs were together, but there were a lot of problems that could arise from it.

First off the secrecy they would have to abide by.

Second, would be how to handle possible fights that may occur due to being in a relationship. Relationships meant arguments, and arguments with people you work with can drastically affect their dynamic. Fans will notice.

The third included their professionalism. If Jungkook was already coming to him spouting nonsense of his incapability of keeping his hands to himself, how would it be in public?
Even so, Namjoon loved the both of them, and if he could support their happiness in any way possible, he would.

"I'll come with you, too. Thank you for trusting me," Namjoon smiled.

"Thanks, hyung."

"You already know, Kook, Jimin is sensitive." Jungkook knew Namjoon wasn't implying that Kook had any intentions of hurting Jimin, but there was still a slight concern and warning in his tone as he eyed him. "And I'm very protective of him."

Jungkook only smiled, biting down the envious emotion bubbling in his stomach. "That makes two of us."

"Good." Namjoon clapped his hands in finality. "So tell me about your impeding thoughts of what you want to do to Jimin -not that I want to know the details, but as the leader, if I can help you keep your wad in your pants when we're up on stage, I think that'd be best."

Jungkook groaned. "I don't think you want to hear this, hyung."

"Trust me, I don't either," Namjoon laughed. "But leaders gotta make sacrifices."

"We kissed."

"Park Jimin! I'm just now finding out that you confessed to Jungkook a couple weeks ago, and now you're telling me that you're already making out in every room in our damn dorm?" Tae screeched, to which Jimin slammed his hand upon his big mouth.

"And I'm just finding out that you were actually really into Jungkook?" Yoongi mused.

"And I'm just finding out that my baby Kookie hasn't told me, his favorite hyung about all of this?" Jin dramatically drawled.

"Tae, keep your mouth shut! We're in public if you haven't noticed. And Jin, I think I've been Kook's favorite hyung for awhile now," Jimin teased and smirked at Jin's direction, which was returned with a defiant huff.

"It's because you're kissing him," he complained.

"Or I'm just a better hyung."

"Okay, that's it. I'm not cooking you any more food," Jin shot back and crossed his arms, but the moment Jimin looked at him with poor puppy dog eyes, the elder merely broke. "For tonight," he amended almost instantly. "Just for the night."

"How's the kissing? Is he any good?" Tae asked with gleaming eyes.

"I swear if I catch you guys locking lips anywhere near my studio-" Yoongi began to threaten before Jin cut him off with his own ridiculous question.

"You're treating my baby well, right?"

Jimin only blinked at the three of them with immense warmth spreading throughout his body. He couldn't have been blessed with a more accepting and endearing family outside of his life in Busan. There was no one like them, no bond like theirs, and Jimin was part of it. He didn't realize until Yoongi reached over to wipe the lone tear that fell from his face that he had begun crying out of the overwhelming emotions he felt for the other.

"Hey Jiminie... I was just kidding," Yoongi whispered.

Jimin shook his head and smiled brightly. "I know. I'm fine. It's just that you guys are awfully taking the news a lot better than I expected," Jimin observed. He never expected them to made or disappointed in him, but he was prepared for a more serious talk. Talks about what could happen if they were caught, the consequences, the drama, and everything else that should have been considered when deciding to be in a relationship with someone in your own group.

Yoongi displayed his gummy smile; it was a smile that always lit Jimin's inside with comfort and warmth as the older barely smiled like that outside of their silly shenanigans.

"Of course, Jimin. It's a little surprising, but if you saw the way Jungkook confessed to us about how much he liked you, seeing you say the same for him is honestly the best thing that could have happened for you too. I'll support you all the way. The both of you."

"And I'm sure we all feel the same," Jin chimed in as he reached to hug around Jimin. "If you're worried about management, trust hyung, okay? If anyone has a problem with you two -well, you know how the company can't tame me. I'd like to see them try and test me."

"I love you guys," Jimin laughed.

Yoongi reverted back to himself and snatched his hand back with an eye roll. "Okay, too mushy for me. Let's talk about something else now."

"No, no, no!" Tae was bouncing in his seat unsatisfied. "I still want to know! What's it like kissing Jungkookie?"

"Why do you even want to know? I was invited to eat, not to know about how well Jungkook shoves his tongue down Jimin's throat." Yoongi groaned, but sat up curiously anyway.

"He's getting embarrassed!" Jin shoved a finger at Jimin's blushing face and laughed, increasing Jimin's growing discomfort at the questions. Maybe he'd prefer the serious talk as oppose to this.

"How can I not? You're literally asking me if our little maknae is great at kissing."

"Exactly, and I'm still waiting for the answer, so spill it."

"He's great okay! He ain't called the golden maknae for no reason. Damn, happy now Tae?"

Tae sported a smug smirk and leaned back into his chair. "Interesting."

"Any other questions," Jimin pried, rolling his eyes.

"Yeah," Yoongi drawled. "Who's bottom?"

Yoongi wasn't ready for the shower of water thar erupted from Jimin's mouth, but although he was drenched completely with backwash liquid and saw the complete shame that graced his dongsaeng's face with the quick question, Yoongi decided it was worth it.

Finally the day had come. Jungkook's stomach was flipping with excitement and he nearly vomited twice within the same hour. He went to his dresser and debated whether he should dress up with his new flannel and leather jacket, or dress down with a white or black tee and jeans. Upon much debate, Jungkook opted for a the leather jacket. Jimin deserved a man who could dress up for the special occasion.

As Jungkook worked on his hair, he heard the door of his bedroom crack open, and when he turned to check who it was, Jungkook's excitement tripled. Jimin had his hair parted to the side, revealing his forehead just a bit, which had been one of Jungkook's favorite places to kiss. He was wearing his sinfully tight, leather jeans that did nothing but damage Jungkook's heart further as his jeans worked effortlessly to accentuate the older's lean and muscular thighs and plump bum. Then there was his knitted black sweater that fell loose on his shoulders, which exposed his collarbones, but long and big enough to give the man sweater paws.

Jimin was a work of art. Jungkook was sure he'd be the death of him.

"Wow," he breathed, taking in Jimin's face last. The best features of Jimin's was his face, because it held all of Jungkook's favorites: his eyes that held the world, his cute button nose Jungkook couldn't help booping every chance he got, and his thick and luscious lips.

"Wow yourself," Jimin beamed.

Ah, alas, the absolute best expression was gifted to Jungkook: Jimin's crescent eyed smile.

"You look really good, Kook. Take you out of your sweats and you're like a different person."

Jungkook pouted. "What's wrong with my sweats?"

"Nothing. Sweats just make you look boyfriend material, and you're obviously not one so..."

A dumb laugh erupted from Jungkook's throat and he took several strides toward Jimin to place a chaste kiss at the top of his head. "I will be by the end of the night; I'll make sure of that, hyung."

"Can't wait Jungkookie." Jimin tiptoed to reach the corner of Jungkook's lips and pressed a soft kiss on his skin. "So when are we supposed to head out."

"Sejin-sshi is going to drop us off in a few minutes. I'm just waiting for his ca-"

At that moment, his phone rang and Jungkook pulled it out immediately, gleaming at the sight of his manager's contact displaying before him.

"Jungkook?"

Jimin leaned into Jungkook's chest and rested there; he liked the vibration he felt under him whenever Jungkook spoke.

"Yes? Jimin hyung and I are ready. Do we head out now?"

"Actually, I'm really sorry, Jungkook. Something's wrong with the company car. I've been trying to get it to work, but nothing seems to be working. I'd take the other vehicle, but an assistant had already requested it for an equipment run. Shall I call one of the guards?"

To say Jungkook was disappointed and let was an understatement, but he couldn't really blame anyone for the unfortunate situation. No one could have predicted the outcome of the night, but he was seriously hoping nothing would go wrong. It wasn't starting off so great, however.

"No, no, it's already so late and it's last minute to ask them. I don't want to be a bother."

"I'm really sorry," Sejin continued, dismay thick in his tone.

"Don't be. I'll work something out. Thank you for letting me know!"

The call ended. Jungkook huffed in frustration, but Jimin nuzzled deeper into his chest, which calmed him slightly. "What now?" he mumbled.

"We could take a cab?"

Jimin snickered. "You know we can't do that, Kook." For security reasons, Jungkook knew that was true. That meant public transportation was out of the picture, too. Not unless they had their guards with them, but there was no way he was going to request time out of their evening for their plans.

He couldn't ask Hobi or Jin, since they were out doing errands. And the venue was a little more than hour away -walking was not an option.

"It's okay," Jimin tried to assure once he saw the trouble contorting on Jungkook. "We can always do something else."

But it didn't ease Jungkook's mind. Everything was slowly falling apart, but he held Jimin close so that he wouldn't crumble. "Why don't we cancel the reservations? We can stay in, order something, or take a walk?"

Jungkook really didn't want to, but time wouldn't slow down and as he sulked in the middle of his room, dressed up with no means of transportation to the location where he was reserved to be at in a little less than half an hour, he knew he'd have to cancel. So he begrudgingly took his phone out to make a call and was slightly surprised to learn that both the restaurant and karaoke place had already been cancelled.

"Kook, why do you look that?"

"The reservations were already called off. I didn't do that." There was an uneasy feeling about the occurrence of such things: both company cars being unavailable, and now both locations being called off despite having no confirmation of the cancellation from Jungkook himself. Something was off and Jungkook wasn't sure how to react.

"Maybe Sejin-sshi called them off thinking you weren't going to make it anyway?" The idea was plausible. Sejin had been the only one aware of his plans because he'd be the one accompanying them, but something still didn't sit well. Sejin would have told Jungkook. Suspicion was directed toward a new suspect for the cause of events, but it seemed so unlikely Jungkook didn't fathom over it for too long.

"You're right," he whispered. "I'm probably overthinking it; I'm still bummed out though."

"Don't be, Kookie. Why don't we change into comfortable clothing, eat in and watch a movie instead?"

It was so like Jimin to see the positive in everything and anything; in the end, it didn't matter what Jungkook did, because what mattered was having Jimin by his side and spending their time together. They didn't need anything fancy because what they needed were each other.

"Get into sweats, hyung," Jungkook called out as Jimin was halfway through the threshold. "We both have to look boyfriend material considering that's what we'll be in an hour."

"Sap," Jimin scoffed, but there was an amused glint in his eyes before they turned away from Jungkook.

And that's how their night went. Jungkook had ordered jjajagmyeon and tteokbokki to eat. They were seated on the floor, a warm, yellow blanket draped over them in the living room with Kimi No Nawa playing in the background. Jungkook had already watched it, but the story was too good to not watch it again and again. He'd imagined if it was like that with him and Jimin -connected by fate, and together as if it were destiny. If Jungkook had the vision, if he'd lift his pinky up, he wondered if he'd see a red string that connected him to Jimin; he wondered if he'd the senses, would he hear bells ring next to Jimin?

"You're staring," Jimin laughed, eyes still focused on the television, but very hyper aware of Jungkook's gaze.

"Well, if you'd stop being so ga'damn gorgeous we wouldn't be having this problem."

Jimin turned to him with a bored expression and cheeks full of noodles until he swallowed them down. Then Jungkook saw something click, a familiar glint was the only warning he had before Jimin swung himself over so that he rested well above his lap. Jimin smirked before he leaned down to the base of Jungkook's neck and breathed in his scent, which most likely gave him a ripple of nervousness to flood thrugh his veins.

"Just say it, Kook," Jimin whispered lowly. "I've been waiting too long to just hear you say it."

Jungkook was more than turned on by the position they were in and the slight teasing tone of Jimin.

"I wanted to do this better," Jungkook complained. It was a huge let down on his part; he'd planned everything to the 'T' just to make sure that Jimin received the best, but everything had gone wrong at the last very minute. And althought Jimin was all he needed to make everything work out, he still couldn't stop himself from feeling just a little disappointed.

Jimin tugged on the back strands of his hair to distract Jungkook from his thoughts.

"All I need is you, Kookie." There was a brief sadnessin Jimin's eyes that confused Jungkook; he caught it before it flickered to adoration, but he saw it. "Don't you want me too?"

Ah, that's what it was. Jungkook felt like kicking himself for allowing Jimin to feel that way: insecurity. Jungkook never should have let Jimin wait that long. Even if he planned for everything to be a certain way, really, in the end, what needed to be said and done was simple. Jimin was always the best at expressing himself to others, whether it be the gifts he chose for each member, the words he said for each member, and the level of comfort he provided for each member.

All Jungkook needed to do was let Jimin know -to return his feelings verbally and physically.

And denying that for so long just so he could make things 'perfect' did not go well with Jimin.

"Yes," Jungkook announced with no hesitation, eyes brimming with absolute endearment. Jungkook slipped his arms around Jimin, the tips of his fingers were dangerously close to the curve of his butt, but he stayed clear of that area until he was allowed to dip lower. "I like you, Jimin. So much, you have no idea. I'm sorry tonight didn't turn out the way I hoped it would, but you deserve the world and more, and I hope you're not too disappointed with me. I promise to be better -do better. I like you."

Jungkook gripped him a little tighter and pushed their hips together, which elicited a slight groan to slip past Jimin's lips. Jungkook twitched at the sound, but continued on, his eyes dark with want.

"Be mine," he nearly growled.

Jimin's lips tugged to the side in a grin. He leaned down so that his lips were just slightly brushing against Jungkook's when he whispered a very faint, but heavy, "I'm already yours, idiot."

"Sunbae-nim, could I head home now? I already dropped the equipment off and have been driving around for hours. I'm not sure what else to do."

"Yes. You may return now. Thank you."

Chapter Text

Something drastically changed during the time Haewoon was asked to not accompany the crew to Hawaii. Something happened as he stayed behind and rationalized his feelings for the younger man a little more. He'd noticed it when the boys returned; he saw the change in their dynamics, but he didn't want to believe it. Because what were the odds of something actually happening?

Zero to none, he thought.

But as time went on and the boys resumed their performances, Haewoon couldn't deny the change. The flirtatious spark was noticeable whenever Jungkook and his Jimin interacted on stage; Haewoon wasn't oblivious to the glistening stares that Jungkook shared as he danced near his man, and it was near impossible to ignore the lingering touches Jimin placed on Jungkook as they reached for each other.

Though many could conclude that their interaction were all fan service, Haewoon knew that the two performers could never feign such intense emotions. Haewoon was well aware of the emotions displayed so blatantly between the two. Working with them for years allowed for that much perception.

Ever since he caught them that day, everything seemed to click here and there. Behind the shock in Jimin's eyes and the hatred in Jungkook's (which, to be fair, wasn't all too surprising), was a tinge bit of worry. And Haewoon could deduce why instantly; their lips were plump and swollen, as if they were stimulating them for long minutes. The assumption couldn't be far off, considering the two had emerged from an unlit room, hair and clothes rustled, and breath staggered.

And Jimin looked absolutely stunning, almost too arousing and seducing; Haewoon just wanted to reach over and have him cradled in his arms so that he was filled with the vision of Jimin looking up at him with those dazed, brown eyes. However, it was a pity that he couldn't, and it was infuriating to know that that state of Jimin hadn't been induced because of him, but because of Jung-fucking-kook.

Jungkook had continued to take from Haewoon and his patience was wearing out exponentially quick. The youngest member, the brattiest and most spoiled one could not stop himself from indulging -a sinful act of greed. Jimin's time, affection, smile, and patience were all taken away from him because of Jungkook. He had taken Jimin away from him. 

If he found out that Jimin was his, Hell would commence.

Haewoon couldn't hold in the anger he felt at the thought of a relationship budding between the two because, when the fuck was Jungkook even remotely into Jimin?

It wasn't fair. So unfair. Because Jungkook was shit.

He was shit for making Jimin feel so insecure and incapable during the earlier years when it was Haewoon that would work hard to ensure the other's mentality stayed intact by showering him with endless compliments. Just because Jungkook grew a little more mature and tried to make up for it, it was no excuse of his past behavior.

He was utter shit for manipulating Jimin into thinking Haewoon wanted to harm him when all he wanted was the best of Jimin's welfare. All he desired was to keep up Jimin's appearance, the one he'd work so hard to maintain, the image he crippled his mentality for; Haewoon didn't want Jimin to fall back into his slump, therefore he needed to assist with his diet and exercise. Jimin was sensitive and assertive at the same time -his emotions were all over the place, therefore, Haewoon was there to direct him and control his feelings accordingly. Jimin was frail and so easily influenced, so he needed someone like Haewoon to purge out the toxic people in his life.

That included Jungkook.

Unfortunately for Haewoon, he couldn't touch Jungkook nor could he ever really say a word about him. Not only was he constricted by the company to do so, he knew that Jimin wouldn't really pay attention to him since the poor soul was blinded; he was blinded by Jungkook's maknae charm, though Haewoon could only ever see him as a snake.

And he hated it.

Haewoon hated being on a stand still, restricted from really interfering with Jungkook's life when Jungkook was relentlessly involved in his.

Jungkook had no right in involving himself with what was between only him and Jimin; their relationship had nothing to do with Jungkook so he should have stayed away and kept his mouth shut.

In conclusion, Jungkook was complete shit for taking advantage of the situation; the maknae took advantage of Haewoon's disadvantages, and took advantage of Jimin's kindness and feelings for him to relieve whatever sexual needs he had as a growing and deprived man. It was absolutely sick.

Because there was absolutely no way Jungkook actually loved Jimin the way he had.

Jungkook might've loved him as his hyung and bandmate and friend, but to love him romantically was something Haewoon couldn't associate with the young man. So what could it have been? When had it all started?

Haewoon pulled out his phone and scrolled through his gallery of Jimin, all stolen shots, and a few posed ones taken years ago. Jimin was so radiant, an entire universe himself -it made sense for everyone to be drawn to him in one way or another. Upon reaching a photo of Jimin smiling widely and his body flung backward in mid laughter, Haewoon cracked a smile and spread his fingers apart on the screen to zoom onto Jimin's face. He swiped right and stared quite long at his next photo.

Jimin had his head held back, exposing his long neck drenched in sweat after a long day of rehearsals. The young, beautiful man was starting at himself in the mirror with parted lips and determined eyes that were briefly covered by the fall of his wet, dark bangs. Haewoon remembered being entranced by the sinful beauty in presented in front of him; Jimin looked so tantalizing and unbeknownst to him, so seductive. Haewoon in turn, mimicked the way Jimin's lips fell open. Memories flooded vividly through Haewoon's mind as he recalled the feelings and thoughts he had of Jimin that day.

He wanted Jimin. Desired him. Envisioned being Jimin's everything.

And it was cut off when Jungkook stepped in line, obstructing his view. They locked eyes for a moment before the younger reached over to place his hand on Jimin's shoulder, while the other, though shocked at the sudden contact leaned back into Jungkook's chest.

The sight sent Haewoon toward a pit of darkness and spiraling anguish. Haewoon remembered the confusion and hurt he felt at Jungkook's boldness before he turned on his feet and angrily rushed out the door.

"That's when..." Haewoon surmised and clicked his phone off to turn into his bed to be drowned in the darkness of the night. "That's when it began."

Jungkook's interference.

The look Jungkook gave him, it never made sense to him that day, because why had he directly looked toward Haewoon and purposely interacted with Jimin.

It was no mystery that Jungkook's negative characteristics were that of being possessive and jealous. If that were the case, had his involvement with Haewoon and Jimin been fueled by his need to be the only one Jimin cared about?

"The fucking brat," Haewoon hissed into the night.

Jungkook didn't really love Jimin. He had only wanted to be the only one in Jimin's eyes. He was jealous of Haewoon for taking notice of Jimin and it only fanned Jungkook's possessiveness. It wasn't genuine; Jungkook was just a fucking manipulative and delusional prick.

And Jimin needed to be saved from him.

Haewoon would save him. It's what Jimin deserved.

And had he tried. He tried to sabotage anything and everything Jungkook tried to do that would only fuel Jimin's ignorance. For awhile it worked. He heard about Jungkook's plan to take him out when he heard him and Manager Sejin conversing down a secluded hall; everything was worked out perfectly.

The restaurant was cancelled.

The karaoke was cancelled.

The work car's tires slashed.

And the other car was conveniently taken by his junior for the majority of the night.

So everything should have been okay. Haewoon managed to spoil everything Jungkook had planned; so whatever demonic persuasion he would've had done for Jimin should've ceased from happening. But Haewoon was stumped and almost dumbfounded when he witnessed the two being even more engrossed with one another the following day.

Jimin couldn't stop smiling his lovely smile and Jungkook looked just as smitten.

Whatever happened still happened. It didn't stop when he'd nearly caught them in that room, nor did it stop when he'd sabotaged their hang out, and even when they were away from Korea for their performances. Jimin and Jungkook remained close, if not closer and closer and Haewoon could only conclude that Jungkook had Jimin. Jimin was snatched away from him!

Tears formed on the edge of Haewoon's eyes before they overflowed and trailed down his cheeks. "Fuck!"

Jungkook didn't deserve him.

No one would be able to treat Jimin right.

Only him.

"Only me."

Something in Haewoon snapped. An overwhelming feeling of hurt, anguish and dread began to numb down as his mind spiraled out of control. The tears dried up, leaving the moisture of his cheeks to be the only thing that indicated Haewoon's earlier cries. Burning dedication and dangerous determination was what was left.

"Jiminie baby, don't worry. I'll come save you."

Everything had been going relatively well. In fact, everything was going fucking great!

Jungkook could finally say Jimin was his, to love and care for, to kiss and hug, to cuddle when the sun set, and to wake up to when the sun rose. Jimin's mochi cheeks were his to bite; Jimin's small hands were his to hold; Jimin's glorious ass was his to smack.

Jimin. Jimin. Jimin.

Complete happiness filled Jungkook to the brim and he was willingly drowning in it. To be consumed and engulfed of his cute and sexy boyfriend was everything he imagined it to be like and so much more. He reveled in every contact he made with his other half, whether it was on stage when their eyes locked or when they headed home together and subtly brush up against each other's shoulders. His connection to Jimin was ridiculous and magnifying -he had always known how similar they were, but now that they were together, Jungkook could only see how synchronized they really were.

Their love for the stage, the energy they fed each other, and the inspiration and motivation to keep it going made performing that much more exhilarating. Jimin was literally his drive; Jimin was his ARMY.

"I love you, ARMY!" Jungkook would scream through the mic.

And Jimin would smile. "I love you!" he'd reply back, and ARMY would cheer thinking it was for them.

Though yes, their love and gratitude for their fans was genuine. The two did love ARMY for their support and dedication, but at the moment, as Jimin held his hand for their their ending bows, it was just them.

It was just Jimin and Jungkook, hand in hand, doing what they loved... together, as a couple. Finally.

When they reached their hotel, the adrenaline of their performance still ran heatedly through their veins, which caused Jungkook to roughly lift Jimin from the ground as he kicked his door shut. The smaller wrapped his legs around Jungkook's torso with no hesitation and moaned when his back hit the cool wall of the hotel room. Jungkook and Jimin were flushed against each other, hips grinding against one another, pulling groans from both their lips.

"You looked so good on stage tonight, Jimin," Jungkook whispered as he ran his mouth down the curve of Jimin's neck. "So sexy."

Jimin carded his hand through Jungkook's hair and pulled his head back. The younger hissed at the slight pain, but a wave of intense arousal washed over him all the same when he saw Jimin's lust filled eyes before he leaned down to capture Jungkook's mouth in his.

Their kisses were messy, warm and wet, but they loved that as much as they loved their soft sensual kisses.

"Were you watching me?" Jimin teased.

"It's hard to keep my eyes away from you," Jungkook admitted and nipped Jimin's bottom lip, forcing him to open his mouth wide enough so that Jungkook could slip his tongue in. "Even harder to stop myself from touching you."

Jimin tightened his legs around Jungkook and curved his hips further so they brushed up against each other which created a very enticing friction for the both of them. "I'm all yours now, baby."

And of course, just as Jungkook swung around with Jimin still perched around him and threw him upon his bed, the smaller obviously aroused to a point where he was a whimpering mess before Jungkook even started, was when someone began impatiently pounding on his door. Jungkook flung his attention irritably toward the door and wished for it to stop -maybe if he was quiet, the other person at the other end of the door would leave, but the knocks were insistent. 

Jimin, opposite to Jungkook's dread, began giggling under him. "Get it, Kookie. I'll just lie down on the floor and stay on my phone or something."

"What if it's a manager?"

"It's not weird for me to hang out with you, Kook."

Jungkook nodded his head and reluctantly detached himself from Jimin to open the door. He wasn't expecting to see a tense looking Haewoon on the other side.

Jungkook had half the mind to slam the door right then and there, and the other half had the  patience to hear what Haewoon had to say. Surely there was a reason why Haewoon had the gall to approach Jungkook when it was already nearing 1 AM. However, it didn’t occur to the both of them that they weren’t conversing at all; they both stared intently at one another, boring a message only through their eyes. They would have continued to do so too, if not for Jimin finding the silence odd and called out to Jungkook.

“Jungkook, are you still there?”

It happened in a second, the flash before Haewoon’s eyes looked eager at the sound of  Jimin’s melodic voice, and it bothered Jungkook immensely.

“Jimin?” Haewoon whispered, and before he could control himself, attempted to bypass Jungkook and step foot into his room.

“No,” Jungkook snarled and shut the door. He could hear the shocked gasp from the other side before Haewoon went on a rampage of knocks once more.

Jimin had finally gotten up and peered his attention to the door to see the frustration on Jungkook’s face as he leaned his back on the hallway walls they made out on not too long ago. He reached for Jungkook’s hand and tilted his gaze toward the sounds behind his door.

“What’s wrong? Who is that?”

Rage began to build up within Jungkook -rage that only Haewoon seemed to be able to elicit from him. He ran his finger tips along Jimin’s sides and watched carefully at the way his shirt rode up upon his fingertips, exposing just a fraction of the smaller man’s skin, before it fell back down as he trailed his touches back. There was a sense of peace instilled in Jimin. It calmed his nerves, his mind, and heart.

He rested his cheek against his neck, not entirely sure when he had even pulled Jimin toward him. “Haewoon,” he answered meekly. “I don’t know what he’s doing here.”

All Jimin could feel was irritation. It was one thing to be interrupted during their heat of the moment, but it was another thing entirely to be interrupted by Haewoon specifically.

“What does he want?” Jimin listened in to the knocking. Knock. Knock. Knock. Jimin frowned. “Must be urgent.”

Releasing himself from Jungkook’s tightening hold proved difficult for Jimin because although the older made it known he had wanted out, the other wasn’t relenting.

“Kook, let go, please. I want to know what he wants.”

“Jimin,” Jungkook pleaded, doe eyes shining with concern.

“Trust me. I can take care of myself,” Jimin huffed petulantly. “And if I can’t, and I’m not saying I can’t, but if I can’t, you’re here for me, right? So let me go.”

And with that, Jungkook released him go to turn the knob of his door. Trust was a prevalent factor in relationships and he needed Jimin to know the he trusted him. Even if his decisions wasn’t always to Jungkook’s liking.

Jimin may finally be Jungkook’s boyfriend, but he was still very much his own person.

The spark in Haewoon’s eyes when they landed on Jimin caused the sudden desire for Jungkook to shove his hand on his face and smack him down. Jungkook clenched his fists next to his side and forced himself to control the rueful urges.

Haewoon’s expression was a complete one eighty from how he had looked with Jungkook. His eyes swam with excitement and enthusiasm, he leaned forward a little, and a wide grin plastered his face. Jimin, on the other hand, hadn’t returned the gesture, but simply leaned against the threshold and assessed the situation.

“I’m sorry for Jungkook’s rudeness,” Jimn started off. Jungkook rolled his eyes and scoffed at that; even when faced with a total asshole, Jimin still upheld politeness. “Is there something urgent that you and Kook needed to discuss?”

Haewoon hadn’t spoken to Jimin in so long and he hadn’t realized just how much he missed hearing him. And it wasn’t as if he hadn’t heard Jimin speak, but it held a different effect when Jimin had spoken to him directly. Suddenly, the need to demand answers from Jungkook were wiped from his mind and only to be replaced with getting Jimin to speak to him more.

“Not with him,” he answered simply.

Jimin blinked at him. Haewoon melted at the sight of his gaze -so innocent, albeit Jimin looking quite confused and frustrated.

“Okay, so why come to his room? Did you mistake his room with another? Who are you looking for?”

Jungkook snorted. Jimin’s patience and kindness was forever something Jungkook quite adored, but at that moment, as they were given to the one person who didn’t deserve it, unnerved him tremendously. “I think he’s distracted with you, hyung.”

Jimin shot him a glare, one Jungkook ignored. “Haewoon-sshi,” Jimin redirected his attention back onto the still man. “If it’s nothing, I’d appreciate it if you could please stop knocking o-”

“It’s not nothing, Jimin,” Haewoon hastily cut off.

“Then what is it?” Jimin lolled his head to the side, dark hair parted to the side, and neck craned out for Haewoon to marvel at.

Jimin was unaware, but Jungkook saw everything and his insides lit up with the need to protect the oblivious angel from Haewoon’s lust filled stare. On instinct, Jungkook tugged Jimin backward, and although Jimin was perplexed, he was also pliant to the manhandling. Now Jungkook stood in the middle of the two, blocking Jimin for Haewoon completely.

“Tell me, Haewoon-sshi,” the address of the man was extremely bitter. “What is it?”

And upon Jimin being held back from view, Haewoon’s expression crumbled into the same numb look he had sported earlier on.

“I was hoping to speak with Jimin.”

“Yet you came to my room,” Jungkook replied nonchalantly. “Was there something you wanted to talk to me about? If not, could you please excuse us, we need to rest considering we have a concert tomorrow.”

Realization hit Haewoon at the implications Jungkook had sent him. He saw the way Jungkook grinned slightly at his direction. Was Jungkook playing with him and using Jimin just to rile him up?

“And Jimin is resting with you? What kind of blackmail do you have against him, Jungkook? He has his own room to rest,” he all but sneered, forgetting to keep up the facade of pleasantness for Jimin’s sake.

The accusation baffled Jimin once more. Did Haewoon just not get it?

“I’m in Jungkook’s room of my own accord; I have no idea what you’re insinuating, but I’m not liking it,” Jimin shot back, stepping to the side of Jungkook.

Again. Again. And again. Haewoon sulked after realizing he had angered Jimin once again. What was it that he was doing wrong? Or what was it that Jungkook kept feeding him to make Jimin hate him so much? His Jimin was never this outspoken to him -was never so moody toward him before.

The confusion drove his next words before he could reevaluate them. Haewoon was just so angry, so jealous, and lost.

“You need to stop bullshitting, Jimin,” he spat at Jungkook. And he turned to Jimin, eyes sincere and patient. “And Jimin, dear, you need to understand that Jungkook will never treat you right, in whatever relationship you guys are in. He will never treat you like I do, like you deserve to be treated. He’s playing with your feelings, my lo-”

Jungkook harshly pushed him further into the hall and pulled the door shut behind him. Jimin was shocked at the disappearance of the two and went to reach for the door to ensure that Jungkook didn’t do anything stupid. But as he went for the door handle and pulled, he realized Jungkook had been holding onto it from the otherside. With ridiculous strength at that. No matter how hard Jimin was tugging, the door would only open slightly before slamming back shut.

“Jungkook!” Jimin hissed. “Let go of the door right now!”

But Jungkook was far from letting go. He had an iron grip on the handle as he refused to let Jimin see just how infuriated Haewoon managed to get him to be. Jungkook had always been passionate and driven, and right there, having his passion for Jimin questioned by this harasser was driving him to shut him up.

Haewoon stumbled against the wall parallel to his door when he was shoved out by Jungkook. Luckily the hallway was empty during the exchange.

“A little sensitive there, Jungkook?”

“I’m not the one bullshitting here,” Jungkook hissed, surprised to have even cussed at someone older, but not really giving a damn about it. “Don’t you see how uncomfortable you’re making Jimin? Get your sick fantasies away from him or I swear I’ll make it so that working with us gets unbearable.”

Haewoon laughed dryly at the threat. “Unbearable? It already is whenever I see you even near Jimin. You’re toxic and you’re manipulating his feelings only because you know just how much Jimin likes you! You’re manipulative! Acting like this kind person when all you are is a possessive brat.”

“I’m not manipulating anyone, Haewoon. So let me be frank with you, stay away from Jimin.”

“Jungkook? Haewoon-sshi?”

They turned to find Namjoon centered down the hall. Jungkook would have felt embarrassed by the blatant display of disrespect, but he was done giving whatever patience he had left for Haewoon; he was done pretending to be formal. If Haewoon wanted him to drop his ‘kind’ act, then so be it.

“Namjoon,” Haewoon smiled.

Jungkook rolled his eyes and held back a sarcastic laugh. “Who’s pretending now?” Jungkook called out his hypocrisy.

“Is there something going on?” Namjoon walked in their direction now, directing his attention from Haewoon and Jungkook worriedly. “It’s late.”

“Yes,” Haewoon muttered, voice thick with concern. “I was just checking up on… Jungkook-ah.”

Namjoon raised any eyebrow toward him. “Jungkook?”

Jimin yanked the door open then, in the brief moment of Jungkook’s complacency after seeing Namjoon.

“Kook, what the hell!” Jimin whispered harshly, then upon seeing Namjoon outside, tilted his head in confusion. “Namjoonie hyung?”

Namjoon stared at Jimin with wide eyes, then briefly took a look at the room plaque to confirm whose room it really was. After a few seconds, Namjoon turned to Haewoon with a smile. “Everything okay, Haewoon-sshi? I think I wanted to brief Jungkook and Jimin on some performance notes.” Namjoon turned to his dongsaengs. “Thanks for meeting up with me so late at night.”

Jimin and Jungkook dumbly nodded their heads in unison.

“Well, I don’t want to be a bother. You guys have a good night; don’t stay up too late.” Haewoon excused himself then, almost hurriedly, but no one missed the way his eyes lingered on Jimin for a few moments too long.

When Haewoon was finally far from earshot, Namjoon turned to Jungkook in bewilderment. “What the hell was that, Kook?”

Jungkook bit his lip and entered his room, Namjoon followed hot on his heels.

“We need to get rid of him! He’s getting worse.”

“What happened?” Namjoon asked Jimin instead; he figured Jungkook needed to collect his thoughts, breathe a little and calmed down. Asking him questions about Haewoon now would only rile him up even more.

Jimin glanced at Jungkook briefly, his hands itched to reach out for him and calm his nerves, but he remained focused on the issue.

“Haewoon… said a few things about me and… Jungkook.”

Namjoon raised an eyebrow and waited for Jimin to continue. He didn’t want to say anything until Jimin was ready to unpack the situation.

“Basically Haewoon was knocking on Jungkook’s door, like he wouldn’t stop unless Jungkook answered. But when he did, they weren’t communicating at all. Suddenly the door slammed at Jungkook was irritated; rightfully so because who’d expect Haewoon to give him a visit during the night?”

“He had no reason to!” Jungkook groaned, throwing himself onto his bed.

Jimin and Namjoon rolled their eyes. “Anyway,” Jimin continued. “I went to answer the door because he kept on knocking. I thought it was an emergency or something, but Haewoon was confusing. He said he didn’t come to speak with Jungkook, but couldn’t answer who he was supposed to speak with.”

“It’s only because he found out you were in my room. If you weren’t here, I’m pretty sure he would’ve spouted more colorful things to me.”

“Oh they were colorful alright,” Jimin agreed bitterly.

“What do you mean?”

“He basically said I was bullshit, hyung. Talking shit like I was manipulating Jimin and taking advantage of his feelings and that he would treat Jimin better than I ever could.”

Jungkook was already fuming from the altercation, but hearing about what pushed him over the edge got him seething once more. 

Because how dare Haewoon act as if he were the knight and shining armor? How dare he go on thinking he was doing Jimin a favor? How dare he completely turn a blind eye to the trauma he was causing him`? Jimin had fucking nightmares of him, and Haewoon acted as if he were his dream guy.

And right in front of him -his fucking boyfriend .

It didn’t matter that Haewoon didn’t know; in fact, it was better that he didn’t, but Jungkook couldn’t stop control his temper at what just occurred.

"Wait, he knows you two are a thing?"

"Oh, right. Not just a thing. We're together, hyung." Namjoon blinked at him. "I've been wanting to tell you when things settled down, but I finally confessed, hyung." Jungkook was beaming now, eyes full of love as he looked between Jimin and nephews, all traces of his previous anger non existent. "He said yes!"

Jungkook was all smiles, his doe eyes exuberant under the dim lighted room. Jimin looked at him with fondness and adoration; this was his boyfriend. It was mind boggling seeing that the same man who shoved Haewoon with such vigor not too long ago was the same man bouncing with joy at revealing their current relationship status.

"Jimin?"

"I said yes, hyung." Jimin confirmed and covered his face with his small hands, suddenly extremely bashful under Namjoon's growing smile. 

"Is our Jiminie getting all shy now?" Namjoon crowded over Jimin, towering over his small body with his larger one. It was always fun teasing Jimin, seeing his reaction, watching his fair cheeks bloom pink, and hear his embaressed whines.

Namjoon poked at his sides, eliciting giggles from the mochi. Then he tugged at his hair and pinched his fingers, trying to pry his hand away from his face.

"Hyungie," Jimin laughed and attempted to pull away, but Namjoon caught him and brought him in for a noogie. Jimin laughed into his chest and Namjoon curled in to hold Jimin close and Jungkook... stared.

They've always been so close. The hyung of the maknae line and the maknae of the hyung line.

Jungkook saw their bond, their interactions, and their connections. There was understanding of each other's struggles and he was always keen to Namjoon's fondness for Jimin. Everyone had, but with Namjoon...

For some reason it hurt. Jungkook didn't want to be, but he was. And he knew he shouldn't, but he was.

"Hyung..." Jungkook frowned. 

Namjoon pulled away at the sound of Jungkook's distress and instantly understood, though Jimin wasn't aware of it. Namjoon offered a small, understanding smile, before releasing Jimin from his hold, but not before pinching Jimin's cheeks one more time.

"I'm happy for you two!" Namjoon announced, feeling proud and love for his dongsaengs. And then with a serious tone, "We will handle Haewoon, Jungkook. He overstepped his boundaries long ago and we should bring it up to Bang PD. We'll do that when you two are ready to face him with this news, too."

"I'm ready," Jungkook said, eyes locked on Jimin. The sooner the problem with Haewoon was brought up, the safer Jimin would be.

Jimin on the other hand was a little more hesitant. "I... I'm scared," he admitted, head falling to the ground in shame.

Jungkook reached out to take his fingers into his hand, hoping it'd calm him. "I'll be here, Jiminie." Then Jungkook eyed Namjoon, smiling a little. "Hyung will be there, too."

Jimin perked at that. "Really? Will you be there too?"

It was slightly unsettling just how relieved Jimin seemed at the mention of Namjoon; it was as if Jungkook wasn't enough. But he remembered the feeling as well... his need for their leader to be a common ground. Namjoon was that for Jimin... and for Bangtan. Jungkook sighed. He needed to get a grip of his own security.

Namjoon nodded.

"Of course," he grinned. He looked between Jungkook and Jimin with softness. "How about we set an appointment sometime after our performances and when we get back to Korea? Deal?"

Jimin and Jungkook nodded their head simultaneously, just as they had when Namjoon prompted his little lie outside with Haewoon. He smiled at that; he couldn't see how the two couldn't end up together, being as they were already one, for a long time now.

"Good. Jimin head back to your room."

"But hyuuuung," Jimin whined and twirled his body childishly.

"Don't but me! I've heard Jungkook's thoughts of you and we aren't going to risk ay hickies on your body."

"HYUNG!" Jungkook screeched, face burnt in crimson from the shame.

"Oh," Jimin mused, a teasing smile forming on his face. "What thoughts, Kookie?"

Namjoon grabbed Jimin by the forearm and dragged him toward the door.

"Nope! Nope, we aren't doing this. Go to sleep, Kook." And Jungkook heard more grumbling by Jimin before his door shut closed.

Jungkook sunk into his sheets, embarressed, but content.

Jungkook smiled into his pillow, giddy and warm. He didn't want Jimin to question him about his indecent thoughts, but he also couldn't wait to see him again. Only due to the complexity of Jimin.

Chapter Text

I'll cherish you.

Jimin smiled at the small message that was typed onto a single slip of paper perched upon his cheek as he woke from his afternoon nap. Promotional photo shoots were exhausting and Jimin found solace in one of the fitting rooms to get some much needed sleep as the others went to take their solo shots. Jungkook had been with him for a bit, watching over as he slept while waiting for his turn to shoot.

Warmth radiated his entire body as he took the fortune cookie like paper and slipped it into his wallet, pocketed alongside his most cherished amusement park ticket. He figured he'd start his own pile of sentimental items if Jungkook continued to surprise him with those little messages; they already had albums full of their polaroid photos together, why not start an album of sickeningly sweet notes?

He pulled his phone out and smiled at his background of him and Jungkook posed with derp like faces.

You're precious, he texted Jungkook.

Almost instantly, before Jimin even attempted to put his phone back down, he received a text back.

Duh.

The eye roll Jimin displayed could have tilted the world on its axis by how dramatic it was. He scoffed at the message and wished he was facing Jungkook so he could smack him upside his head for the arrogant response, but at the same time, it was so Jungkook-like that Jimin found it extremely endearing.

But I can't compare to you :)

And there, Jimin's heart hitched in giddiness; the growing smile could threaten to rip his face in half if he weren't careful. That response was the embodiment of Jungkook, too.

Bratty, but sincere.

What's taking you? I miss you already.

Maybe if you weren't so sleepy we could've actually hung out before my shoot started. But noooo~

I will fight you.

Try it, tiny fists.

Jimin laughed, but opted to take a photo of one of his hand curled into a fist and sent it.

Cute c: I'm finishing up soon, Jiminie. Just wait, brat.

Brat!

Jimin sunk deeper into his chair, debating whether or not he should continue his sleep. He was relieved at the fact he no longer needed to fear a sudden visit by Haewoon, not since their talk with Bang PD; everything had been smooth sailing so far. Jimin and Jungkook were able to continue their relationship, albeit they keep it on the down low as much as they could, which meant no obvious displays of affection, much to Jimin's disappointment.

But there needed to be some sacrifices with their lifestyles and Jungkook was worth it.

When talk of Haewoon was brought up, Jungkook had been quite heated in contrast to him and Namjoon. What convinced Bang PD of the severity of the situation was seeing how adamant Jungkook was with his disapproval of the staff despite him having been appointed to them since the start of their career. Rarely had they ever witnessed the usually polite and kind Jungkook immensely distraught over an individual before. So it was decided that action were to be taken, so long as Jimin was okay with the result since the whole ordeal pertained to him only.

However, unless Jimin was willing to file for a harassment complaint against Haewoon, Bang PD wasn’t able to do any serious repercussions. Despite the nightmares and paranoia, Jimin still refused to get Haewoon terminated, but pleaded that there was enough distance in their schedules so they wouldn’t interact with one another.

Jungkook and Namjoon looked to him warily. While Namjoon nodded his head, understanding his decision and adoring Jimin’s compassion, Jungkook was less enthusiastic, but he wanted to respect Jimin’s decisions.

Bang PD honored the request and looked to Jimin with sincerity. He always saw them as their kids and he almost felt inclined to see to it that Haewoon never stepped foot on company ground again, but he knew the schematics of things, and proper protocols didn’t allow him to fire the man regardless of his personal feelings. But he was definitely going to say a few things to the other man.

After much discussion, they all decided that Haewoon be placed in a different sector. He was no longer an additional back up body guard for them, but still remained as the lead sound engineer as he was proficient in his work. Jimin agreed so long as he stayed in his section. Band PD would assign another assistant solely to ensure that Haewoon didn’t over step his boundary.

“I’m sorry, Jimin. Has he done anything to you?”

“No,” Jimin shook his head. “No he hasn’t.”

Jungkook thinned his lips, but controlled his expression turned to offer him a small smile.

Bang PD raised an eyebrow at the exchange and sighed. He didn’t want to pressure Jimin, but if there was anything he was hiding, he wished the other would rely on him enough to be honest.

“You will let me know, yes?”

Jimin nodded his head.

“Thank you for bringing this up to my attention, you three. Now that we know,  we can better monitor him.” Then his tone grew serious. “but if anything happens Jimin, I’ll have to take extreme measures against him. Will you be okay with that?”

“I hope it doesn’t get that far.”

“Neither do I, Jimin-ah. We’ll do our best to keep you safe. But to avoid any unnecessary controversies and overarching drama, this will be done in silence. No one but you and the other members, myself, your managers, Haewoon will just do his job as instructed and when done he leaves -he’ll go back to his department and that’s that. He will no longer have the privilege of lounging around with any of you boys after work, or be given tasks that aren’t set in one station where he can be observed. But, I ask that you and the others keep an eye out as well. I don’t have enough precedence to actually fire him now, but if he so much as breaches your privacy and safety again, I will put it on myself to see that he’s terminated.”

Jungkook wasn’t nearly as satisfied with the compromise as Namjoon and Jimin were.

Jimin only saw a snippet of Haewoon’s psychotic reasonings, but Jungkook had always been on the receiving end of more than one of Haewoon’s tantrums to know that there was something completely off about him. But Band PD was right; Haewoon hadn’t done anything to Jimin that were means for termination. If making people uncomfortable was reason enough to fire someone, every single workplace would be having a field day over it.

He hadn’t witness Haewoon touch Jimin other than his hand on the back of his neck, but he sure as hell wasn’t going to wait for it to escalate even further. So in the end, thins we’re getting better. At least Haewoon was now on management’s radar and that meant extra security.

He looked to Jimin carefully, observed the relief in his eyes. So long as Jimin was content, Jungkook would try to be. His hand inched forward and cradled Jimin’s in his.

Bang PD coughed, purposely breaking the intense gaze of Jungkook.

“Okay,” Bang PD drawled. “So let’s talk about you two, shall we?”

Since then Jimin and the rest of the guys were able to relax just a little bit more; they no longer felt the need to stay on guard of Haewoon's lingering presence because they knew where to expect him.

But Jimin had been so tired lately -he wasn't sure that since the 'threat' had been dealt with, the constant paranoia that kept him up at nights and alert during days had finally been displaced with exhaustion. So although he still maintained his exuberant nature, he found himself talking naps here and there. It didn't help that they were touring, which meant performing, shooting vlive contents, and participating in interviews were taking up most of his days. 

Which is why Jungkook, upon returning from his photoshoot, found Jimin curled up on one of the sofas. He cooed at the sight of Jimin's puffy cheeks squished against the comfort of one of the cushions, his hair flared over his eyes, and his little fingers peeked from beneath his oversized sweaters. Jimin looked so warm, content, and peaceful -the most he had been for awhile now. They were needed for another rehearsal in half an hour, and Jungkook should really wake him up, but he couldn't push himself to do it.

Jimin had went through so much and overworked himself mentally and physically. If he could spare the other just a few more minutes of ease, Jungkook would allow it.

So he removed his outfit for a hoodie and sweats before he walked over to Jimin, kneeling against the sofa and smoothed back the older's hair so they were out of his face. There was the growing desire of wanting desperately to be domestic like this with Jimin on a daily, but their schedules were packed and they had less and less time of interacting with one another. Jimin was at arms reach majority of the time, but Jungkook still found himself missing him. He was constantly battling his instincts to hug Jimin on stage and present his feelings for everyone to see, but he had to remind himself that the only person that truly needed to feel his affections for him was Jimin himself, and that was enough -for now.

His thumb smoothed over Jimin's soft, mochi like cheeks, and traced over the line of his full, plump lips. As if in a trance, Jungkook leaned over to press a soft, chaste kiss on his forehead, and once more on his lips. When he leaned back, Jungkook's eyes dipped down to the opening of his sweater, which revealed a little more skin than he was accustomed to due to Jimin's position. Jungkook was tempted to place one more kiss on his collarbones when he noticed a purplish hue adorning just a little further down his neckline.

Jungkook frowned. Jimin was clumsy, falling almost anywhere and everywhere, which caused the tiny member to display bruises frequently. In the midst of reaching over to check the intensity of his injury, Jimin started to stir and Jungkook was met with deep brown eyes.

Jimin sported a lopsided smile at the pleasant awakening, and Jungkook melted, all his worry for the bruise now nonexistent.

"Hey, pretty," Jungkook grinned.

"Done with your shoot, Kookie?"

Jungkook nodded his head lovingly and pressed the awaiting kiss upon Jimin once more. The other gasped slightly, but returned his affections almost immediately. The exchange was soft and satisfying.

As he pulled back, Jungkook noticed that Jimin began to nuzzle his face back into the pillow; although it was beyond cute, Jungkook was a little worried and the other's display of fatigue. He carded his long fingers into

Jimin's hair and massaged his scalp. Jimin moaned slightly at the pleasant pressure.

"What's gotten you so tired, hyung?"

"I don't know," Jimin mused honestly. “I’ve just been so sleepy… a lot recently."

“I’ve noticed. Is my baby feeling sick?”

Jimin internally shivered at the pet name. Even after being together with Jungkook for several weeks, Jimin was still trying to wrap his mind around the fact that the beautiful man in front of him was his person. He hadn’t even noticed the growing grin on his face until Jungkook snickered and pointed it out.

“I’m fine, Kookie.” Then Jimin’s eyes sparkled at the remembrance of what was to come the following week. “It’s almost your birthday! We have a day off if I remember; let’s go do something?”

At Jimin’s enthusiasm, Jungkook smiled in return, his nose scrunched up and his eyes slit into their usual bunny like appearances. “If you’re awake for it, sure,” Jungkook teased, which earned him a playful slap from the other.

“I wouldn’t miss it.”

“I know, hyung. You’ve literally spent every birthday with me for several years now. You always give the best gift.”

“Ah…” Jimin sighed, eyes diverting up to the ceiling as a mean to redirect them for Jungkook’s piercing eyes. “Gift…”

Jungkook gasped dramatically, eyes bloomed into a full circles full of hurt. “Don’t tell me you’re not giving me one this year?”

“You’ve been spoiled lately.”

“Well duh!” Jungkook pouted. “I’m the youngest, remember? I deserve to be spoiled.”

“But I’m Jimin. I deserve to be spoiled.”

Jungkook couldn’t necessarily disagree with him there. “Okay… well you’re not wrong…”

Jimin wanted to laugh at the obvious pout that Jungkook was sporting, but because he was just too cute and Jungkook had been so good to him, Jimin controlled himself. He was fully awake now and fed off the energy of Jungkook’s stimulation. Him just being near was enough to get Jimin’s blood pumping and active.

“I’m kidding you big baby, of course I have something for you. I always do.”

Jungkook smiled, wide and eager. “I know you do. How about we get some ice cream before we head out to our next location?”

“Is this a date?” Jimin winked.

Jungkook leaned his body forward as he slipped his arm under Jimin’s torso and around his waist. He nuzzled into Jimin’s chest, which slightly elicited a few giggles from the older man -the sound sending waves of comfort to Jungkook. He wished to stay like that for a few more minutes; he really missed Jimin.

Their schedules were so hectic and though it was part of their career, sometimes he just wanted to lay back with Jimin, in his bed -or their bed- and just relax. He wanted to joke around with Jimin, talk about how stupid he was back then for not noticing his charms sooner, and laugh because Jimin would agree. He wanted Jimin to wrap his arms around his body, have his chest against his back because he actually liked Jimin being the big spoon as much as liked having the older man under him. He wanted to kiss his squishy cheeks, plump lips, and tantalizing neck again and again in the comfort of their room so they needn’t worry about staff popping in and out.

He missed Jimin. He missed Hawaii.

They needed a vacation soon. Just him and Jimin.

The moment he felt Jimin’s hand rake through his bouncy hair, the younger turned to face him. Jimin’s eyes shone as he looked at him with starry eyes and Jungkook wanted to laugh because really, Jimin held the universe in his.

“I miss you.”

“I’m here, Kookie.”

And he was. And Jimin always had been. Through the tough times and better times, Jimin was there to comfort him when he was broken down in tears and when he was radiating from success. There was no one better than Jimin; Jimin was the best Jungkook would ever get.

And in that instant, he made a decision. He’d grant all of Jimin’s wishes; no matter how hard they were going to be, every desire Jimin had ever mentioned to him, Jungkook would grant. He already knew how to execute one of them, but it’d take two months to execute it.

“What’s on your mind?” he heard Jimin ask.

Jungkook smiled slightly. He took the hand that was playing with his hair into his hand and pressed the other’s fingertips to his lips gently. “Would you come with me if I told you I wanted to go somewhere far?”

“I’d go anywhere with you, Kook.”

“And I would with you, Jimin.” Jungkook tightened his hold around Jimin’s waist and pulled him up so that he was now sitting upon the couch. He lifted himself from the ground and before Jimin had enough time to react, Jungkook already had is mouth on his. Their kiss was lanquid, slow but passionate.

Jungkook teased Jimin’s mouth open as he swiped his tongue on the other’s bottom lip. As the kiss intensified, Jimin’s gasps slowly turned into encouraging moans, which played a dangerous role in Jungkook’s hardening dilemma. The things that Jimin’s voice does to him…

“Kookie,” Jimin broke out, slightly pulling back from Jungkook, whom only redirected his lips onto his neck. “Someone could walk in. Someone might see!”

But Jungkook was far gone -attentiveness thrown out the window as all he could focus on now was Jimin, Jimin’s moans, and how good he was making him feel. The still staccatos of his groans were music to his ears and he wondered just how high he could make Jimin scream just from his kisses alone.

“Let them,” he answered simply as his tongue lined Jimin’s throat.  

“How’d you get so shameless?” Jimin laughed, but his eyes were shut and he clenched harder onto Jungkook’s shoulders, encouraging him to continue despite the growing risk of getting caught.

Jungkook nipped his exposed shoulder. “I learn from the best.” His eyes darkened when his kisses reached just under his collarbone, the familiar bruise staring right in his face. It was confusing because of the resemblance of it looking like a hickey. But no one was kissing Jimin other than him and Jungkook definitely didn’t leave that hickey on him.

“Jimin, baby, did you get hurt?” He rubbed the area and pulled back just enough so Jimin could see the mark in question.

Jimin, still high on his own euphoria glanced briefly at the bruise and shrugged his shoulders. “I fall a lot, Kookie.”

Although it worried Jungkook how often Jimin allowed himself to get hurt, he allowed a chuckle to slip from his lips before he darted his tongue out to soothe the bruise. “Take care of yourself, baby.”

“Can’t promise you that.”

“I guess I’ll just have to do a better job taking care of you then.”

Jimin yanked Jungkook’s hair back so that he was unlatched from his neck and staring straight into his deep brown eyes. Arousal was at its peak when Jungkook watched the way Jimin bit his lips with hooded eyes. “Mmmm, and how will you take care of me, Kookie?”

It was a challenge of perversion, and although Jungkook was new to the game, he’d always been extremely competitive. If Jimin wanted to go that route, he wasn’t backing down from it. Be damn his innocence; hot and bothered Jungkook strived to make an appearance.

Jungkook quickly side eyed the door before acting quick. He finally got on his feet, cupped Jimin’s ass and picked the other man up with ease. Jimin both surprised and excruciatingly turned on immediately wrapped his legs around the younger’s waist and looped his arm around his neck. Jungkook shuffled his way to the door, pressed Jimin’s back against the threshold as he reached over to turn the lock.  

He rolled his hips forward, the friction sending both Jungkook and Jimin into bliss.

“How do you feel, hyung? Am I taking good care of you?”

Jimin’s face heated up. He was completely stricken by Jungkook’s switch in character, not that it wasn’t bad, but because it was extremely good. They haven’t been together long, but having Jungkook in his arms as he laid wet kisses all over him and saying such naughty lines with his deep and sultry tone had Jimin craving more. They were adults, but were they ready to do more than just heated make outs?

However, his doubts weren’t voiced; in fact, the only sound that was elicited from Jungkook’s ministrations conveyed the total opposite.

“It sounds like I’m doing a good job. Don’t you think, hyung?”

Jimin pushed himself forward, craving more pressure in the lower region of his body.

“Too bad we only have a couple more minutes…” Jungkook growled into his neck. “I would’ve done so much more to you.”

Fuck. Jimin was ready. He was more than ready. And by what was happening now, it seemed like Jungkook was ready, too. If it was with Jungkook, he’d lay himself vulnerable to him. He hadn’t had much experience; in fact he didn’t have any experience at all, but he was willing to learn.

“Make sure you’re free for your birthday,” Jimin breathed into Jungkook’s ear, the other shivered from the exchange. He bit slightly on his lobe driving Jungkook mad with desire. “I’ll take care of you.”

Suddenly Jungkook’s face bloomed several shades red and he hid himself in the crook of Jimin’s neck.

“Hyung,” he whined, his confidence depleted. “You can’t just stay stuff like that.”

Jimin blinked several times as his breath evened out. Jungkook sounded so childish when his tone unexpectedly went from bold and seductive to shy and embarrassed. Was this really the same person? Jimin could feel the younger waning and he had to stop himself from cooing at the boy.

“Kookie? You were literally insinuating to sex me up not even a minute ago.”

Jungkook buried himself further in and grumbled. The vibration set off a few giggles from Jimin, which eased the younger’s nerves tremendously. “I know,” he whispered. “I just, damn, Jimin… the effect you have on me…”

“Is that bad?”

Jungkook pressed his lip against Jimin’s skin. “No, baby, no. I just… I’m a wreck. When you’re near all lI can think about is you… and I’m afraid of rushing things with you… because I’m new at this? I don’t know what I’m doing. But I want to cherish you. You deserve to be cherished, Jimin.”

Jimin smiled warmly, remembering the little note Jungkook had left for him before he went off to his shoot. I’ll cherish you. Jungkook was such a sweetheart, shy and bashful, but confident and daring.  

“Baby bun, I’m just as lost as you are. You’re so precious. I don’t want to rush you either, but I want to let you know, Kookie, that whatever pace you set, I’m comfortable with it. I’m ready whenever you are.”

“Are you sure? ‘Cause I’ve been ready.”

Jimin finally allowed the laugh to burst from his chest, startling Jungkook slightly, but not enough for him to pull away. “I can tell,” he joked and squeezed his legs to further accentuate his point.

Jungkook groaned, but started to laugh alongside Jimin. “I swear, you make me feel like I’m headed to Heaven.”

“Ah, well, I am an angel.”

It was another day of shooting for Bangtan Run and although Jimin didn’t want to, his eyes scanned the room for Haewoon specifically. There was still that need to ensure where he was so Jimin knew how far he needed to stay back and where he shouldn’t linger. So when his presence was lackluster near the sound department, an inkling of paranoia started to fester in Jimin’s body and soul. It physically started to show on Jimin’s features and it didn’t go unnoticed by Young and Jin.

They pulled him to the side rather inconspicuously so as to not generate any unnecessary worry from the staff.

“Are you alright?”

The answer didn’t come quickly as the younger of the three stubbornly continued to scope the area.

“Jimin,” Yoongi called. He grabbed Jimin by the shoulder and shook him just enough to pull him from his thoughts. “Hey, we’re here. What’s going on in that head of yours?”

They were finally able to pull Jimin from his mind a few moments later; Jimin only blinked in response, which caused the two older hyungs to worry a little more.

“You look frantic,” Jin whispered. Lines of anxiousness creased his face and Jimin wanted nothing more than to erase them. He hadn’t meant to make them feel worried.

“Sorry. I just don’t see him around…”

Jin raised an eyebrow and turned to survey the area despite not knowing exactly who to look for.

Yoongi, on the other hand, knew exactly whom Jimin was referring to. “You mean Haewoon?” He stepped back from the two and followed Jin’s earlier action to look around. “Doesn’t look like he’s here. Isn’t that a good thing?”

Jimin sighed. In a way it was a good thing, but not knowing exactly where he was unnerved him all the same. “I guess.”

Yoongi reached out to encompass his hand into his own and rubbed comfortable circles on his palm. “Hey,” he called calmly, smiling at Jimin’s concerned face. “He won’t get to you; we won’t let him. In fact, before he even reaches us, he’d have to go through Jungkook and I doubt he’ll be able to do event that.”

Jimin snickered at the encouragement; he was right. He knew of Jungkook’s overprotectiveness, and he knew by experience just how powerful Jungkook was. And even if he didn’t condone violence, the mere show of the younger’s muscles were intimidating enough to put anyone and everyone on cautious ground. And so Jimin felt better.

He assured both Jin and Yoongi that he’d be alright, the two hyungs simply nodded and left to prepare for the shoot. But not before giving each other a brief group hug.

“Hey, am I missing something? Why is everyone giving my boyfriend a hug?”

“Holy shit, Jungkook! Keep your mouth shut, would you?” Yoongi spat.

“Yeah, aren’t you supposed to like -I don’t know- keep this a secret?” Jin chimed in as he frantically looked around to see if anyone had overheard.

Jungkook stepped back with offense, mouth parted in disbelief, and hand planted against his chest with horror. “Well excuse me,” he drawled, looking to Jimin once with overwhelming affection, and then to Yoongi and Jin with accusatory, but friendly glares. “I just didn’t expect to see my Jiminie literally stuffed between two of my hyungs while I was in the bathroom.”

“No need to be jealous, Kookie. You know I’m all yours.”

Jungkook couldn’t hold in the smile and even sent a flying kiss in Jimin’s direction. Yoongi and Jin feigned throwing up at the sight of it, and even released Jimin instantly.

“I’m happy for you guys,” Yoongi said. “I really am, but do that shit again and I’m throwing myself off a cliff.”

Jin scoffed. “Yeah, well I’m not sacrificing myself; I’ll just settle throwing both of you off” he complained, directing his attention to both Jimin and Jungkook who were simply laughing at the threat.

When recording finally ended, it was routine that the boys were given cups of water before they set off back into the lounge to rest. Jungkook always made sure that the water given to Jimin was drank completely and that not a single drop was left in the cup. Jimin had a tendency to take small sips and he’d then suffer the consequences of a headache there after.

“Thanks JinYoung, it’s like you’re always up and ready to hydrate me,” Jimin laughed.

“Oh, I’m just following orders,” JinYoung smiled. “But it is important to keep you healthy.”

Jimin nodded and sported another smile as JinYoung excused himself, but that’s when he saw him. The familiar silhouette was at the far end corner dismantling the speakers, and next to him a new staff member coiled the cables. Jimin assumed the newer man was the employee stationed to keep an eye on Haewoon. During the time of Jimin setting eyes on Haewoon, the other man hadn’t spared a single glance in his direction.

And that… relieved Jimin.

Maybe it really was over. He felt a little bad, that Haewoon was subjected to being observed constantly, but considering what had happened at the hotel not too long ago, this was the best alternative to take in regards to the situation.

Jimin yawned.

“Are you tired?” Jungkook asked as he homed his palm against the smaller’s back, leading him gently out the shooting room and into the lounge.

“Just a little.”

Jungkooked frowned, but nodded his head. “Why don’t you sleep a little in the rest room. The hyungs and I are gonna pick up some food and then I’ll come get you after? Is there anything you’re craving?”

“You?” Jimin joked tiredly, his eyes already drooping.

“Oh, my flirty hyung, let’s get you rested while I buy you chicken.”

When Jimin woke up again, right before Jungkook trudged his way in with bags of lunch plates with the others following close behing, he found another note slipped within his fist.

Sleep well, my baby.

Jimin could feel his heart swell. And when Jungkook entered with a mouth full of chicken and his eyes sparkling with joy, he could feel his heart explode.

Over the course of the week, Jimin had received even more cute notes during the times of his slumber. He had wanted to bring it up to Jungkook after his third note, but decided against it. Instead, he saved each one an opted to utilize his little messages as part of his sentimental gift to Jungkook. Alongside getting him some clothes, Jimin wanted to present to him an album of fond memories they’ve shared together.

So throughout the week, in the middle of the night, Jimin would scatter around his polaroids with Jungkook and pick out the ones that brought a smile to his face. Granted, that strategy was rather difficult as every single photo elicited joy, so Jimin had to settle with what photos made him smile the largest.

The album quickly thickened and once Jimin was content with his collection, he slipped in the messages throughout the pages.

Your smile are like crescents.

You have pretty eyes.

I love the way you feel against my body.

I love how your entire body laughs.

You are my one and only.

I’ll be there for you, always.

You can’t get rid of me.

Jimin held the album in his hands, warmth spread like wildfire throughout his body at the thought of seeing Jungkook shine in radiance with his gift. He looked to the clock and watched as its hands strike 11:55 pm. Just five more minutes until D-Day.

He cradled the album close to his chest and got up from bed. As he tiptoed his way to his bedroom door, he heard Hobi begin to stir. Jimin halted in his steps and controlled his breathing. When there was no response, Jimin attempted to continue his travel until-

“There’s no need for you to sneak out of your own room, Jimin,” he heard Hobi laugh. “If you want to sleep with Jungkook go right ahead, idiot.”

Jimin thanked the stars that the only thing illuminating their room was the moonlight that filtered through their windows, because the blood that rushed toward his cheeks was instant and crimson. He turned to Hobi with a shy smile, and observed as his roommate was up on his bed, hair a mess, eyes groggy, but amused.

"I'm gonna tweet about him, but can you tell Jungkookie 'happy birthday' for me?"

Jimin grinned widely. "Of course, hyung."

"Oh and Jiminie? We're all going to head out after lunch with Kookie? You guys can have your alone time at the dorm, just as a heads up."

"Hyung!" Jimin whispered screeched.

"What?" Hobi laughed harder. "I'm just letting you know. Now go!"

And Jimin went, face hotter than usual.

When he made it down the hall into Jungkook's room, he expected the youngest to be up playing his Overwatch, but was surprised to see that he was knocked out, sprawled in bed, much to his disappointment. He didn't want to wake Jungkook up -not when his cheeks were squished against his pillow, his legs tangled with his white sheets, toned chest rising up and down, and fluffy hair poofed in all sorts of direction. But Jimin always made an obvious effort to always be the first in greeting him. And he was going to do that with no exception.

Despite his intention of waking Jungkook up, the older still climbed into his stiff hard bed as carefully as possibly, moving in a way that allowed for the least amount of dips and movement. When he settled in comfortably under his sheets, he wrapped his arms around Jungkook's thin waist and nuzzled deep into his neck, breathing in his scent and drowning in it.

As if on reflex, Jungkook's body turned into Jimin's, and his large hands found purchase on the older's thighs, pulling him in. Jimin graciously propped his leg over Jungkook's.

It was little past midnight when Jungkook finally began to stir under Jimin's weight and instistant prodding. Jimin smirked as a rather raunchy idea filtered through his mind. Before better judgment could get the better of him, Jimin acted fast, propping himself on his elbows before he completely looped his body around so that he was no straddling Jungkook's waist. He watched as Jungkook released a contented sigh, which only enticed Jimin more.

He fell upon his elbows stationed on either side of Jungkook's face, before he leaned in and pressed a chaste kiss upon the other's lips. There was no reaction, so Jimin began nibbling on his bottom lip with a little more pressure. "Kookie?" he whispered. "Kookie wake up~" he then began to sing.

He applied a little more pressure on Jungkook's waist and the younger groaned at the contact.

Jimin was nervous -completely, exponentially nervous, but so incredibly aroused it didn't matter. He spent the last couple of days tainting his private google search with 'how to give proper blowjobs', 'what's a good blowjob', and 'best way to be intimate with men dummy guide'. He was relatively sneaky with his personal researches, but was finally caught once as he scrolled past article after article, oblivious to a Taehyung that pranced into his room without even bothering to knock.

He'd been so embarressed, but Taehyung expressed the opposite as he looked straight into Jimin's eyes and simply said, "just suck his dick."

Wise words from a grown pain in the ass...

But he was right. At the end of the day what he wanted to do for Jungkook, was just that. He had no experience, but he damned try. If only his ass would wake up.

Jimin had enough; he hoped he wasn't overstepping his boundaries, but he rolled his hips forward so that both their cocks had added friction against them. Jimin fell forward, legs shaken due to the sensation.

"Wake up, bunny," he growled and took Jungkook's ear into his mouth to lick all around his lobe and shell of his ears. And then there it was, the sound Jimin ahd been waiting for: Jungkook's beautiful moan.

"Ji-Jimin?"

Jimin rolled his eyes. "Took you long enough, baby. Happy birthday, my sweet, sweet bunny." He tightened his legs around Jungkook's waist and pushed down. Jungkook's hands immediately went to Jimin's hips, pulling him down onto his lap as he craned his neck back, extending his neck for Jimin to latch onto.

"Baby..." Jungkook whimpered.

"Relax. I said I'd take care of you."

And Jungkook didn't argue with him. Because he was currently on cloud nine, his sensations, though in the midst of his awakening, were lit on fire wherever Jimin touched him. His tongue that slithered on his neck was warm and inviting, and Jimin's sinful hips that were pressed down against his crotch created a pleasant pressure on his own.

Jungkook had never woken up like this before and he was hoping it would be a reoccuring event. Because Jimin was so sexy above him; Jimin was tantalizing and seductive with every roll of his hips and Jimin was who he'd wanted to experience all of his firsts and possibly lasts with. So he allowed Jimin to suck on every inch of skin exposed to him and even preened and writhed whenever Jimin so much as taken a small nip at him.

Jungkook was sure he was leaving bruises below his fingertips where it touched Jimin's smooth and fair skin. He was holding onto the other man like he was his life line as Jimin continued to grind up against him. His breath breached past Jungkook's ear drums as the smaller continued to whine about how good and hard he felt under him. And Jungkook was hard -stiff like a rod, all due to Jimin's lustful ministrations.

"Tell me to stop, Kookie. Tell me if I'm going over your limit. Let me know if I'm doing too much," Jimin pleaded as he peppered Jungkook's cheeks and forehead with light kisses.

One hand released himself from Jimin's soft skin to wrap themselves around the older's hair. He pulled back slightly so that Jungkook had enough space to press a few open mouthed kisses onto Jimin. "If you're doing too much? Baby, you're not doing enough."

"Oh?" Jimin mused. Suddenly all of his earlier insecurities were replaced with a need to be playful. "We'll see, Kookie." 

And Jimin flourished. Jungkook was attacked with heated, wet kisses. Their tongues were mingling like a dance of tango within one another's mouth. Jimin sucked on his tongue just before pulling back to pressed kisses along Jungkook's neck. He played with the hem of Jungkook's shirt and tugged on it, hoping Jungkook understood his wordless request. And he had -he pushed Jimin slightly away so he could pull his shirt above his head.

Jimin took a moment to stare at the man he had stradled below him. It wasn't as if he hadn't seen Jungkook naked before, but he hadn't seen a moaning Jungkook naked and under him before. So the effects were different when Jimin took in the marveling of his chest heaving up and dead. Jimin lined his fingers along the edges of Jungkook's abs, and watered his lips at the sight of him. It only inflated Jungkook's ego as he smirked at his hyung groveling over his hard earned body.

"You look like you're about to devour me, hyung," Jungkook teased and wiggled his eyebrows. The teasing immediately stopped, however, when Jimin shimmied down his waist and palm Jungkook's cock. Jungkook inhaled a sharp breath, his heart hitched, and his eyes shut tightly at the building sensation.

"I think I will," Jimin whispered hotly against his abdomen. Jimin's fingers began to play at the band of Jungkook's sweats, and Jungkook was trying his best to stay sane as much as he could. But the bundle of nerves he felt when Jimin applied more pressure was making it difficult to even remember his own name, because all that replayed in his own mind was Jimin. Jimin. Jimin.

And before he was even aware, both of Jungkook's sweats and boxers were off, his cock free and standing right in front of Jimin's awaiting touches. Jungkook hid under his arm, embarrassed to have such a vulnerable part of him exposed to the man he so desperately desired. Jimin took amusement in the way Jungkook had spoken with such daringness, but shy away when the act finally preceded. And Jimin, although nervous himself, he was too keen on making Jungkook squirm under his touches. So he gripped around the base of his penis, his hand felt full with Jungkook's girth finally in his grasp.

Jungkook gasped and bit his lip to stifle a moan; Jimin reveled at his reactions. He pushed his cock back so that it rested against his lips before he asked, "It's your birthday, Kookie. Tell hyung what you want."

Jungkook couldn't even allow himself to tease back, because Jimin had him wrapped around his fist -literally. And he could only feel. Feel the way Jimin's breath hit his flesh, feel the way his tiny hand wrapped around him, feel the way his insides were burning. He'd never felt so good; he never imagined how different it felt having Jimin's hands on him than his own. It was a thousand times better and if he didn't control himself, he'd be coming before Jimin could even begin to do what he wanted.

However, during the time caught up in his feelings, Jungkook was completely taken aback when Jimin had taken it upon himself to mouth the head of his cock... and stayed there. His mouth was warm and wet, and Jungkook's cock was twitching in its new home.

Jungkook couldn't hold it in anymore, he groaned loudly into his arm, and his free hand threaded through Jimin's hair roughly. Jimin moaned at the pain, and in turn, the vibration set onto his cock caused Jungkook to mirror his moan. Hearing the pleasurable sounds Jimin was spilling from Jungkook as he was writhing under him, prompted Jimin to suck deeper.

It was weird having such an intrustion go into his mouth, but the weight on his tongue felt satisfying. He hollowed his jaw and flattened his tongue around Jungkook's shaft and twitched at the feel of his pulsating veins. Deeper and deeper Jimin went, the louder and louder Jungkook got. Jimin was bobbing his head quicker, and Jungkook's breaths grew shorter. He tightened his hold on Jimin's hair and subconsciously bucked his hips futher. Jimin choked when he felt Jungkook hit the back of his throat. He quickly pulled away to cough and breath, saliva dripped down his chin and created a trail from his lip to the tip of Jungkook's moistened head.

Jungkook released his fingers from his hair and pulled away his arm to look at Jimin apologetically, though his eyes darkened when he took in Jimin's full and wet lips.

"I'm sorry," he croaked out, voice hoarse from his constant groaning.

Jimin licked his lips and dived right down, taking Jungkook further down, and forced himself little by little to push past his limits.

"Fuck!" Jungkook hissed. His back pushed forward, but Jimin kept his hips flush into the bed. "So good Jimin, so good... you make -ugh, shit, it feels so good," he chanted profusely.

The praises were like fuel to Jimin, pushing him to lick and suckle around Jungkook's head. He dipped the tip of his tongue into the slit of his head, catching the drops of precum that was produced. It was a little bitter, but Jimin loved bitter. He began swirling his tongue in circles, and applied pressure against the bundle of nerves just under the head of his cock.

Jungkook shivered. "Hyung, fuck, yes!" he hissed. "I'm so close, I'm close, I'm close..." tears began to brim at the corners of Jungkook's eyes as Jimin sank his mouth back down, his cock hitting deeper and deeper. The nerves began to pool at the bottom of his stomach, the heat was intensifying and Jungkook was losing his breath as he clenched his jaw tight.

"Jimin, I'm going to come!" He announced it as a warning, but Jimin stayed in place, his mouth providing a warm home for him.

So by lust driven actions, Jungkook took hold of Jimin by his scalp once more and pushed him down as he released deep into Jimin's mouth, come spilling into his throat. The sudden flood of hot liquid almost caused him to gag, but he took it all in stride, even making a show to swallow it all when he pulled away from Jungkook and retained eye contact with the birthday body.

"Hyung..." Jungkook groaned, eyes hooded and dark. "That was so fucking hot."

"Did I take care of you, Jungkookie?"

And within the same second, Jungkook lunged forward and grabbed Jimin by the neck so that he was pulled into an intense kiss. He didn't care that Jimin had just swallowed his come because all he wanted was to kiss him breathless for the act of intimacy he had just bestowed to him. Jungkook ran his hand down from Jimin's shoulder to palm his ass, to grope his cheeks and push him flush against his softening cock. He could feel that Jimin was still hard against him, and Jungkook smirked.

"You did so good, baby." He slipped one of his hands into the bandwith of his shorts and grabbed Jimin, similarly to how the other had done to him earlier. "My turn," he growled and began to pump Jimin all the while devouring his moans.

As Jimin was already stimulated during the process of giving Jungkook a blowjob, it only took several pumps before Jimin spilled into Jungkook's hand and shorts.

"Kookie," he croaked. 

Jungkook pulled his cum stained hand free from Jimin's shorts and stared at the liquid adorning his finger curiously. Before Jimin could process what was happening, Jungkook brought his fingers into his mouth and sucked each digit clean, wincing only slightly at the unfamiliar taste, but appreciating nonetheless that it was Jimin he'd been tasting.

Jimin giggled at the expression; Jungkook never liked bitter things.

"I can taste you forever, Jimin." And although Jungkook was making sure to lick around every finger to catch every single drop released from Jimin, the older knew otherwise of his preference in taste.

"Don't lie."

"I'm not," Jungkook argued and lifted to show his hand that was licked clean for proof. "See," he pouted.

Jimin only grinned and kissed Jungkook's nose tenderly. "Happy birthday, my beautiful bun."

Jungkook wrapped his arms around Jimin and pulled him in tight. "What a gift, hyung..." he breathed into his hair. "I don't know how you're gonna top this."

"Oh, I should've given you my first gift then."

Jungkook pulled abck excitedly. His eyes blown like a puppy and the innocence painted his face as if he wasn't a moaning mess of an individual just a few moments ago. Jimin gazed at him fondly, appreciating just how cute Jungkook truly was, even if he'd just licked his cum off his fingers.

"I have another present, hyung?"

His bunny smile made an appearance as he loomed over Jimin's tired body. "Where?" he asked, leaning over the bed and around the sheet to look for something he wasn't sure of. "Where is it?"

Jimin laughed and knocked on Jungkook's chest. "Under your bed."

Jungkook flew over the edge of the bed, not even caring that the boy was still as butt naked, but his enthusiasm endeared Jimin.

"At least dress up."

Jungkook stilled in his actions, mid reach for the gift under his bed, and quickly huddled over in shame. Even in the darkness of the night, Jimin could see the way Jungkook's ears turned a slight shade pinker. The younger one snatched his boxer that was discarded on the side of the bed and rapidly put them on while avoiding Jimin's preening stare. When he was decently covered, Jungkook resumed his search for his gift.

When he plopped back onto the bed and turned on the night shade to reveal the album in his hand, Jimin beamed.

"Gift number two," he announced happily.

Jungkook melted under his crescent like smile. Before he further observed the contents of the album, he cupped Jimin's cheeks into his hand and kissed him softly and sweetly for a few minutes.

He settled along the bed frame and Jimin curled into him so that he laid upon his chest as Jungkook flipped through the album filled with their polaroids collected throughout the years. They laughed at a few, cringed at a couple, but smiled sincerely for all of them. They shared so many memories together, the good and the bad, their falls and their rises. They were so young... and confused.

Now they were mature and although still confused, better at expressing them.

All of these memories, Jungkook cherished deep into his heart, and now he was allowed to recall them physically. Thanks to Jimin.

"You're everything to me, Jimin." Jungkook had never felt so strongly about a person than how he did now with Jimin by his side. He flipped through more pages and read the notes that were slipped into some of the pages and photos.

He read a few aloud.

"Your smile are like crescents. I love how your entire body laughs..." Jungkook snickered. "I thought this present was for me, why are you complimenting yourself, hyung?"

Jimin didn't understand what was funny. He looked to Jungkook confused, lips already set in a pout. "Because they are? Jungkook, I kept your messages the entire week... I thought it'd be cute to put it in. Was it not?" he asked concerned.

Jungkook returned the confusion and cocked his head to his shoulder. "My messages?"

"Uh yeah, everytime I slept you left me messages to wake up to... right?"

Jimin didn't understand what was going one. Why didn't Jungkook understand? Why did he look so confused? Fear began to creep up on Jimin yet again. If it hadn't been Jungkook that was leaving him those notes, then could it have been...? No, Jungkook must've been playing with him.

"I didn't, Jimin."

And the look on Jungkook's face confirmed Jimin's fears. It really wasn't over. Something incredibly heavy settled over Jungkook as his face darkned with silent rage as revelations were being made over Jimin's composited gift. Jungkook's hands were shaking just thinking about the prospects of things:

Jimin was always alone and asleep when the messages were given.

That meant that they knew where he'd be and at what time; the person knew that Jimin wouldn't be aware of the intrusion. Jimin had always been too tired, lately, more so than usual. If someone was willing to stalk Jimin enough times to know when he was both alone and asleep, there was no way that person would just be content in leaving a single note behind.

The bruise, Jungkook suddenly thought. The possibility of it being a hickey nearly caused Jungkook to throw up and cry. There was no way Jimin was sexually harrassed; not when they've worked so hard to keep his safe. Not when they've finally informed management.

It couldn't have happened.

Not to Jimin.

Please, don't let it be true.

Jungkook was holding in his frustration and tears when he lifted Jimin from his chest. "Jimin, take your shirt off."

"Huh?" Jimin was preplexed by the sudden request, but seeing as Jungkook's expression was hauntingly serious, he slowly did as he was told.

Jungkook scanned his body carefully and ran his fingers along his skin. The mark under his collarbone was gone now, but what was freshly made, screaming back at Jungkook, was the purplish hue plastered against Jimin's waist. He traced over the mark and assessed the way Jimin's face contorted into confusion.

This can't be a hickey... It can't.

"Jimin, baby, did you hurt yourself again?" he desperately begged, wishing for any other explanation but the latter.

But Jimin shook his head, and Jungkook froze. "I didn't," he whispered. Jimin's tone got more fearful, which tore at Jungkook's heart. "How did I get that?"

When Jungkook didn't answer, Jimin was near tears.

"Kookie?"

The terror in Jimin's voice pulled Jungkook from his imploding mind. He averted his eyes away from the bruise to look back at Jimin's conflicted gaze. Jungkook nearly broke at the sight of the gloss glazing over Jimin's eyes, the unshed tears threatening to fall over. He needed to be strong for Jimin.

He controlled the anger and rage so that he could comfort the angel in his arms. Jungkook helped Jimin back into his shirt, turned the nightshade off, and threw the blanket over both of them before cuddling into the sheets.

"Don't worry, baby," Jungkook whispered and kissed the top of his head. "We'll figure this out, okay? It's still my birthday, let's make the best out of it?"

Jimin nodded his head and tried to push the negativity from his mind. For Kookie's sake, Jimin tried to forget.

"Happy birthday, Kookie."

"Thank you, baby."

Jungkook held Jimin a little tighter throughout the night and waited until Jimin's breath evened out before he allowed himself to exhale a sob. He wanted to cry so badly. Every part of his soul wanted to weep for the beautiful soul he held in his arms. His heart constricted and it was getting harder to breathe.

No one deserved to be put through such pain and trauma.

Not Jimin.

I'm sorry, Jungkook sobbed internally.

The notes began to flash before his mind...

I'll be there for you always... you can't get rid of me...

It was a statement. A fucking challenge. It was hard to imagine Haewoon beind behind it as management was supposed to keep a secured eye on him, but there was no one else Jungkook could accuse.

Yet, Jungkook just knew. He just knew Haewoon was behind all of it.

And Haewoon was going to fucking pay for what he'd done.

Chapter Text

They were still in bed. Neither Jimin nor Jungkook expected to spend the morning of Jungkook’s birthday arguing as their limbs were wrapped around each other. Neither expected the frustration over the other’s stubbornness all the while pressing soft kisses on the other’s necks and cheeks. But they were a strange couple. 

Chapter Text

Jimin rested against Jungkook’s chest, feeling protected and cared for. The maknae had his arm snaked around the older’s torso, pulling him until he was flushed under his chin. Jungkook could feel Jimin’s steady breath blow against his skin as his face was cradled along his neck as he slept. The emotional toll Jimin endured in the hour of his confession exhausted him out, so no one opposed when he found purchase in Jungkook’s arms and drifted away.

The two of them were huddled in one end of the sofa; Taehyung rested a few inches away, leaning over so that he was draped over Jimin’s leg. Hoseok sat below them on the floor and Yoongi, Jin, and Namjoon were seated directly across on the adjacent chairs and stools. They looked upon the lovers with an intense desire to protect and hated how incompetent they felt.

Chapter Text

Jungkook had dismissed suspicion over Jinyoung that morning; however, as the male came sauntering in with not one, but two cups of water in hand, Jungkook felt the impending doubt wash over him.

After exchanging a few more words with Dongsuk, Jungkook parted from in search for Jimin. He’d advised the other to contact him as soon as his office was ready to review. He’d hope it wouldn’t interfere with his rehearsal as it would be weird for any of them to leave early with an upcoming concert up ahead. 

Jungkook was a little dismayed when he hadn’t gotten a call from Dongsuk yet. Surely, maintenance wouldn’t take that long, right? But he was no IT specialist, so he hadn’t questioned it. He was even more annoyed when the call came in fifteen minutes after rehearsal began.

Jungkook was just at Beomsook’s heels when the other swiftly makes a sharp turn into another hallway. The younger had just about started to make the turn when he’d been stopped by the ricochet of his name bounding off the empty halls. He spun back and was met with Dongsuk’s concerned face running toward him.

Chapter Text

“Have you forgotten the security we have in that particular studio? Were you momentarily so enamored with little Jimin that you couldn’t keep your damn body away from him?” 

Haewoon’s lips trembled as he trembled against Dongsuk’s desk, eyeing the security footage that was caught just hours earlier on. He hadn’t expected to see his actions on a screen, completely oblivious at the time to the camera at the corner of the studio that caught the action in an explicit angle. He hadn’t expected the call and instantly felt remorse over the action.

“I couldn’t. This time I couldn’t. Not when I saw your precious Jungkook riling me up.” 

Dongsuk stiffened at the name and his eyes turned grim, lips thinned out. “How can he not when you’re ogling his hyung like a damn predator! We’ve talked about this!”

“Jungkook doesn’t just see Jimin as his hyung -not for awhile now,” Haewoon bit back harshly. “I’ve seen it especially today… that’s why I -I felt the need to tell get to Jimin. Before I lose him to him.” 

“They are not anything. Jungkook is not that way. And Jimin is not that way! When we got these jobs and swore to protect these boys we promised to not get attached. We promised that our admiration and our desires will stay in our heads!”

“And look where that got us!” Haewoon hissed. “You watching hours of footage of Jungkook on your screen like a damn pathetic love sick teenager.”

“At least I’m not shoving my dick up against Jimin who obviously hated it.”

“They’re going to fall for one another if I don’t stop it. I’m tired of gawking on the sidelines, Dongsuk, I need Jimin to be mine. The only reason why I got out of this shit hole security room to become and audio tech is to be near him during shoots. At least I’m making an effort. Don’t you want Jungkook to be yours?”

Dongsuk scoffed and rolled his eyes at the idea, but he knew deep down in his sick desires that that was exactly what he wanted. But in what world will he ever attain a man who was completely straight? In what world where Haewoon of all people would be able to get the affections of the maknae, who’d been years younger than him and haven’t even met? 

“You know it can’t be like that, Haewoon. They won’t see us like that -stop deluding yourself. And step back from Jimin and don’t say shit about Jungkook.”

Haewoon stepped back from Dongsuk coldly. “Delete that footage…”
“I will,” Dongsuk sighed. “Just don’t let it happen again.”

“I won’t stop pursuing him, Dongsuk. I’m not letting Jungkook have him. If you’re with this with me, we can make sure that it won’t happen-”

“It won’t happen. Jungkook’s not gay!”

“That’s what you convinced yourself because you’re afraid of making a move! You’re assuming his sexuality just so you don’t have to face your own! But face it,” Haewoon sneered. “With what I’ve heard from you each night we’re together, I know you’re just as sick as I am, but at least I can acknowledge it.”

 It wasn’t as if Haewoon was wrong about him. They’ve known each other for years since the beginning of their security training. They were stationed at the security room, reviewing footage and ensuring the safety of the staff through monitors and screens as interns. Soon after the debut of Bangtan, they were appointed as bodyguards for the younger kids whenever they were transported in between events. Their years of service and training granted them that opportunity.

It was a lot better than being cooped up in a tight room full of computers.

Eventually their interactions with the pretty boys had sparked an interest that both Haewoon and Dongsuk had tried time and time again to keep hidden. Amongst the security team, it was just the two of them that knew of each other’s secret only because they’ve related to one another on the same level.

Haewoon once caught Dongsuk briefing over gay porn, and being as blunt as he was, called him out for it. It took awhile for Dongsuk to accept it himself, being the younger of the two and not quite grasping his own identity, but eventually he had. They went to each other for hidden relief, exploring their sexual curiosities with quick rendezvous in empty storage rooms and private offices. 

They were fine with each other’s exchange, but the dynamic was soon to change when the boys began growing up. It was something the two curious lovers hadn’t prepared themselves for. While Jimin caught Haewoon’s attention -Jungkook caught Dongsuk’s. It was all innocent conversation as they lay in bed together, naked under the sheets; they’d talk about how kind they were, how handsome they’ve grown, and how their personalities were golden. 

It wasn’t until Dongsuk began screaming for Jungkook’s name accidentally as Haewoon pounded into him when everything began to spiral downwards.

Haewoon had slowly distanced himself from Dongsuk and the other had seen how he began to interact with both Jimin and Jungkook a little more than usual. It reached a point where Jimin began seeking for him for comfort at times when he felt especially overwhelmed. Dongsuk continued to remain on the sidelines and refused to even fathom the idea of interacting with any of them.

He was there for his job. To protect and secure their safety. He wasn’t there to befriend them, despite wanting so desperately to.

Dongsuk was still in the midst of his own sexual crisis. He couldn’t afford to get attached and get hurt. He couldn’t afford to do so with rising stars especially. But the more he watched Haewoon get near both boys, the feeling of jealousy swirled in him like a typhoon. He wanted Jungkook’s attention just as much -he wanted to laugh with the golden maknae, eat with him, play with him… overtime, the innocent desires only worsened.

Whenever Haewoon did come to him to release sexual tension, the darkness only intensified, and it wasn’t going to get any better. The two only allowed for it to manifest into something more sinister as they agreed for a twisted roleplay, enabling one another’s disgusting fantasy despite how wrong it was, but couldn’t stop because of how right it felt.

Now they could only find release in the dark, when they couldn’t see each other -with Haewoon calling out Jimin’s name as he slipped his cock into Dongsuk’s, with Dongsuk moaning Jungkook’s name as he was pushed into the bed.  

Haewoon would scream, “You’re mine, Jimin -all mine,” and Dongsuk envisioned Jungkook as he groaned with the same intensity, “all yours -I’m all yours!”

It continued for months, until one night, when Dongsuk slips out of Haewoon and collapses onto the side and brings Dongsuk into his embrace tightly, latching his lips onto the younger’s neck. Dongsuk was too exhausted to say anything but think it was Jungkook’s tongue on him, so he reveled in the pleasure, tilting his head back to give the man more exposure.

“Fuck, Jungkook…” he moans and soon after yelps in shock when he felt Haewoon grip his waist harshly.

“I’m not fucking Jungkook, Jimin!” Haewoon nips his shoulder and licks over it quickly to sooth the bruise that was definitely forming in the night. “Say my name, Jimin,” he demanded.

Dongsuk’s eyes shot open at the sudden change of events. Not once have they ever done a one sided roleplay… and confusion and worry was slowly coming to terms with Dongsuk as he stiffened under Haewoon’s strong embrace.

“Uh… Haewoon-nim?” 

In that split second, Haewoon mounted Dongsuk again, capturing his wrists in his hand and propping himself against his rim once more. “That’s right baby,” he groans as he pushed himself in slightly. “Again! Say my name again!”

“Haewoon?” Dongsuk screams in confusion as Haewoon thrusted in hard and quick, knocking the breath out of Dongsuk.

“Yes, Jimin, baby! Yes! Know that you’re mine!”

It was their last night of intimacy. That night completely stirred both the twisted pair’s mindset. Haewoon no longer felt satisfied merely roleplaying and Dongsuk had enough fantasies to finally convince himself that he’d want no one else but Jungkook. So they ended their nightly relationship in search for something else.

Dongsuk wanted Jungkook, but he resorted to secluded himself into the confines of the security room, convinced that he’d never have a chance because Jungkook was not like him. Dongsuk was content just watching Jungkook grow into a fine man and support him as he will no doubt find a woman suitable for him.

However, Haewoon was determined. Despite Dongsuk’s many efforts to persuade Haewoon to let go of the idea that he could get Jimin -because he believed the other simply was not into men, Haewoon did not relent. Instead he went for it  -moved on from the security team to be an audio tech.

So Dongsuk stayed behind the monitor, while Haewoon was there at the scene. And Dongsuk was okay with it, so long as Haewoon didn’t do anything too drastic. After that night’s events, he was a little wary for Jimin’s sake, so he kept watch on the two like a hawk with whatever security footage the two of them were presented on together. 

It was relatively fine, up until he found the older man pressed up against Jimin in a secluded dance studio. 

He’d been angry watching the encounter, when he saw Jimin try to retreat to an all too familiar dominating man, but his rage surmounted into an infinite amount when Jungkook stepped in angry and in disgust. Haewoon felt disheartened bearing witnessed to Jungkook’s expression upon seeing the event happen. He’d always told himself that Jungkook was not into men, but he hadn’t touched the conversation of whether Jungkook even supported the idea of two men being with one another. And the thought was brought up because he had to see that reaction due to Haewoon’s fucking actions.

So he called him instantly to snap him back into reality.

But the man was too stubborn and too driven. And Dongsuk was a little too soft for Haewoon. He had been the one to accept him and shown him to accept his own sexuality. Haewoon had been his ears when he felt all too overwhelmed with his crisis and insecurities. So he erased the footage when he left, but he still continued to watch for him.

Dongsuk didn’t think he’d fall into the same delirium when Haewoon came to him distraught and in tears spewing nonsense of how Jungkook was taking Jimin away from him.

But Haewoon sounded so certain and convinced that Dongsuk started questioning his own desire and his lack of involvement. 

“I was only trying to stake my claim on Jimin to Jungkook… but he fucking took it as a challenge. Your Jungkook is trying to manipulate my Jimin just so I can’t have him. A fucking possessive brat-”

“Hey!” Dongsuk hissed, pulling back from Haewoon to glare at the broken man. “Jungkook is not-”

“He is!” Haewoon screamed. “Don’t you fucking get it? He wants Jimin because I want him! Because he can’t stand to lose his precious hyung to someone else. Jimin likes me, but because he likes Jungkook too he won’t… he won’t give himself to me,” Haewoon cried.

It was an awkward dilemma on Dongsuk’s part. In a way he felt indebted to Haewoon for the comfort he’d provided him all the years, but the man was spiraling out of control and he’d begun involving Jungkook in it. It was starting to grate on Dongsuk’s nerves.

No… he didn’t believe that Jungkook was after Jimin, but he needed Haewoon away from Jungkook.

“I’ll help,” he offered. “I’ll help you get Jimin.”

During the time of Bangtan’s departure for Bon Voyage, both Haewoon and Dongsuk resumed their play in the sheets. Dongsuk wasn’t too keen on being used, but he missed the feeling of being taken care of sexually, and imagining it to be Jungkook. He’d been deprived for months and was resorted to seeing the maknae add on a mass of muscles, imagining in his office with a tight hardon of how it might feel to have the younger grip his waist as he takes what he wants from him.

So he agreed to be called Jimin once more, so long as Haewoon agreed to be called out with a name he hated. 

When they were satiated, they attempted to devise a plan. Talks included things Jimin liked -what he found attractive, his favorite food and color and shows. Dongsuk told Haewoon that he needed to back off a little, because his suffocation and intense confrontation was only pushing Jimin away. 

They talked about Jungkook despite Haewoon heavy defiance. 

“You said Jimin likes Jungkook… why do you think that is?”

It hurt just as much to hear the things that Jungkook would do for Jimin that would result in the older of the two stars to garnish feelings for him because they were things that Dongsuk hoped be done for him.

He heard about Jungkook’s overprotectiveness, well, within reason as Haewoon was involved. He heard about how he’d flirt with Jimin nonstop, giving him doe and heart eyes when the other wasn’t looking, or how he’s always so attentive whenever Jimin so much as made a sound or movement.

It started to convince Dongsuk himself that maybe Jungkook… may perhaps… like Jimin. And something in him roared, going against the idea because of how much he hated seeing the two possibly be together...

“Jimin loves attention and Jungkook gives it to him.” Haewoon frowned. “I’m just doing the same yet he pulls back.”

“You’re missing the fact that Jungkook pays attention to Jimin’s every move and word,” Dongsuk reminded.

“That means he listens to Jimin. You do the exact opposite. Provoke when he says to stop. Invade his space when he tells you to leave him alone.” 

“I don’t want to leave him alone.”

“And that’s what makes you different from Jungkook.” Dongsuk curled himself into his sheet, feeling exhausted from the sex and the impeding emotions he was starting to feel over Jungkook and Jimin. “Give him space. Distance yourself so he feels your absence. Let him think about you. Let him come to you.”

Haewoon goes into the covers as well, not entirely loving the idea, but decided to give it a shot. He turned to Dongsuk’s bareback and traced a finger over his spine. “Why don’t you let yourself get near Jungkook. I know by now he’s gay. You’re going to regret it when he decides to make a move on my Jimin. Jimin’s irresistible, Jungkook won’t stand a chance to his charms.”

“Because he won’t,” Dongsuk barks back, the fury coming at a surprise to him as he flinched back to the boom of his own voice. “Jungkook isn’t like that,” he whispered afterwards.

“You’re wrong and you’re going to feel like shit.”

Dongsuk allowed himself to think about it for a moment and let the emotions sink it so he could decipher it with a clear head. But a clear head made thoughts more vivid and the feelings more intense. As visuals of both Jimin and Jungkook started flooding his mind a nasty taste was left in his mouth -he wanted to gag. All his fantasies of Jungkook with him were going to be for naught if Jungkook truly did end up being gay and Dongsuk was too much of a bitch to even try to grasp at his happiness.

He didn’t want Jimin and Jungkook to find solace in one another. And with how Haewoon was explaining everything he’d done for Jimin thus far, it seemed like feelings were being reciprocated if Jimin did in fact like Jungkook.

No… he spent so long convincing himself that the idea of him and Jungkook were impossible simply because Jungkook was straight.

“I can’t let Jungkook take Jimin from me, Dongsuk.”

“I’m helping you aren’t I? Even if he did like Jimin, I’m sure he’ll be yours by then!”

“And if he isn’t and Jungkook takes my Jimin?”

“HE WON’T!”  Dongsuk barks with so much intensity it startled Haewoon. He allowed the same darkness that took Haewoon to taint him just a bit before he whispered, “I want Jungkook for myself.” 

“I know, baby, and I want my Jiminie…”

And Haewoon was right; Dongsuk felt like absolute shit. Because upon Bangtan’s return, the dynamic between Jungkook and Jimin had significantly changed to Dongsuk’s horror. He wasn’t blind to the subtle touches between the two when he monitored them on the screen -he’d seen how Jungkook stuck to Jimin like glue, and how his hand hovered around Jimin’s waist and shoulders as if he internally struggled from keeping himself from pulling the other in. It wasn’t hard to notice how Jungkook would sneak glances to the blonde beauty when he wasn’t looking just as Haewoon observed. He saw how Jungkook’s touch lingered when he so much as held Jimin’s hands during rehearsal or shoots.

There was a radiance between the two when they were performing. It was a lot more defined and prominent “fan service” than any of the other shows they've had, which only meant that Jungkook was bold. It shouldn’t have surprised Dongsuk, because after years of spending his wasteful life either fucking with Haewoon or watching Jungkook behind screens and performances, he knew just how fearless and proud Jungkook was.

If he were gay or bi, or whatever, Jungkook would be confident. Yes, he was shy and introverted, but Jungkook had always found pride in himself, loved himself, and was always the more daring one out of the bunch. And with Jimin… if they were to ever get together… he knew how Jungkook would do anything to prove himself to the other. It was in his nature.

And Dongsuk let it happen because he’d been too afraid to take a chance.

All act of reservation was thrown out the window when Dongsuk was called to attention when one of his workers caught Jimin and Jungkook on screen.

“Oh man, what a sad ice cream!” someone hollered.

“Poor Jimin,” the other laughed. “Why is Jungkook getting all anxious?”

The name caught his attention like a hawk, and in haste of wanting to watch the whole scene play out for only him, Dongsuk had ordered his juniors to survey the monitors on the other half of the room for a suspicious car that never existed.

He sat upon his junior’s table and seethed as Jungkook held Jimin together, his arms wrapped around the others waist as his head was tucked in his neck. It was too close for comfort -too intimate for just a man who thought of Jimin as his hyung.

And it seeped in. Haewoon’s words were absolutely right and he had himself to blame for his cowardice. 

Jungkook liked Jimin, and being his confident self, was going to get him. When Jungkook suddenly pulled Jimin into what looked like an empty room, Dongsuk’s heart sank upon the realization that things were already at such a quick firing pace. If he doesn’t step up and stop it at time… his chances with Jungkook, in which he’d just realized were actually probable will result into none with Jimin in the picture.

It was infuriating; the feelings of regret and anguish clawed at him. Had he acted sooner, had he listened to Haewoon, they probably wouldn’t have ended up the way they were.
Jungkook may very will be his and Haewoon with Jimin. That’s how it should have been.

And when Haewoon emerged on screen as if on cue and both Jimin and Jungkook reappeared with tousled hair, Dongsuk’s involvement solidified. He finally felt Haewoon’s intensity as the burning sensation to be in Jimin’s shoes engulfed his entire being. 

He called Haewoon that night in tears and anguish. Haewoon had been understanding, not necessarily saying “I told you so,” but rather enforcing the idea that they needed to take action now. If Dongsuk continued to stay idly by, his happiness would walk away -Haewoon would lose Jimin to Jungkook and Dongsuk would lose Jungkook to Jimin. 

“Jungkook doesn’t actually like Jimin, Dongsuk. Trust me. I’ve seen the way he treated Jimin before -this is all just a ploy against me because he’s too stubborn to share. Take Jungkook, treat him the way he should be treated so he doesn’t redirect his confused feelings onto my love.”

And Dongsuk listened, because he believed him to be the wiser of the two. He’d been right all along so far. He was right that Jimin some type of way for Jungkook, he’d been right about their sexuality, and he’d been right about how they’d get together which in turn make Dongsuk feel like shit. So this time he listened. He listened to the plans and he acted them out, because in the end, it would get him Jungkook.

Jungkook. The man with the large grin and strong presence. The youngest of the group but exerted such charm he can easily be seen as a hyung. The bravest and daring of the bunch. A true man. His man.

Jungkook may very well be confused that led him to Jimin, just as how Dongsuk was confused that brought him to Haewoon. Together, he can lead Jungkook to a clearer path… with him. 

The more he thought about it, the more eager he was to let it all unfold. So he did everything without question.

Slash the company’s car to delay their date as Haewoon found out.

Revealed to Haewoon where the two would be staying in their hotel since he’d been in charge of security that night. That particular decision caused Dongsuk to regret his action as Haewoon, that dumb fuck, found it’d been a great idea to corner Jimin in his own room and in turn go head on with Jungkook instead.

But the two were almost inseparable and Haewoon’s confrontation wasn’t helping at all. It was starting to piss him off because Haewoon wouldn’t listen to any of his suggestions. Instead, Haewoon got more restless whenever Dongsuk tried to convince him to stay put. Haewoon got more aggravated when Dongsuk argued that he was doing nothing but bring them together.

“I’ll tear them apart! I will! Jimin is mine!”

“Calm down!” Dongsuk screamed. “Cool yourself ‘cause you’re turning fucking psychotic!”

“You need to help me get out of this situation!” he belted. “If I get called out from Bang PD-nim, I’m dragging you down with me. You’re very much involved now!” he threatened. 

And he was right. Dongsuk dove straight into Haewoon’s darkness all in hopes that Jungkook would be on the surface to pull him back up.

So Dongsuk had to act fast so Haewoon wouldn’t get in too much heat with the company so he volunteered to be his ‘watchful eye’. The company and staff didn’t know of their fucked up relationship, so no one batted an eye when Dongsuk joined Haewoon’s audio team under false pretenses, despite Haewoon knowing all about it. 

It eventually turned out to be a good thing because now Dongsuk could keep Haewoon in fucking check as the latter was obviously spiraling out of control. That, and he got to see Jungkook in person frequently, despite the other being so in tune with Jimin’s every movement. It hurt, but Haewoon was making progress. He was known now. Jungkook sees him.

But Hae-fucking-woon had to complicate the entire operation with his hastiness. 

“They’re backing off, Dongsuk. They think you’re keeping me in check not knowing we’re working together,” he laughed. It sounded off, as if Haewoon was near hysterics at that point, but Dongsuk brushed it off. Haewoon had always been a little looney.

“I need some alone time with Jimin.”

Haewoon scoffed and rolled his eyes. “I’m fucking assigned to prevent that. You think the members would just look the other way just because I’m there? I don’t want Jungkook thinking I’m this incompetent staff member.”

“I know them, Dongsuk. They often get lunch after a shooting. And the next week they’re doing nothing but shoots for pre planned releases before they get hit with concerts and performances. They’ll be at the studio all week and they usually go out grab lunch before relaxing in their lounge. They at least spend one to two hours after a shoot to relax before going back to the dorm. I just need five minutes-”

Dongsuk pointed a glare at him.

“Three minutes,” he insisted. “Come on, I’ll even have Jinyoung come with me so it’s less suspicious. I just need you to be my look out.” 

“And what makes you think Jimin would allow you to see him for those three minutes?” 

“He will!”

And surely enough on the first day, Haewoon had managed to stay within the room without being kicked out. Dongsuk watched at a good distance as Beomsook spoke to a few noonas after exiting the lounge, which in turn stopped the noonas from entering. He saw Haewoon pass Jinyoung a small slip of paper before the young junior excused himself to enter the lounge. He came out moments later with a slight bow.

“Sorry, Haewoon-ssi, I couldn’t give Namjoon your note, only Jimin was inside and I think he’s resting right now.” 

Haewoon only smiled and retrieved the paper that said nothing more but a reminder to not drop his mic multiple times during a shoot. “It’s okay. Thank you for trying. I have to head up to my cubicle now and it’s a far walk, do you mind cleaning up the station?”

Jinyoung nodded his head and left to attend to the equipment.

“Three minutes,” Haewoon ordered Dongsuk. When he nodded his head, Haewoon slyly entered the lounge and Dongsuk watched the area carefully. He noticed the security camera down the hall and made a mental not to cut the section out when he got the chance. 

Soon enough, Haewoon reappeared from the room and signalled for Dongsuk with a grin on his face.

“It appears Jimin and I are on the same page, Dongsuk.”

“What do you mean?”

“I got to taste him, just a bit. I don’t think Jimin is really with Jungkook afterall.” 

“What do you mean?”

“You’ll see tomorrow. Just look at his collarbone tomorrow.”

The following day, as he adjusted the mics on Jimin shirt, he could see with his own two eyes and slight bruise. A fucking hickey? Was he not with Jungkook? Was Jungkook in a one-sided relationship? Were they merely experimenting and fooling around? Had Haewoon actually won Jimin over?

It somehow sparked enthusiasm for Haewoon, because a chance no longer felt so far fetched. If the two were just playing around, Dongsuk could offer himself up for Jungkook to experiment on. They were young -it made sense that they were only testing out the waters. A solid, committed relationship was too complicated for their status. Jungkook may have felt threatened with Haewoon because it meant losing the person who could be there for him on an intimate level. But with Dongsuk being available, Jungkook could let Jimin go and be with him.

It was… it was a hopeful rendition of what should have transpired.

“Pass this water to Jinyoung, the one marked with this dot because I kissed the lid and tell him to give it to Jimin. You give this water to Namjoon.”

Dongsuk does so. Cringing slightly at the whipped man for the special bottle of water he’d wanted to give specifically to Jimin but couldn’t.

And his methods were always ridiculous as Haewoon made absolutely certain his cup of water reached Jimin. And each time he saw the older press a lip to the lid like a love sick puppy before giving it out to him, Sejin-noona, or Jinyoung. Sometimes he’d pour several cups of water and placed it on the table, and purposefully leave one further away from the other. He’d call Jinyoung over-

“Jinyoung, have you given Jimin his water? You know he doesn’t take care of himself sometimes…”

“I know Haewoon-ssi, I was just about to do it,” the junior answered, a little annoyance could be heard, but there was a smile on his face. And just as expected by Haewoon, Jinyoung took the cup closest to him among the rest of the cups set on the table. He’d only done this twice, Dongsuk realized, and it wasn’t until later he figured out why.

So it went on like that. For seven days straight, each time Haewoon came out the lounge smiling wider. For five days, Haewoon merely spent a second in there. Haewoon assumed they just exchanged a brief kiss. And on the seventh day, Haewoon had once again asked Jinyoung to give a note to Namjoon about remembering to return the mic box before he leaves. And yet again, Jinyoung returns with the slip of paper saying it had just been Jimin. On the seventh day, Haewoon spent a little longer than five minutes. 
And the next day, Haewoon was removed on indefinite leave. 

Dongsuk scrambled for answers, calling Haewoon who had his phone off the entire day. It wasn’t until Dongsuk was called in for a meeting with Bangtan where the weight of their actions were starting to pile up and explode.

Dongsuk blew up on Haewoon’s voicemail within the next half hour after the meeting was done.

“You fucking drugged him? Fucking left him notes? What the fuck were you thinking, Haewoon!” he screamed into the phone as he raked angry fingers through his hair. “To fucking Jimin while he was asleep? Answer your fucking phone, you monster!” 

Once he’d calmed down, Dongsuk practically begged Bang PD-nim to be Jimin’s ‘eyes’. He wanted to be as close to the subject of the investigation so as to get as much information from him and to not incriminate himself. Seeing as Jungkook was just as invested, he decided to use that to his advantage.

In the span of the next hours, Dongsuk tried to get as much information as he could, tried to pin all this information on anyone else. He needed someone else to incriminate as Haewoon’s ‘right hand’ man. It couldn’t be him. He never wanted it to be that way! 

But the cameras don’t lie. The cameras have shown a blatant lie Dongsuk had revealed in the midst of the heated confrontation of the members of Bangtan, which excluded both Jungkook and Jimin. He lied and said that he had only allowed Haewoon out of his sight twice as he wasn’t familiar with the mechanism of audio breakdown and lost Haewoon for about five minutes each time. He couldn’t incriminate himself. 

So he rushed to his cubicle and began pulling out footages, recklessly trying to destroy any evidence of Haewoon entering the lounge the other five days. In the midst of doing so, however, Namjoon and Jin had requested for him. Haewoon had purposefully shown him footage from past dates, and because it had been an exhausting day, he was glad that the two hadn’t caught it.

Soon after Jin left, and Namjoon returned to talk to Bang PD. And Dongsuk resumed his task. He needed to whip something up immediately… he remembered that both Beomsook and Youngjin entered the room and so in a frantic panic, Dongsuk immediately copied files and moved him to his laptop and made a shitty rendering of two possible clients that could have done the deed other than himself. 

It was all going to Hell. But he’d fight through it. Haewoon would get convicted, but he’d deny all of his accusations. Jinyoung and Beomsook would be his scapegoats. Afterall, it was Jinyoung who’d been the one to constantly give Jimin his drug induced water and entered his room twice, and it was Beomsook who’d been caught on camera disregarding the noonas entry. He could do some editing. Make it seem like both have done this for the past five days. Everything would be great. 

He needed to quickly alert both Beomsook and Jinyoung so they’d feel scared as suspects. Dongsuk needed to make them paranoid.

He got to Beomsook first, alerted him of the situation, and threw down his own suspicions. 

“You were caught on tape, Beomsook-ssi, turning noonas away. It doesn’t look good.”

And Beomsook was easily frightened. “Stay hidden for a bit yeah?” Dongsuk offered. “I’ll try to cool everyone down, but because Jimin is involved, they’re only looking for someone to bring down. You know what I’m saying?”

Beomsook shook his head in understanding. “I -I’ll keep away for now.”

“Good. I’ll figure it out, don’t worry!”

Unfortunately for Dongsuk, Jungkook had gotten to Jinyoung first. He’d been surprised to see the younger up so early in the morning on his way to Jinyoung’s cubicle. Dongsuk had followed them discreetly, bought a cup of coffee and eavesdropped on their conversation a table away.

Jinyoung had done fairly well. He’d done nothing but be honest, but in the end, it could be used as incriminating circumstantial evidence he confessed to all the weird things Haewoon had asked him to do. It was one thing to say he was just ordered to do them, but Dongsuk could easily manipulate it so Jinyoung looked like he’d been part of it all along. He had footage to play around with as leverage.

So upon their departure, Dongsuk had attempted to scare Jinyoung the same way he had with Beomsook. The effect was instant when Jinyoung could easily see how involved he had been with Haewoon. The assistant promised to stay low. 

It was going to be easy, if not after seeing Jungkook’s strong determination; he saw the fire in his eyes when he brought him out, felt that Jungkook was not going to rest until everything’s been discovered. Showing the footage was an excuse to get some coffee with the other. He lied as the rendering of the footages were still in loading progress. Instead, he took advantage to find out just how much Jungkook knew of the current investigation and to test the waters of his relationship with Jimin. 

It hurt. It hurt to see the absolute love in his eyes when Jimin was brought up, but coldly brushed away, as if he didn’t want anyone else to impede in it.

But he didn’t want to wait on the sidelines anymore. He needed to try. Maybe if he could “catch” the perpetrator for him, Jungkook would see him in a new light. It’s what he hoped for. 

It had been around five when Dongsuk noticed he wouldn’t be able to completely fine edit the footage seamlessly as he hoped and decided to call the other now when he knew the other was in practice. He’d make an excuse, and Jungkook would say ‘it was okay’ because he was kind. Though much to Dongsuk’s dismay he’d hit voicemail, and the other was reluctant to leave a voicemail so he hadn’t and opted to work things out before Jungkook finished practice before eight tonight. 

But plans quickly backfired when his attempt to scare Jinyoung and Beomseok into silence backfired when the two ended up soliciting outside his office for who knew how long to only be almost caught by Jungkook himself when he heard the younger scream out their names. Jungkook who hadn’t expected to see for another hour or so. The same Jungkook who was promised a footage to look at! He should have sent that damn voicemail!

When he’d finally been able to catch up to Jungkook, desperate to distract him from actually reaching Beomsook, Dongsuk felt nearly sick to his stomach; Jungkook looked ready to fight anyone that came near him as he screamed to see the damn footage. He was barely done… but knew he was no longer able to prolong the inevitable and showed the rough version of his attempt at forging a narrative through the monitor. He just hoped… that Jungkook wouldn’t be able to see the inconsistency. 

As the screen paused, Jungkook looked furious when he saw the results of his rendered footage. He almost looked terrifying when he screamed out his anger. 

And Dongsuk, after involving himself with Haewoon for months now, finally felt afraid of the consequences of his actions.  

It was safe to say that Jungkook was absolutely, without a doubt, completely livid when he watched the footage from start to finish. All these years, being the maknae meant people underestimating his capabilities, questioning his foresight and his knowledge. He knew he wasn’t book smart -it’s what made him so impressed with Namjoon. However, to have Haewoon think that he’d fall for such a shit show of an ‘evidence’, had him reeling to Hell and back.

Especially when it involved Jimin. Did he think so little of his care for his hyung? To give Dongsuk credit, the edits were subtle and discreet. But he made the terrible mistake of entrusting Jungkook to not catch those harsh cuts, the small misconfigurations of his edits. Dongsuk greatly underestimated Jungkook’s capabilities…

Especially now when Jungkook had taken interest in filming.

So he grit his teethe in absolute fury. This tampering of ‘evidence’ was the nail to Dongsuk’s coffin. Upon this, Jungkook had pushed his doubts aside for the slithering man that crept behind his shoulder. Jungkook had trusted him. But with his talk with Bang PD and his confrontation with Jinyoung and Beomsook, things were starting to make sense, and Dongsuk was not looking great. 

In fact, this time, Jungkook was certain. 

“Jungkook, you wanted to speak with me?”

Jugkook fiddled with his thumbs nervously and he kept his eyes trained on his feet below; he was never to good with one on one interaction to strangers and especially his higher ups. Not when the situation at hand dealt with another person’s life -his boyfriend, specifically.

“Yes. I just had a few questions…”

Bang PD nodded his head slowly and waved a hand outward, gesturing for Jungkook to take a seat at the chair across from him. His smile was gentle when Jungkook lifted his gaze and proceeded to walk around the chair and sit.

“Ask away,” he permitted.

And Jungkook did. He came in with a line of questions regarding Jinyoung and Beomsook, but all answers directed back to him weren’t means to arouse any more suspicion. However, when Dongsuk had been brought up, things that were blurry started to clear up. 

“Why’d you assign Dongsuk?”

“I wouldn’t say we assigned him, more so, he volunteered? He had told us that he’d seen Haewoon act a little of when he was doing rounds in the security room and thought it’d be best that he keep an eye on him.”

“Why him, specifically?” 

Bang PD frowned, but lifted his shoulders in question. “He mentioned that he worked with him in the past -being in the same security department and all before Haewoon’s career change into audio tech. It made sense at the time to have someone aware of Haewoon’s tendencies to watch over him so that he’d be able to catch when he got unhinged…”

“And now?”

“And now I think it’d been best to go with my first choice…”

Jungkook leaned back and refrained from mentioning the lie Dongsuk had sprung on. Dongsuk wasn’t appointed by Bang PD, but he instead volunteered? For what reason? And why had he lied about it?

The younger chewed on his lips worriedly and his skin began to tear where he’d run against the fringe of his shirt. “PD-nim… you haven’t mentioned anything to Dongsuk about my relationship with Jimin, right?”

This concerned the man as his shoulders stiffened and his back straightened out. He watched Jungkook carefully, concerning lines wrinkled around his frown. “I have not. Only your main security head knows. Has he said something?”

“Not… directly. He asked how long it’s been? Jimin and I…?”

“I have not said a thing, Jungkook. Do you think he’s noticed? Have you been discreet?”

“As discreet as we could be… But he’s new, so it was a little odd that he’s even noticed anything at all. Jinyoung had mentioned some things too, but it could be warranted out of my concern for Jimin hyung, so that was understandable. I’d been questioning whether I seemed the same when I was talking to Dongsuk, and that’s why he was able to think of the possibility of Jimin and I… but I don’t think… there’s no way I said anything or acted any different than a concerned band member…”

“You and your heart eyes, Jungkook.”

Jungkook grimaced, cheeks flared in embarrassment before he shyly rubbed the back of his neck. “I can’t help it, but I’ll try to stop-“

“Don’t worry about it,” Band PD laughed. “Young love… but try not to be so obvious, please? We’ll protect you, but you have to put some effort too, you know?”

“Yes, PD-nim.”

“But to confirm your questions: no I did not assign Dongsuk and I did not reveal and inkling of your relationship with Jimin-ah. Is there anything else? Should I look more into Dongsuk, Kook? I will cut him off immediately.”

Jungkook sighed and lifted himself from the seat and begrudgingly smiled at the man. “I will let you know?”

“Immediately,” he affirmed with a frank nod. 

As the hours passed and Dongsuk still hadn’t contacted him about the footage, that’s when Jungkook began doubting him heavily. There was no way maintenance could have gone on for so long, right? Not when it was in regards to security. How could security have such long prevalent down times? It seemed careless and inefficient. But things did happen so Jungkook tried not to question it vocally.

It had been fifteen minutes when rehearsal began when Dongsuk had called him, but the younger opted to not answer and simply assumed that the security room was finally out of the grasp of maintenance. If not, he’d just find out at the office, then.

What he hadn’t expected on his way there with Yoongi, was the prying eyes of both Beomsook and Jinyoung creeping along the security entrance ways. It was now or never.

It didn’t take much to corner the two, with Yoongi’s already intimidating persona and Jungkook’s hauntingly cold front, the two fessed up fairly quickly.

It was mind boggling how much they knew of the situation, pointing their attention at both Dongsuk and Haewoon.

“We had nothing to do with it,” they begged. “We’re just trying to figure out what footage Dongsuk is talking about that could incriminate us of a crime we sure as hell know we didn’t commit.”

“But he says its best to keep quiet,” Jinyoung damn nearly cried.

“I can’t lose this job,” Beomsook rang in. “I didn’t mean to stay low, but it was suggested. Not until the case -whatever the case is to be over. But I couldn’t stay still,” he was shaking now, eyes blown up with worry. “Not when I have a kid. Yoongi-ssi… Jungkook-ssi… I have to clear my name.”

Jungkook was trying to reel himself with the sudden breakdowns of the two staff members he’d been doubting heavily with a frown. “Who told you to keep quiet? To stay hidden?”

“Dongsuk-ssi.” 

The name rang in Jungkook’s ears like a screech. Warning signs started to blare out and red flags were beginning to wave.

“Why..?” Dongsuk had not right to request such things. Not when there presence were needed to solve the case. Not when they were questions that could’ve been answered by the two. 

“So that he could find out a way to clear the misunderstandings…” Jinyoung whispered. “I’ve been associated with Haewoon for so long -I’ve done tasks for him of all sorts. He told me I could be easily pinned to whatever it was that got Haewoon suspended. He promised he could help me, so long as I don’t say anything about the matter but… I’m afraid, Jungkook.”

Yoongi rested an assuring hand upon the staff member’s shoulders. Yoongi had always been more of the intuitive one, so having seen him trying to comfort the other, led Jungkook to believe his words. 

But he needed more answers before he could take them in.

“What were you doing in our lounge rooms?” He pointed his stare at both Beomsook and Jinyoung.

“Nothing,” they’ve both exasperated. 

“I was only checking in on Jimin for footage, but he’s been asleep most times I’ve decided to go in.”

It’s what Jungkook had assumed from the start, so he merely nodded his head. 

“And I was looking for Namjoon,” Jinyoung breathed out.

“Namjoon?”

“Haewoon wanted me to pass him a note about returning the mics. But Namjoon wasn’t in the room the two times I went in. And Jimin was asleep so I didn’t want to bother him with the note so I just left. You can even ask Dongsuk, he was there!”

“Have you ever seen Haewoon enter the lounge room?” Yoongi asked carefully.

“I guess, yeah? He’d always send me away to work on packing the equipment -telling me he needed to start walking back to his office cause’ it was now in another building. I’d glance back and see him walk out of the lounge, but I only think it’s because he wanted to check and see if Namjoon was in the room?”

“And where was Dongsuk-ssi?”

“With him? Like just outside… waiting?”

Yoongi leaned against the wall with a grim expression. “Dongsuk told you to stay quiet?” He turned to Jungkook with curious eyes. “And was it Dongsuk who asked you for Beomsook’s whereabouts? And was it Dongsuk that tried to make Jinyoung seem like someone worthy being suspicious of?”  

“Hyung…”

“I’m just saying, for a man who’s speciality is security, he sucks at it. Can’t watch Haewoon properly, telling these people to keep silent when it’s answers he needed to get… He’s driving them away and for what?”

Jungkook stiffened his jaw and fisted his hands in anguish. Lies upon lies upon lies. He looks to Jinyoung and Beomsook with a soft smile -he almost felt guilty, because although they’d just blatantly put Dongsuk on the spot, and with reason, the younger had a difficult time opening his heart up to trust. 

“When I shout out your names near that security door… just run from us.” 

The only thing that appeased Jungkook’s fury was hearing Yoongi on the line with Namjoon. 

“Haewoon’s fingerprints could be found on all notes.”

All notes. Seven notes. Seven days. Haewoon was in Jimin’s room for seven days… all because Dongsuk allowed it.

Jungkook didn’t react to the news as crazily as Yoongi had expected the younger to be. Instead, with cold and harsh eyes, he looked to Dongsuk.

“Save that footage. We’re brining Jinyoung down,” he lied through his teeth, wanting to give Dongsuk a sense of false security before Jungkook ripped him to shreds. He couldn’t afford the other to flee, not when he had nothing on him to tether him down to the authorities just yet.

Dongsuk smiled, almost innocently, and nodded his head. The conflicted fondness he could spot glittering in his eyes almost made Jungkook want to gag, but he forced himself to return the smile before leaving the room, pulling a puzzled Yoongi alongside him.

It was then that he understood everything. He’d seen the same look on Haewoon’s face whenever he so much as glanced in Jimin’s direction. The obsession. It wasn’t as intense as Haewoon’s, but Jungkook spent a lot of time deciphering the look to understand what it meant.

So that’s why.

Jimin fiddled with the phone in his hand and ran his forefinger upon the lit screen, scrolling to a name he should’ve long since deleted. He felt a hint of bile try to surface up from his throat, but he pushed it down. He’d always given the benefit of the doubt to people and tried his hardest to only see the good in them, but his patience was waning and his trust was faltering with the surmount of incidents that happened in rapid pace. His kindness allowed Haewoon to be near him, allowed Haewoon to believe it was okay to press his lips against him, to drug him. 

With the evidence at hand, there was definitely means of foul play.

His fingerprints were on those slips of paper.

His results came back positive. 

He’d been caught on camera entering his room. Albeit for only three to five minutes each time, he should not have been there at all, considering his obvious restrictions. They were led to believe that Haewoon had entered only twice, but fingerprints indicated that he’d been with Jimin all seven consecutive days. 

But even so, with all of Jimin’s anger and rage, the man felt for Haewoon. He went overboard, but Jimin still could not truly hate him. It was stupid, and it was something he was afraid of voicing out loud to his members because despite his belief, the others wanted nothing more than to beat him into the ground for what he’d done to him. Jungkook especially.

He thought with time he could, and yes, he’d been distraught and broken. He should have hated him; it’s what Haewoon deserved. But Jimin needed answers. How could a man he went to for comfort, the man who extended his help with a cheery smile, be the same man to threaten his and Jungkook’s safety? Instead of hating him, Jimin was just desperate for some answers. 

It was highly unlikely Jimin would forgive him -he can’t. Not with all the pain he endured because of him, not with the way Bangtan was in anguish because of him… but for the most part, Jimin could at least try to understand.

Isolated in his own room, Jimin could hear the members conversing in the living room down the hall. He’d decided to leave his door open, not wanting to shut them off anymore that he already had, but wanted a little bit of his own privacy to think. 

He tapped on his phone once more -Haewoon just a button away.

He wasn’t convicted yet. The police and the staff are still compiling their evidence and were in the process of getting a warrant to invade Haewoon’s space. In the haste of their investigations and to avoid heavy gossip to circulate, it was clear that they were breezing past the second culprit as there was no evidence yet of his involvement with Jimin other than lies and tampered videos that hadn’t gotten to the attention of the police just yet.

But they needed Haewoon if they were to get Dongsuk. And right now, they needed both Jimin and Dongsuk to get Haewoon… 

So Jimin agreed to make the call. And with his signal, he and the authorities would proceed in their line of action. It was the safest bet. They’d hope Jimin would be able to pry a confession out of them.

Jimin knew -he could feel it in his gut that although Haewoon’s phone damn nearly blocked everyone, he knew he’d be his only exception. It was Jimin’s turn to manipulate the situation; it was his revenge.

With conviction, Jimin clicked on the button without hesitation.

Suddenly, flashes of nightmares invaded Jimin’s mind, which caused his hand to shake slightly and pick up the beat of his heart. He felt like hyperventilating as he struggled to find his breath, but he trudged forward and refused to disconnect the call then and there when he was absolutely certain Haewoon would pick up.

Jimin sighed thinking about his decision making. Why’d he constantly do things at an impulse?

Then he heard the line click and his voice sound through the speakers…

“J-Jimin?” Jimin paused and felt his mouth dry, the words lodged in his throat slightly choking him. It wasn’t until a minute passed where Haewoon called for his name once more.

“Haewoon-ssi?”

He could hear the way Haewoon took in a sharp breath, held it for a moment before releasing it in a strain. Jimin could feel his absolute wrecked state on the other line. It almost made Jimin feel bad -almost. But the pain was still fresh… and the anger was still vivid. 

So Jimin clenched his teeth, hardened his jaw, and gripped onto his phone tightly.

“Why?” 

“Jimin?”

“Please don’t lie…” Jimin begged softly. “Not to me. Not anymore.”

“I- Jimin, I’d never,” Haewoon cut in frantically. “What is it? Talk to me? I missed y-”

“Why did you do it? Why?” Jimin was shaking now. He wished Jungkook was in the room with him, holding his hand as he let out his emotions, but he needed to do this alone. “You think I wouldn’t notice the marks on my body? The way I’ve been feeling sleepy? I saw that it was you in the lounge room… I did my own digging… I saw you, Haewoon-ssi… you and Jinyoung,” it left a bitter taste in his mouth to bring sweet, sweet Jinyoung into this mess, but he needed to make Haewoon believe in his ignorance.

“Jimin…” Jimin was startled to hear the cracked sobs on the other line. Jimin bit his lips hard, breaking skin, and he could taste the drops of iron. 

“Will you come see me? I can’t find Jinyoung… And I just don’t know who to believe around me anymore. Was it you, hyung? Was it really you or was it Jinyoung? I need to see you! I need answers and no one is giving them to me!” 

There was a pause between the two. It was without a doubt that Haewoon had been shocked to hear the request. And Jimin knew that Haewoon was assessing his options and outcomes. For a moment, Jimin completely disregarded the idea of Haewoon running and instant regret pooled into his system. 

“…Will you come see me alone?”

“Haewoon…”

“I want to explain everything, Jimin-ah,” he’d been crying now. Jimin could identify the heaves of breath on the other side and the way his words were being belted out in between sobs.

“You hurt me,” Jimin reminded softly. “I trusted you.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Then tell me why you did it!” Jimin nearly screamed and his own tears were beginning to pool from his eyes.

“Jimin…”

“Meet me.”

“Alone… Please Jimin…”

“Dongsuk-ssi is assigned to me now. He won’t leave my side.”

“Dongsuk?” Jimin could hear it, the small ring of hope. It darkened his heart because Jimin knew that Haewoon had begun plotting once more at the mention of his partner’s name. 

“He’s my watch… I can’t evade him; he needs to come.”

“Let him,” Haewoon cuts in. “To make you feel more comfortable. I won’t do anything, Jimin. I promise; I just need to explain my side. But the company won’t let me.”

“When?”

“Now.” 

Jungkook had been anxious in the living room, knowing very well what Jimin was doing in the confines of his room. They’ve built trust in one another -promised that they’d let each other know what was in their minds to secure peace. But Jungkook was heavily against the idea, thinking it’d be best not to involve Haewoon as the police were already on the case.

But Jimin was always too stubborn for his own good and too damn pure.

His kindness and his compassion… it was something Jungkook fell for completely and admired from the older. However at the very moment, with his boyfriend talking to his assaulter, it was that very trait that irritated him. Because he couldn’t tell Jimin to not care when it’s the one thing that embodies Jimin’s entire nature.

Because Jimin’s care was what grounded Taehyung when he was in pain, crying in the bathroom stall all alone. It was what uplifted Hobi’s spirits when he’d felt lost. It was what pushed Namjoon to reel back when he was overwhelmed. It was what brought Yoongi back whenever he fell into his own demons. It was what helped Jin find himself. 

And for Jungkook… it was what helped him understand himself better. It was what led him to believe in love. And Jungkook loved Jimin.

And it pained him because he’d uncovered this feeling not too long ago, but never found the right time to convey it with all that was going on.

So he fiddled with his own phone, knowing damn well who assisted Haewoon to Jimin’s distress. The name burned in his mind, etched in his soul, and grated against his conscious. Because he’d believed him wholeheartedly before being sprinkled with immense doubt.

It was unforgivable. He’d been worse than Haewoon because he hid. At least Haewoon had the decency to be upfront about it.

He’d voiced his concern with the authority, but because his findings were all circumstantial, they weren’t able to do more -not when their focus was cemented on Haewoon’s case. So Jungkook would take it upon himself to retrieve the evidence with a lot of heavy convincing to authorities. 

When Jimin emerged from his room, walking stiffly down the hallway to them, Jungkook pushed himself from the couch and ran to him, arms ready to pull him in a hug. Jungkook noticed the gloss in his eyes, the swell on his lips, and smiled sadly as he wiped the remnants of tears on his cheek. The smaller returned a smile before slipping his arms around his waist to pull him in. After a few moments, he felt Jimin’s chin rest against his shoulder.

“He agreed to meet with me.”

“Shall we begin?” Namjoon called out. “I’ll make the call to Bang PD-nim now.”

Jungkook pulled back slightly to press a gentle kiss into Jimin’s bruised lips. “Are you ready?” he asked softly. “Should I call Dongsuk now?”

With a slight nod, and quick kiss to Jungkook’s chin.

“Will you be with me?”

“As close as I can possibly get,” Jungkook promised. 

Jimin smiled his beautiful smile and leaned into Jungkook’s hold, tightened his arms around the younger’s waist and nodded his head.

“Call him.”

Jungkook never wanted to see Dongsuk again if he had the choice, but he forced himself to order the drink he painfully remembered the sick bastard order during their first meetup. 

“You remembered?” he smiled as he sat across from Jungkook, taking the coffee into his hand and bringing it to his lips. “And your usual banana milk?”

“The superior drink,” he joked, and though it felt dry to say, Dongsuk responded with a light chuckle.

“Why treat me, Jungkook-ah?”

Jungkook felt as if his teeth were rotting when he stretched his muscles to at least give him a grin. He hoped it looked like a smile, but he knew it looked more like a wince. 

From afar, Jimin was cackling, clutching onto Taehyung for dear life as he wheezed out, “what the fuck is that? He’s supposed to at least try to smile not fucking grimace!”

Taehyung was in no better shape as he clutched onto his soulmate with as much ferocity trying to contain his own laughter in. 

They were soon scolded by a nagging Jin. “Poor Kookie was never the best at keeping his emotions in check; give him some credit!” 

And Jungkook was trying. He just hated the man before him for having been involved with Jimin’s pain and try to be a fucking hero about it. It was sick and disgusting, and no amount of explanation would ever convince Jungkook to even think about forgiving him. If it had been up to him, he’d have the other in a headlock and drag him to the police station himself.

“Thank you…” he breathed harshly and gripped tightly onto his jeans to release some of the tension he’d kept in. “For helping us get Jinyoung. Thank you… We’re still looking for him, but not for long.”

“Anything for you, Jungkook.” He sounded so soft and delusional. It was scary how unbothered Dongsuk seemed knowing that everything was conjured up by him and Haewoon. 

“You did this for Jimin hyung,” he replied, looking down onto his drink, not wanting Dongsuk to look into his eyes. Jungkook’s eyes would betray him… “You were protecting hyung. This wasn’t for me…”

“No, no!” Dongsuk chimed in desperately. “If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be so motivated. Your care for your hyung is…”

“Different, I know,” Jungkook scoffed.”It’s strange to care for him that much, right? I know that, too.” It didn’t reflect his true feelings, and portraying himself to feel disgusted pained him. Because unveiling his feelings for Jimin wasn’t strange -it was a blessing.

“What do you mean?”

“You seemed to notice something was off, right? You couldn’t stop badgering me earlier on about what Jimin and I were,” Jungkook nearly hissed. He scolded himself internally, forcing himself to dial down his aggression. “Look, you don’t have to accept me, but I’m still confused about everything and I don’t need you to judge me for it-“

“I’m not! I’m not, Jungkook! Listen-”

Jungkook shook his head and frowned. “I don’t want to talk about it, please?” He lifted his head a little to show a little smile. “I just wanted to thank you. Truly thank you! I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

They were words that burned Jungkook to say. Without Dongsuk, Haewoon wouldn’t have gotten as far as he had with Jimin. Without Dongsuk, things would be a little more controlled and Jimin wouldn’t cry at night.

“I’m always here for you, Jungkook.” He reached over to grab his hand. It took all of his willpower to not pull back.

“Thank you… It just sucks…” This was it. Planting the lie. “I did all this for Jimin hyung… but he can’t stop talking about Haewoon-ssi. It’s always about him; trying to understand him, trying to get his point of view, trying to see the good in him. Not taking account that the fucker drugged and assaulted him and… and all Jimin wants to know is if he’s okay? Do you know how much that fucking hurts?”

Now the anger was justified. Jungkook felt right when he lifted his face to give him eyes full of hatred that was very much directed at him, though the other could easily misunderstand it to be directed at the situation.

“I did all this digging for him and hyung just wants to know if Haewoon-ssi is doing okay?” 

It was far from the truth, but Jungkook needed to sell it. He needed Dongsuk to believe that Jimin would choose Haewoon. He needed Dongsuk to feel safe.

“Now he wants to meet him… I overheard him on the phone… he was going to meet him. And I know he’s going to have you by his side. What’s the point of all this if Jimin ends up choosing Haewoon… after all I’ve done?”

Silence was the only thing exchanged between the two before Jungkook felt Dongsuk squeeze his hand in comfort. “You move on and look for someone who cares for you.”

“I thought hyung cared for me. No one really cares for me, I guess.” Jimin would kill him if he heard those words from him in any other situation. And not just Jimin, all of the other hyungs would take turns slapping the back of his head for it as well. 

“I care, Kook.”

“Could I come with you? Don’t tell Jimin! Don’t tell Haewoon-ssi! I need to be there to see who he chooses! I can’t handle anyone lying to me anymore.”

“Kook…”

“Please…” Jungkook nearly begged. “I need to make sure with my own eyes.” 

“The police are after him, Jungkook. I don’t think it’s best if you get yourself involved-“

“So you’re willing to bring Jimin there and not me?”

Dongsuk hadn’t been able to answer or refute. In the end, bringing Jimin to Haewoon would be of benefit to Dongsuk. If Jungkook lost Jimin, Dongsuk could make his move. Jungkook, who’d been beaten with lie after lie would crumble down and be vulnerable. Dongsuk’s comfort could “save him.” It’s the thought process Jungkook would hope for Dongsuk to go through, and when the other nodded his head, with the same plotting look of his Haewoon’s, Jungkook knew it had worked.

“Okay,” he agreed. “Jimin had already asked for me… we leave in half an hour. Do not tell anyone, Jungkook. It can incriminate you as well.”

Jungkook wanted to snort and tell him to ‘fuck off’. 

“Yes, Dongsuk-ssi.” is what he said instead. 

“And Jungkook… if Jimin chooses that obsessed maniac over you, would you let me in?”

“Huh?”

Dongsuk pointed to his chest. “In that guarded heart of yours. Let me in."    

Dongsuk had sent him the address of their meetup and Jungkook just as quickly forwarded the information to the authorities. It was risky that all members join, so Jungkook and Namjoon were tasked to stake the area out. It was in a rather secluded area, open buildings in the process of being demolished, but it was cramped and busy. 

In a way, it made it a perfect place for secrecy. There was no way anyone could sneak in uninvited without being spotted. So Jungkook was wiretapped and sent out while the other waiting a considerably amount back to watch.

“Remember to keep your distance, Jungkook. We’re only here to get a confession. We have the area surrounded… any foul play and we’re going in, alright?” The officer reminded, he placed a distress call button into Jungkook’s hands. “If anything goes wrong, alert us immediately.”

Jungkook nodded his head, anxious to set foot in, afraid of leaving Jimin by himself longer than he needed to.

Namjoon had felt anxious allowing the maknae to head out alone and almost rejected the order, but Jungkook turned back with an assuring smile.

“I can’t leave Jiminie by himself.”

And with that, Namjoon had let him go.

‘Where are you? I’m here…’ he texted Dongsuk.

‘Middle ground. Makes it easier to survey the area. Are you sure the other members didn’t follow you?’

‘They’re busy trying to compile evidence right now. Did Jimin hyung… did he?’

‘See for yourself…’ 

He peered down onto the middle ground, and to his horror, Jungkook was limp in Haewoon’s arms, being dragged into a worn out room slightly hidden in view. With no hesitation, Jungkook quickly slammed his hand to his side, signaling for the police’s involvement immediately. He could hear the cars blare the alarms as they made they way toward the run down building. 

He felt a hand slip around Jungkook’s mouth and a cloth pressed onto his lips, the younger knew better than to inhale. He gripped tightly onto Dongsuk’s muscular forearm, thrashing and kicking away as best as he could. 

“I’ve been watching you for years, Jungkook. I knew I was fucked the moment you stepped out of the security room. I almost believed you… I wanted to believe you, but Haewoon snapped me out of it. Before getting Jimin, I called him. He didn't fall for Jimin's plea, but hell, he just wanted to see him one last time before it all went to shit.”

Jungkook’s lungs were burning, he needed to breath, but he knew better than to let the toxins in his system.

“We just decided, fuck it, right? We’re fucking screwed no matter what. Haewoon was too fucking reckless and I was too careless… we would’ve been caught. So why not let our fantasies play out before we get locked up hmm?”

Jungkook felt the larger man palm him through his jeans. The sudden contact had Jungkook reeling uncontrollably to a point Dongsuk lost his grip on him. Jungkook plummeted to the ground, frightened and confused, catching his breath and rubbing away at his mouth as he took in as much air as possible.

Did he just..? He touched him…

“You’re fucked up!” Jungkook screeched angrily as he scrambled to get footing on the ground before being tackled once more by Dongsuk. “You two are fucked up!”

Dongsuk was desperate now -no reason found in his eyes as his hand desperately ran themselves over Jungkook’s body. Jungkook tried to kick him off, but the heavier man was persistent, knotting his fingers at the hem of his jeans and roughly tugging.

“No, no!” Jungkook’s fear was prevalent as Dongsuk began undoing his belt hastily.

Jungkook wanted to cry out and vomit. He wanted to lash out and pry out of Dongsuk’s dirty and seeking hands. He wanted to gag when he felt his fingertips run through the bridges of his abdomen. He needed to get away!

“I’ve always wanted you, Jungkook.” He felt Dongsuk’s lips on him and not too long after his tongue…

And his thoughts wandered to Jimin. Was this how he felt? This sick, disgusting feeling of being under someone’s mercy? To be touched in such a filthy way. To be forcibly taken advantage of? Jungkook knew this encounter would remain with him -that if he were to leave unscathed, Jungkook would be able to relive this moment, remember this fear..

Remember the harassment.

And Jimin would, too…

JIMIN! 

Jungkook remembered he would be in the same situation as he… but he’d seen him knocked out, limping in Haewoon’s arms… he wouldn’t be able to fight him off. He’d…

Jimin needed him. Jungkook wasn’t going to let him go through this again!

“FUCK NO!” Jungkook swung his fist hard into Dongsuk’s jaw, causing the man to reel back, giving Jungkook enough room to scramble away from him. Dongsuk was groaning and before he had time to recover, Jungkook swung his leg over, foot connecting directly onto his abdomen. Once. Twice. 

When Dongsuk flailed onto the ground in agony, Jungkook turned on his heel and ran for it. 

He couldn’t stop his tears from flowing now. Worry engulfed his entire being, not for himself, but for his love having to experience the same trauma -or even worse. 

He should’ve anticipated this. He should’ve understood just how twisted these people were… he put Jimin in here -he endangered them both! The sirens were near; the cops would take care of Dongsuk, he’d hope. He just needed to get to Jimin immediately.

“Jimin!” he shouted. He’d reach their level and ran toward the door he’d last seen Haewoon drag Jimin into. “HAEWOON!” 

There was no response, except for a loud crash toward his right.

“HAEWOON! GET YOUR HANDS OFF-“

“JUNGKOOK!” 

Out the door, Jimin dashed out with a slightly bruised lip. His shirt was disheveled and his jeans were unbuttoned, but he wasn’t naked and he awake. Dazed in confusion, but tremendously relieved, he allowed Jimin to pounce into his arms. Jungkook wrapped himself tightly around Jimin, crying into the man’s shoulder.

“Where’s Haewoon?”

“Hopefully knocked out long enough for the police to get here.”

Jimin had to pry Jungkook off him; the younger too stubborn to be even a inch apart from him right now. Jimin had been crying, too, Jungkook noticed when he finally forced his eyes open to take in his boyfriend’s features. He swiped a thumb against Jimin’s swollen, wet cheeks, and cradled him in his hold. 

“Jimin, did he- how did- I saw you…”

“You saw me pretend,” Jimin smiled, tears overflowing and falling between Jungkook’s fingers. “Like hell am I gonna allow him to drug me again? I fought him off -got the upper hand cause he thought I was asleep… He was strong, but I managed to knock him out with a loose stone tile.” It was hard to comprehend Jimin’s little speech as he’d been hiccuping and gasping between words, but Jungkook understood and took him into his arms once more, head buried into his neck to breathe him in.

“I’m so glad, Jimin. I’m so glad…”

“Didn’t turn out the way I’d hope for. But we got them, right, Kookie?”

Before Jungkook could answer, Jimin was snatched from his arms. All he could see was red when Haewoon appeared in his line of vision, his grip tight on Jimin’s waist as they fell backwards. Jimin grunted from the force, breath caught in his throat as he tried to get himself up, but Haewoon was relentless, hands finding purchase under Jimin’s jeans.

“Why is it him? Why him and not me!” He sounded delirious and inhuman now, eyes wild and hands frantic and seeing Jimin’s face slowly twist in fear did it for Jungkook. Jungkook was done. 

He was done.

He tore Jimin away from Haewoon’s clutches and shoved him back before dropping his fist down onto Haewoon’s face. This man who touched Jimin. This man who made Jimin cry. Assaulted him. Dragged him. Drugged him. Gave Jimin’s nightmare. Be Jimin’s trauma. He deserved all the pain Jungkook could give him. And more. 

It wasn’t until he was being pried off that Jungkook realized he’d done more than just give Haewoon a few punches. The man looked crippled in pain by the time Namjoon held him back and the police had Haewoon contained on the ground with his wrists being locked with their handcuffs.

But it wasn’t enough! He never thought he’d ever feel the way he did, but he wanted Haewoon dead.

“Get him the fuck away from me!” Haewoon groaned. “Jimin, baby… don’t let them take me away…”

“Shut the fuck up! Don’t say his fucking name!” Jungkook screamed. The anger burned in Jungkook’s body, his fists itched for contact and he nearly broke through Namjoon’s hold, but he felt familiar hands trace along Jungkook’s neck before being pulled in for an embrace.

“I’m here, baby, I’m here. It’s finally over, love.”

Chapter Text

Jungkook, Jimin, and Namjoon were quickly taken into the van almost immediately after detaining Haewoon. A few strands of people were beginning to crowd around the rather desolate area, and the three idols could not risk being seen. Their questionings of the events that had occurred would have to be taken in a more private area. 

The process had been long and draining, but as there were too many damning evidence against Haewoon, and a vocal confession taken during Dongsuk’s and Jungkook’s altercation, the two were soon locked up. Haewoon would have to serve more time due to his involvement of attempted rape and illegal drugging, while Dongsuk had merely been charged for collusion and attempted rape. 

It took awhile for everything to go back to normal once the arrest of both Dongsuk and Haewoon were finalized. Fortunately, information of their charges weren’t leaked to the press, so Jimin and Jungkook were cleared from any uncomfortable reports. But the tension in the dorms were almost palpable with everyone stepping on eggshells and babying the two boys with immaculate affection and care. Jimin, despite loving attention from others, was starting to feel frustrated at their constant worries. Jungkook, however, took advantage of it.

“What do you feel like eating tonight, Kook-ah? Jimin-ah?” Jin called out as he made his way into the kitchen with bags of groceries in his hand.

Hoseok, Tae and Namjoon had been in the vicinity when Jungkook presented Jimin with two tickets to Tokyo. It was a place Jimin always wanted to vacation, too -ever since he barely mentioned it in Oahu. 

It was the date they were long overdue for. It was the vacation they so desperately needed. It was alone time they’ve always craved for.

“You better not leave him alone, Kook. Jimin is too pretty, he might get snatched,” Taehyung warned as he plummeted upon the younger’s bed and watched him pack.

“That’s not going to happen.” 

On the day of their departure, Jin had fretted over them constantly. He hovered over Jimin and Jungkook’s neck, running his hand over their shoulders, asking if they were feeling okay…

If they prepared enough clothes… if they packed a first aid kit… if they knew where to go, how to get to their hotel, and how they were going to stay clear of fans…

Needless to say, the trip was turning out to be the best thing Jungkook’s ever done the entire year. Maybe even his entire life.

The year hadn’t ended yet but he just knew that that moment would be his highlight. More than their concerts and their awards, more than the milestones they’ve hit as BTS, more than finally confessing to Jimin -it was having Jimin, facing up at him with his gorgeous shining smile and crescent eyes and rosy cheeks, laughing with unrestrained joy, and holding onto the teacup as Jungkook filmed his happiness while simultaneously turning the ride with one arm.

For weeks Jimin was on edge, worried over himself, for their group, because of Haewoon and Dongsuk… both he and Jimin were weighed down by the uncertainties and the abuse. Both he and Jimin had worked hard to heal from their wounds and emotional scars.

When they returned from their trip, Taehyung was the first to notice. 

“Are those matching rings?”

Jungkook turned to Jimin with a dopey smile, love in his eyes, and immense happiness seeping from all around. He spun the ring around his finger, feeling the weight of their promise right in his heart.