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Jimin never really cared much for the festival season except for the fact that it brought with it some much needed off time where he could just do whatever he fancied without having to be conscious of some camera recording him or some fan randomly shoving themselves in his personal space. For that small freedom alone, Jimin could say he liked the festival season. Not for the pomp and show, but for the relief he got from the never-ending show that was his life.

Whoever said fame is a double-edged sword was so wrong. Fame in itself is a burning, raging, all-consuming fire which will immortalise you in your own ashes; to be mixed with the ones who came before you and then forever lying in wait of all the ones who would come after you.

Jimin cherished his off time, however there was only so much he could do to entertain himself.

Fortunately, there was one casual sexual acquaintance who never seemed to have any other plans whenever Jimin got bored over the past year since this.....thing....between them had begun. 

Jimin could always send him a briefly worded message such as - 'Your place, 9pm. Cook me something delicious.'

To Jimin's surprise, Jungkook had actually managed to cook up a feast by the time Jimin had arrived.

Jimin shook his head as if to physically dispel the dirty thoughts racing around his mind about Jungkook. He had seen the man just 3 days ago when he had been kneeling on the bed unable to move as Jungkook had pounded into him from behind.

Jimin huffed. Would it look too eager on his part of he texted Jungkook for a quick fuck again?

He was pulled out of his thoughts with his phone ringing.

"Hey Hobi Hyung." Jimin answered.

"Jiminie." Hobi, the ever cheerful person thrilled.

"Missing me already?" Jimin teased.

"Oh please. I am glad to be away from all you messy and smelly people. I cried the other day out of happiness because there were no dirty socks lying around anywhere."

Jimin laughed, "You miss us."

"The only thing I miss is pulling our cheeks."

"Aye Hyung I am going to have droopy cheeks because of you'll."

"We would still love you." Hobi laughed, "Believe it or not, I didnt call you to actually feed your attention seeking self you know?"

"That's mean Hyung." Jimin whined.

Hobi ignored it and went on, "So I am planning for a small dinner you know. Just us and some of our friends. No more than 15-20 people. You would come right? It would be 2 days after Chuseok so we should be back from visiting our families and stuff."

"Ahh Hyung. You know I don't really do all that."

"Come on Jimin. Its not a party. Its just close friends. Not even acquaintances. Just friends."

"Should've gone on a vacation out of the country." Jimin muttered.

"Just come. It would be fun I promise."

"No Hyung. I am happy being all alone. Let me be."

"Yah. Don't make me beg. Because I will."

"Hyung. Sorry but I have no interest in socialising."

"It won't even be socialising. It will be the members and some friends that's all. If you want I can keep it to be just the members. No other friends."

"No offense Hyung, but I am looking to spend less time with you'll not more."

"Saying no offense doesn't mean I won't take offense."

"Too late. Good bye." Jimin sing-songed and cut the call.

On some level Jimin knew he was being unreasonable but he was so tired with all this socialising, even if it was just between the members. Sure, he loved them and sure they were more family to him at this point than his actual family, but he was so done with being surrounded by them.

Jimin was pretty sure, he was going to be the member who would distance himself the most once the band broke up. He knew enough about them to last 10 lifetimes.

Not to mention the swarm of invitations and letters that were lying around in his house. He knew the polite thing would be to show up at some of them for a few minutes. He also knew that he should definitely RSVP to the ones he had no intention of attending but he couldn't be bothered to do so. He was at the top of the industry afterall. He didn't need to conform to these norms right? 

People would get over it, he thought to himself.

Sighing, Jimin shot a text to Jungkook. Nothing better than a good fuck to elevate his souring mood.

It was two days before Chuseok, Jungkook was probably busy in packing and what not. The man was meticulous and organised. Jimin knew though, that no matter how busy Jungkook was he would make time for Jimin, so he was not too bothered about disturbing the man.

He got ready to go over to Jungkook's place. His mood already lightening at the prospect of being railed into oblivion. It would have continued to do so had it not been for his manager showing up unannounced with their PR and marketing head in tow.

Jimin hated it when people showed up unannounced, especially when he was supposed to be on fucking leave.

"Hey Jimin." His manager greeted with a pleasant smile.

"What is it?" Jimin asked, not bothering with pleasantries.

"So welcoming." Mr. Choi, the head of PR and marketing snapped. Jimin's eyes narrowed further.

"Lets sit?" His manager Mr. Kang gestured to the living room.

Jimin had half a mind to send them packing from the door itself. However, he knew better than to do so, especially since Mr. Choi was in-charge of their media relations. Jimin did not want to hear namjoon tearing him a new one for being disrespectful to him. That was exactly what had happened last time when Jimin had told Mr.Choi where he could shove his suggestion of improving Jimin's media image.

"I am glad we caught you just in time Jimin." Mr.Kang said, nervously glancing between Mr.Choi and Jimin. "So, we have been thinking." He continued, "Since it is the festival season and since it your off time as a band, the number of hits we received against your name has been decreasing. The other members have kept up by posting something or doing lives and being spotted in public. But you seem to have isolated yourself for 2 months now."

"That is literally the definition of off time." Jimin said.

"But it is affecting your numbers. We can't have you drop beyond a certain range." Mr.Kang said.

"Fine. Ill do a live." Jimin said rolling his eyes.

"See, its just that. Your number had dropped so much in comparision to the others, one live will not do it."

"Two lives?" Jimin asked frowning.

"Uh...No." Mr.Kang stuttered, glancing at Mr.Choi this time.

"We need something big to get the public talking. Something that has you trending."

"A shirtless live?" Jimin joked snorting.

Mr.Choi's eyes narrowed, "You think this is a joke?"

"Just tell me what you'll want to do about it." Jimin said, loosing his patience.

"Donations. You need to make donations in your name in a public way. It will get people talking and tweeting and hastags will start trending. We need your numbers to go up and this will shoot them up and keep them there until you'll return." Mr.Choi explained.

Jimin felt his ire rise.

"I will not be doing that."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me."

"It doesn't even have to be a big amount. A few million won would do. That's like loose change for you."

"Regardless, I wont be doing that. You want me to be spotted in public? I will. You want me to do a live? I will. Hell, whip up a fake scandal and attach my name to some other female idol and it will have the same effect."

"I suppose....but" Mr.Kang was cut off by Mr Choi.

"But, it wont be positive press and it won't do good for your image."

"Don't care. Take your money sucking proposal and get out."

"It is for a good cause. It's not like I am personally benefiting from this." Mr.Choi said. "Not to mention the tax benefits you would have."

"Do you know how much influx of cash comes into this economy because of us? You really think I owe anything more to anyone? Fuck off." 

After practically throwing the two people out, Jimin let out an irritated scream.

Damn these people and their schemes. He left for Jungkook's house with his blood still boiling.

After the day he'd had, Jimin was feeling much more irate than playful, but he still looked forward to putting that agitation towards a really satisfying fuck. Jungkook was always good for that, if nothing else, and the best part about him was that unlike everyone else in Jimin's life.

Jungkook never asked for anything in return. He knew the deal.

"Hey," Jungkook said, opening the door with a drink in his hand and a grin on his face as Jimin stepped in.

"Hey," mocked Jimin, rolling his eyes.

Jungkook ignored him. "Drink?"

Jimin huffed. He strode across the room in seconds, plucking the short glass from Jungkook's hand and draining the contents. It prickled down his throat and sent a blast of heat through his stomach, but on the other side of that, he felt fantastic. With a growl, he threw the glass into the sofa pillows and pushed Jungkook up against the wall.

He devoured his mouth, his fingers already grabbing at the hem of Jungkook's t-shirt to rip it over his head.

"Oh," Jungkook gasped against Jimin's lips. "No small talk, I'm used to that." He grinned, sucking Jimin's bottom lip between his.

Jimin breathed between kisses. "I've been a very good boy this year, and I deserve some cock for chuseok."

Jungkook groaned, hooking his fingers in Jimin's trousers and slamming their hips together. "Mine, I hope."

Jimin pulled Jungkook's shirt off. "Yours will do, yes."

They stumbled back to the bedroom in between biting kisses, already tangled in each other and shedding their clothing.

Jungkook lit Jimin up like no one else, if he was honest, quickly and completely. He pushed the thought aside, though, focusing on the physical sensations. It didn't matter that it was Jungkook, Jimin told himself. It could be anyone's mouth that knew just how to melt Jimin the fastest, anyone's hands smoothing up his back. Anyone's thick, oiled cock nudging at him. Jimin's eyes fluttered closed at the sensation, and he dropped down to his elbows, opening himself further. Jungkook's small grunt behind him told him just how he must look, barely through the door but already naked and spread out on Jungkook's bed, his ass raised and his hole flexing in anticipation.

"This my Christmas gift?" murmured Jungkook.

His fingers spread out over Jimin's lower back as his thumb dipped down to circle Jimin's rim. His cock still pressed up against Jimin's balls and into his cleft, letting Jimin know it was still there and waiting, but he let his thumb push in first, twisting it roughly until Jimin's back arched and he moaned.

Jimin tried to come up with a biting retort to Jungkook's stupid remark, but all he could do was let out a breathless, "Obviously," before grunting again at the feel of Jungkook opening him up.

Jungkook's low, easy laugh slid up Jimin's spine. "Lucky me." He withdrew his thumb but kept massaging Jimin's hole, not letting it close back up. He moved his dick up higher and worked it in tandem with his thumb, holding the rim open while beginning to press his cock inside.

They were breathless, although Jimin refused to acknowledge why: they both loved this part, that much he'd figured out over the past few months. The slamming that would come later, the riding, the long, sure strokes in and out - those were incredible too. But it was this, the very beginning of penetration, that kept Jimin coming back for more. He'd never been with a man who took his time like Jungkook did, working Jimin over so thoroughly he could almost come before Jungkook was even fully inside, relying only on the momentary shock of deep penetration to bring him back down to a manageable level of arousal.

Jungkook's fingers dug into Jimin's cheek as his oiled thumb slid around his rim, over and over again, while the head of his cock began to push inside. He paused then to curl his thumb in even more, holding Jimin open for his cock. His breathing sped up, and Jimin couldn't help but turn to glance over his shoulder.

He shouldn't, he knew; there was a reason he hadn't let Jungkook fuck him face to face since that very first night, when he'd come completely undone from the look in Jungkook's eyes, but every so often, Jimin couldn't help himself. The way Jungkook looked at him, especially when his gaze was riveted to Jimin's body like this, always sent a shudder through Jimin.

He looked back and caught Jungkook's eye. A slow smile curved over Jungkook's lips, his eyes hooded and his face flushed.

"Jimin," he murmured. "If you want to watch me, you'll have to turn over."

His voice was low and teasing, but his eyes were hard. Jungkook hadn't failed to notice that Jimin would only agree to hands and knees lately.

"Just get on with it," he snapped, but it came out in a breathless rush.

With a low laugh, Jungkook slid in further. He wasn't the biggest man Jimin had ever been with, but he was the biggest that still felt good. Too big was not actually a bonus, he'd discovered on a few occasions. Jungkook's cock was just fat enough to stretch him beautifully, giving Jimin the raw burn he needed but also the pleasure, not pain, of that full pressure inside him. Jungkook's pace was agonising as he inched his cock inside, pausing to pour more oil on the rest of it and run his hands up Jimin's smooth back. Jimin gasped into the pillows with each passing moment, letting the warm haze spread over him.

"All right?" Jungkook whispered over his back, and Jimin realised he'd been making more noise than he thought he had.

"Of course," he muttered, trying to control himself. It was just a fuck. Why did his body always have to betray him so much when Jungkook was around?

"Too slow?" But there was no genuine concern in Jungkook's voice, only amusement.

Jimin rotated his hips, trying to get Jungkook deeper.

"Ah-ah," Jungkook tutted. "My bed, my rules."

Jimin had to bite down on a long moan. All of a sudden, Jungkook thrust the rest of the way in, furiously hard and nearly knocking Jimin forward into the headboard. He shouted and put his hand out, absorbing the motion. Jungkook's hands gripped his hips as he ground his pelvis in tight against Jimin's arse. The burst of fullness sent waves through Jimin's body, and he tried to control the gasps of pure, pulsing pleasure escaping his mouth.

Jungkook spread his hands over Jimin's ass cheeks, both thumbs now dipping into his cleft alongside Jungkook's cock, and the additional stretch of it made Jimin's eyes roll back in his head.

"Fuck," he muttered, almost sobbing. "Fuck. Just like that."

"Yeah?" Jungkook withdrew slowly before slamming in again. "Spread your legs."

Jimin obeyed, inching his knees further apart to give Jungkook even more access to his body, shameless in his desire. His body was on fire, his cock aching and his arse desperate for a solid pounding.

"More," he moaned, clawing at the sheets, and Jungkook's answering grunt told him they were both losing control quickly. Jungkook established a rough rhythm, sliding out and then shoving back in as hard as he could. His strong hands held Jimin down until Jimin dropped to his stomach, his cock frotting the sheets and Jungkook lowering himself over him.

"That's it, Jimin," whispered Jungkook, his voice low at Jimin's neck. "Stay down for me. Gonna fuck you till you can't walk."

A moan tore from Jimin's throat, and his cock stiffened and burst instantly, rubbing into the new sheets and making Jimin's head spin. He mashed his face into the pillow, panting, as the thickening of Jungkook's cock sent a new wave of sparks through him. Jimin loved this part, being oversensitive after his orgasm and still being made to take it.

"Kook-ah," he begged, curling his feet around Jungkook's ankles. "Come on. Fuck me."

Jungkook's pace turned furious, his fingers bruising Jimin where he held on.

"Drive me... crazy..." he murmured into Jimin's shoulder blades, pistoning his hips. With a strangled moan, he went still inside Jimin, the steady pulses of his cock pushing against Jimin's walls. The slickness of Jungkook's come filled him and began to seep around the sides of his softening prick.

Jimin clenched, holding him inside a moment longer, drawing out the moment for reasons he couldn't even explain.

"Jimin," whispered Jungkook, "God, please..." He trailed off, his breath hot over Jimin's back as his cock pulsed one more time, but Jimin stiffened.

There was something in Jungkook's tone that had gone beyond orgasm-fuelled babble. Still, Jimin was feeling lazy and sated and didn't want to rush off just yet. He'd give himself a moment to pull it together, then leave like he usually did.

They both fell to the bed, sweaty and out of breath, and Jungkook threw one arm over his face. "God, you're good," he muttered, but that one Jimin was meant to hear, because when he glanced over, Jungkook was grinning at him.

"Yes, well." Jimin sniffed. "Least I can do. Happy Chuseok, and all that." A smile tugged at the corners of his lips, but he pushed it down.

"Hey, speaking of that." Jungkook rolled onto his stomach, dragging the blanket up to his waist and propping himself up on his elbows. He gave Jimin a gentle, almost shy smile as he wet his lips. Jimin turned his head on the pillow to face him.

"I..." He hesitated, looking away for a moment before steeling his jaw and regarding Jimin again. "I wanted to ask you something."

Jimin raised a brow, something in his face must have given him out, because Jungkook continued speaking.

"Don't run off yet," he teased. "Just hear me out."

He nipped at Jimin's lips again, and Jimin had to stop himself from sliding his arm around Jungkook's neck and drawing him down to deepen the kiss. Jungkook was trying to keep his tone light, that was obvious, but when he pulled back to look in Jimin's eyes, his face was shadowed.

He reached out with his other hand and brushed Jimin's hair from his forehead.

"Spend Chuseok with me," he said quietly, his fingers lingering against Jimin's temple. Jimin's stomach clenched a little at the words, but he pushed that down and scoffed,

"Not you, too," he muttered. "You just got your Christmas present," he added lightly, ducking his head away from Jungkook's touch. Jungkook's hand stayed suspended in the air a bit too long before he dropped it.

"I...yeah. Thank you," said Jungkook, giving Jimin a shy smile. "But I meant here with me. My parents and brother are coming over. No one else. I was going to invite the members too if they are not going back to their families but I just thought... It could be just you and me.... that you might like to be with me."

"Jungkook. You have met me, haven't you?" The shy look turned to a flash of annoyance. Jungkook's jaw twitched.

"Yes," he said. "Obviously. What I meant was that-"

"Look." Jimin began as he climbed out of the bed. His leg muscles protested a little bit, and a shiver went through him at the ache in his body and the fact that he hadn't cleaned up yet, but there was time for that at home. He had to get out of there, and fast.

Jungkook's kicked puppy look was affecting him rather more than he liked to admit. "This was fun." He waved at the bed. "I like what you can do with that cock of yours, obviously, or I wouldn't put up for over a year now."

He flashed Jungkook a smile, but he had to work at it. His stomach was in knots.

"Jimin-"

"But I don't really do the whole family gathering thing, okay?"

He tried to keep his hands from shaking as he stumbled into his trousers, zipping them and reaching down to the floor for his discarded shirt and throwing it over his shoulders. He didn't bother with the buttons, not trusting himself to get them through the holes anyway.

"Unless you honestly want Mrs.Jeon asking me what the nature of our relationship is." He tried to smirk again, but probably only ended up looking pinched and uncomfortable. Jungkook had been looking down at his hands, his shoulders hunched, but he looked up at that.

"What is the nature of our relationship?" Jimin glared at him, giving him a dramatic sigh. "Don't do that."

"What?" His voice rose. "What are you so afraid to admit?"

"What am I afraid to-?" His eyes widened. "As if you want to parade someone like me in front of your family!"

Jungkook's mouth fell open. "You're not a secret, if that's what you think."

Jimin forced a laugh. "Sure, sure. Why don't we all just get together like one happy family? 'Here, Mrs Jeon,'" he mocked, "'please pass the Kimchi to the band member I'm fucking.' Right. No problem at all."

"What? Jimin-"

"Look, Jungkook." Jungkook flinched at the name, the distance it evoked, but Jimin only narrowed his eyes and forced himself to shut down the emotions roiling through his body. There was no way he and Jungkook could ever be more to each other than a shag every few weeks. Surely the idiot knew that much.

"We fuck, okay? Your cock gets me off, and I like getting off with powerful men. Don't tell me you thought you were the only one? Oh, that's so sad." He folded his arms, sighing again.

Jungkook's stricken expression drove straight through Jimin's chest, but he fought it off. "I've business in Gangam this week, and after that-"

Jungkook's face twisted. "Taemin?" He looked away for a moment, taking a deep breath, but when he turned back to Jimin his expression was one of barely contained anger. "That's who you're fucking?"

"No!" Jimin caught himself. "Maybe. It's not your business. Like I was saying, after that, some friends and me are going to Paris" he continued airily, padding to the door in his bare feet. "Nothing says Happy Holidays like models in garland G-strings. I'll text when I get back if I'm up for a tumble." He turned to go.

"Jimin." He stopped, his fingers clenched around the doorframe.

Jungkook wasn't looking at him, but his voice was steady. "If that's the way you really feel, then do me a favour and don't text when you get back."

He raised his eyes only on that last word, piercing Jimin with a furious gaze. Jimin momentarily found himself caught up in that gaze, Jungkook's bright eyes seeming to see right through him.

He swallowed hard, but then shrugged. "Suit yourself," he called over his shoulder.

He headed for the door, grabbing the rest of his scattered clothing along the way, and left before Jungkook tried to draw this out any further.

Jimin's legs were still shaking when he got back home. He stood in his living room for a few moments, letting the dark and the quiet wash over him and calm him down.

Jungkook was being completely unreasonable, but he wasn't the first man to get more attached than Jimin wanted. He took a deep breath and nodded, as if to convince himself of that. Best to let it go, before someone got hurt. Clearly, Jungkook was more invested in their little after hours rendezvous than Jimin was, so Jimin should do him a favour and stay away until Jungkook got over him. 

His flat seemed colder than usual, though, and even with the lights on, it seemed... dark. The big, open plan of the architecture, something he always loved about the place, now seemed hollow and empty. His high ceilings loomed over him, the winding staircase to the loft casting sinister shadows across the stark tiled floor. For a brief moment, he felt a surge of sorrow so powerful it nearly sent him staggering back onto the sofa. He caught himself in time, though, the backs of his knees hitting it before he righted himself.

Jimin didn't understand why he was feeling so miserable. Too tired to do anything, he simply fell into bed thinking this seems like a problem for future Jimin to solve.

Festivals also meant a barrage of gifts that come in for them from their fans. Usually these gists were sent directly to their company. Sometimes though, some fans would personally drop off some items at their residence. Jimin lived in an apartment complex and as such he never had to deal with it. The gifts were accumulated in the mail room and then some company representative would pick it up from there.

Today however, some newbie must have been working at the desk because Jimin woke up to 5 packages at his doorstep. All from fans.

On any other day, Jimin would have disregarded them and simply called to get them picked but today, he was feeling especially down.

All that had happened with Jungkook yesterday had affected him more than he wanted to admit. He had resolutely spent the entire day out of the house, not wanting to be alone with his thoughts. It was nearing midnight now and he was still no where near to feeling better.

So Jimin decided, fuck it. Lets open the presents. Something good is bound to be in there. Something that would perhaps lift his spirits. Maybe he could make a post with pictures of him with the gifts. That would certainly placate Mr.Choi and his never ending greedy for more engagement.

So Jimin sat right there on the floor cross legged and gathered the packages around him. Each shiny and wrapped in bows and flowers with hand-written cards. Already Jimin was feeling a little better.

The first gift was a Salvatore Ferragamo tshirt which was easily costlier than half the furnishings in his apartment. The second had a range of Valentino perfumes in them.

Jimin didn't know if he should be thankful to the fans and accept the gifts gratefully or if he should be scolding them for unnecessary spending on an idol.

The third gift surprised Jimin. It was a metal ball, quite heavy in his hands. It had yarns of different colours wrapped around it. Jimin turned the yarm around and looked at the pattern. It was bewitching in its beauty. How can such a non-descript item look as such? Before Jimin could inspect further, his eyes landed on a card that came with the ball.

"God's of the old; brought forth in this

One hand unfolds the yarn

One hand weaves the life

One hand snips the thread

Hold this, feel its weight - summon the sisters. Watch the weave unfold"

- Morai

Jimin frowned. What was the even supposed to mean?

"Summon the sisters?" Jimin muttered, belatedly he realised some fans have been known to send things that can be harmful. Some even going far enough to send 'black-magiked' items. 

Not that Jimin believed in all that. Before he could put the ball down it glowed faintly. Oddly, Jimin could feel the warmth of the glow but the ball somehow felt colder in his touch. He was a second away from freaking out.

Suddenly the metal ball was silver with his name neatly on its surface written - 'Park Jimin'

At this point, Jimin did drop the ball. Before he could so much as scream or kick or react, Jimin felt it rather than saw it.

The eerie feeling of not being alone. Jimin knew, he just knew, without a shadow of doubt that he was no longer alone in his room.

Then he heard it, three voices speaking in unison, "Here we stand, watch it unfold. Here we show, one thread at a time. Take charge or change. Let fate weave or unfold to change the pleats." 

Jimin stared at the metalic ball, now golden. His name still on it.

He stood up and kicked the ball. Vaguely he wondered if he should get out of the house. Where would he go but? Whom to call?

Before he could think more, he felt a heavy fog clouding his mind. He felt like he was loosing consciousness. He stumbled towards the couch trying to fight it, panic now overtaking. He had to call someone. Anyone. What if this was a malicious gift sent to kidnap him or something? 

Fuck. He shouldnt have opened the gifts. He picked his mobile but he could not see properly, everything was getting blurrier by the second.

The next second he was falling onto the couch, his lids heavier as he slipped into darkness.

The First Sister

Jimin woke up to the sound of someone humming. It sounded painfully haunting. A quick glance outside showed him that it was still dark, still the middle of the night.

Had he left his music system on? Jimin could not remember anything for a moment and then it all came rushing back to him.

The gift, the voice, the fainting. He was still in his own house. That was good right? He scrambled to reach his phone which was lying on the ground. The screen was broken and wouldn't turn on.

"Fuck." Jimin cursed. The signing which Jimin's brain had chalked up to background noise suddenly stopped.

Jimin felt cold dread grip his veins. That did not sound like it was coming out of speakers. Rather it felt like someone was singing.

Jimin got to his feet slowly and looked around.

There on his living room floor sat a woman, looking back at Jimin with a blank expression. She had yarn wrapped around both her hands, which she kept moving. More yarm kept spunning out of thin air and she kept wrapping it.

Jimin blinked. Was he dreaming or was this really? Would be feel so alert if he was dreaming?

"You are not dreaming." The woman said.

"Who are you? How did you get here?"

"You summoned."

"I summoned?" 

"Yes."

"I am calling security." Jimin walked towards the in-house intercom and picked up the receiver dailing the number. He kept his eyes on the woman who kept spunning the yarn without a care in the world. She made no move to stop Jimin ot to defend herself.

Within 5 minutes security were at his doorsteps. 

"There. Her. How did she get in?" Jimin asked, pointing to the woman still on the floor. The guards walked in and looked around confused.

"Where sir?" One of them asked.

"There." Jimin pointed at the woman again. "She is sitting right there."

"Uh sir, there is no one there." Another one said.

"She is right there. She is spinning yarn."

The guards looked at each other uncomfortably.

"They can't see me you know." The woman said, looking at Jimin, her hands still working. "You summoned me. Only you can see me."

"I DID NOT SUMMON YOU." Jimin shouted. What the fuck was even happening.

"Sure." The woman said, "First you show the guards and invisible intruder and now you are talking to yourself. Do you think its smart? What would the headlines say? Maybe Mr.Choi would get that publicity after all." The woman had an amused smile on her face.

"How do you know about that? Have you bugged my house?" Jimin demanded.

The woman tsked, "Still talking to yourself dear. The guards are getting ready to call your a mental hospital."

Sure enough the guards were looking at him with confused and fearful expressions. Jimin looked back at the woman who had not yet moved and at the guards who were now exchanging looks amongst themselves.

"Sorry." Jimin said to the guards, "I had too much to drink and I think I am seeing things." Lie. Jimin had not even one drop to drink.

The guards nodded, they had equal parts relief and annoyance painted on their face.

Once they had left, Jimin turned to the woman and watched her for a minute before concluding that he was still dreaming.

"I told you, you are not dreaming." The woman hummed.

"Then how?"

"You summoned me. You summoned us."

"There are more of you?" Jimin asked alarmed.

The woman watched him for a moment and then said, "You have no idea what is happening here. Did someone trick you?"

Jimin's eyes shifted to the metal ball automatically. The woman noticed, "ahhh... I see."

"What?"

"We are three sister. We weave fates. Those objects." She pointed at the metal ball, "They are ancient magical artifacts. Usually are rotting in your thrift shops or museums these days or sometimes as a show piece at rich people's homes. Sometimes however, it comes into contact with someone who needs this and it just decides to work."

"What decides to work?"

"The old magic ofcourse. You are given a gift. You are going to snippets of your past, of your present and of your future."

"Why?"

The woman shrugged, "No idea why. My job is to show you. Pivotal moments you know which define your life. Ready?"

"I dont want that."

"You dont have a choice."

Before Jimin could say anything else the woman was stood right in front of him. Jimin shrieked in fear which only served to amuse the woman. She gripped his wrist and the next moment he felt light weighted but being squeezed through something impossibly small.

They were spit out in a big room. Jimin looked around and realised this was his school auditorium. There on the stage was a young him sitting and reading through his lines in the play. Around them were people milling about, students clustered in groups, laughing, talking and being young.

Young Jimin was wringing his fingers and looking around. He remembered that, the bitter feeling of not having the easy friendship and camaraderie his other peers seemed to have. Sure, he knew a lot of people but it seemed they only acknowledged him to show him off after school plays or performances and as such.

Young Jimin ducked his head again and went through his lines again.

"Seriously? This was important to show me?" Jimin asked the woman who was still spinning.

"Just watch." She sighed.

A group of boys approached Jimin. "Hey Jimin, big performance tonight."

"Yes." Jimin smiled, feeling better not being alone in a crowd.

"You need to treat us after the performance." One of them said and young Jimin's face fell.

"Yahh..." Another one said, "You don't have to say that. Ofcourse Jimin would treat us. He is the star of this performace."

"Ofcourse." Another one bounced.

Jimin didn't know how to say no. His parents worked very hard to provide for him and his brother. He always felt incredibly guilty on asking them for anything more.

"Guys, I cant. " Young Jimin began, "I have dance practice and taekwondo lessons after."

"Ditch it." One suggested casually.

"I can't." Young Jimin bit his life glancing at them uncertainly, hating disappointing anyone.

"See, I told you." The first one said, "he never wants to hang out. He is too cool for us."

"Its not like that." Jimin said.

"Oh please." The biy continued, "You can't give us one treat?"

"Yahh.... Leave it. That is why no one wants to talk to you Jimin." The other said.

They left still saying things which were hurtful. Jimin saw his younger self on stage doing his best to control his tears. A moment later, Jimin ran off stage, script forgotten.

Jimin looked at the woman who snapped her fingers. It was the same evening and Jimin was now in full costume, performing. The boys from earlier began booing, Jimin on stage faltered in his lines. The booing got stronger and stronger until the curtains had to be dropped. 

Jimin remembered that performance. After that no one in school had wanted to talk to him. He had no friends left. That was the last performance too, after that no teacher had wanted to select him fearing a repeat of the same.

The woman snapped her fingers again, this time they were at his dance studio.

"I don't want to be here." Jimin immediately said, knowing what was coming.

"You don't get a choice."

Jimin was in the middle of a routine on the dance floor. His moves were polished and controlled. Every sweep of his arm was clean, every turn was precise. Jimin now felt proud of his younger self and a little in awe. He was always hard on himself, never satisfied with his moves. But standing here after so many years, watching himself, he could see what others had seen. Perfection in every minute move.

Jimin felt a swell of pride as the routine progressed. He had half a mind to join in.

That was when he heard it, the sniggers. The name calling. Gay, they had called him. Dances like a girl, attention whore.

You name it, he had been called it. The boys always made fun off him and the girls who always giggled at his performance only used him to make their crushes jealous. 

Jimin on the floor had just finished his routine, his teacher was praising him and everyone moved to pack their bags, having been done for the day.

It was not uncommon for Jimin to stay back to go over his routine. The teacher handed him the keys and left. Once everyone had left young Jimin crumpled on the floor.

"I dont want to see this." Jimin gritted out to the woman.

She gave a sad smile and turned around. "Watch." She said.

Young Jimin was on his knees his face blank, but his eyes leaked tears. One after the other they fell down.

How broken was he that his face held no emotions yet his eyes couldn't stop the torrent of tears. The it happened, it started slow. Young Jimin scratching at his throat like he wanted to be out of his own body. It continued getting worse and worse, until young Jimin was on the floor sobbing.

Young Jimin had then held his own hand muttering under his own breath, "Its okay, I have got you. Its okay. It is going to be okay."

Jimin sat next to his younger self wishing he could card his fingers through the younger ones hair and give him the comfort no one else had.

He did not know how long he sat there until he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Time to go." The woman said.

"But...him" Jimin said gesturing to the curled up boy on the floor.

"He will be okay."

Before Jimin could protest, he was being whisked away again through a similar tight space.

This time he was on a stage again. Only he was with all the BTS members. They all looked so young and unsure, it brought a find smile to Jimin's face.

This was perhaps the first time he had felt like he had people around him that were genuine and wanted him there.

"Was this 2014?"

"2015" The woman answered.

His younger self was being goofy and free on stage. It made Jimin smile. They had such big dreams and they were so eager to prove themselves. Yet, those times were so much more simpler than present day.

"This must be a nightmare. Look at how I am dressed. Look at my hair and makeup." He groused.

"You were thrilled to wear that even though it was a knock-off. You paraded it around your dorm for an hour before the event. You even complimented your makeup artist that this is the best you have ever looked." The woman said.

"Hey, I didnt know any better." Jimin said defensively.

"And now you do?" She raised an eyebrow.

Jimin felt like the question was more weighted than the words led to believe so he kept quiet.

"What are we to see here?" He asked instead.

"You will see." The woman said spinning away at her yarn.

"What is your name?" Jimin asked as he watched all of them goofing around on camera. "I should know especially since I clearly have abandonment issues." He waved his hand around referring to the previous two memories.

The woman snorted, "Very perceptive of you."

"So?"

"I go by many names, but simply put I am the past."

"Huh?"

"Three sisters remember? Past, present and future."

"Oh... OHHH...." Jimin felt silly. Just then there was an announcement for a group photo.

Jimin bounced into place next to Jungkook. Jungkook who looked so young and small. So precious. Jimin remembered the last time he was near Jungkook and flushed. Dammit, he was not supposed to correlate underage Jungkook and adult Jungkook.

Adult Jungkook who had fucked him at their last wrapped party till he had passed out, when Jimin had come to consciousness it was to still feel Jungkook hammering inside him. He had gotten so hard, it was painful, the rush of blood to his cock.

The woman next to him cleared her throat.

Jimin groaned and pushed his face in his open palms out of embarassment.

"Watch." The woman chided.

Jimin peeked out and watched. Young Jimin casually placed his hand on Jungkook's shoulder. Jungkook went stiff. A moment later, he pushed Jimin's hand away.

The next picture was to be taken, this time Jimin rested his head on Jungkook's shoulder and Jungkook shook him off before the shot was taken. The next one had Jungkook pushing him away. Jimin could see his younger self's face falling.

His younger self quietly shifted to let Taehyung in his place. Jimin and his younger self watched as Jungkook happily accepted Taehyung's hand on his waist. He did not push him away. During solo shots, Jin had sneaked up behind Jungkook, both hands on his shoulders and shook him and Jungkook had giggled and played along.

This continued. Each member was welcomed. Except Jimin. Jimin who had tried a couple of time more only for Jungkook to push him away, very forcefully at one point. Jin who had told Jimin in the passing, 'yah, leave him alone' 

Taehyung who was all over Jungkook without issue had all but forgotten Jimin's existence.

Jimin could see his own face in his younger self. Looking sad and lost and watching his members from a distance. 

"What is the point of showing me this?" He asked the woman.

She shrugged, "This was when you started feeling like you would never belong with them no matter what you did."

"That's not true. I belong with them. I know that."

"Is that why you are so eager to make your distance from them?"

"Look, its not necessary that me wanting to keep distance means I feel like I dont belong."

"Mm-hmm" The woman hummed and gripped Jimin's wrist again. They went through another small space and landed, this time on a set of run bts.

Jimin remembered filming this. This was when they had all worn different home-wear clothes and Jimin had worn those punishment pants. He had then painted his socks. With wahhh and ohhh..... It had been fun.

The scene was much the same of them goofing around. This time however, it was Jungkook who was hovering behind Jimin. Wherever Jimin went, Jungkook followed much like a lost puppy. He easily pulled Jimin into himself. He cuddled with Jimin. He just stood twiddling his thumbs when it was Jimin's turn to play and was back at Jimin's side the moment Jimin was free. His younger self was oblivious. Too caught up in his own fun to notice Jungkook.

Jungkook who kept looking at him with stars in his eyes. Jungkook who shrugged off Taehyung and Hobi and Jin to hover around Jimin. Jungkook who was sleeping on the other end but got up and laid down next to Jimin with an arm curled around his waist. 

Jimin had not noticed this all. He had not realised any of this until he was seeing this now from an outsiders perspective. 

He was so lost in watching Jungkook, who was watching Jimin that he gave a startled yelp when the woman spoke.

"He had just realised a few weeks back that he was in love with you."

"Love?" Jimin asked incredulous.

"Love." The woman nodded.

"We hadn't even started fucking yet. He was not in love with me."

"I am literally the past. I know everything about everyone. That boy has been in love with you since you'll were trainees and he had no clue why he got so flustered with your attention."

Jimin gaped.

"He didnt push you around because he didnt like you." The woman said, "He pushed you around because he was simply too attracted to you. He was very young and was scared half the time he was going to pop a boner near you."

Jimin snorted. Something about this ancient being saying boner appealed to his funny side.

"Wait. What?" He asked when he realised what was said.

Jimin looked back at the scene. Jungkook was now standing behind Jimin looking at him with those big eyes, unblinking.

Jimin swallowed. "You are mistaken." He said

"Add denial to abandonment issues." She snipped.

"You are telling me I could have been fucking him all these years and he would have let me? You are telling me I wasted years on years that I could have been with him?"

The woman raised an eyebrow, judgy old bat that she was, "Let's go."

"There is more?" He asked.

"One more." And they went through the small tight space again. This time they were dropped back stage.

Instantly Jimin knew where they were. How could he not. This was the first time he and Jungkook had sex.

"You are not making me watch this, nor are you watching this." Jimin said.

"You are watching. I will make myself scarce." 

The next moment the woman had disappeared. Jimin was standing in his assigned room. He knew anytime now the door would open and his younger self would walk in.

He felt dread at watching this. Sure he had lived though this. He remembered how intense this was. But watching this without the haze of desire clouding his mind was making his want to pick up and flee. He didnt think he was ready for this kind of confrontation.

Right on que, his younger self walked into the room. Sparing a glance at the mirror, young Jimin took off his jacket and flopped into the chair.

He remembers thinking that being around the members was a little too much at times, especially during extended periods as such. He wanted nothing more than to take a hot shower and then bring out his box of whimsies to play with.

Unfortunately, for Jimin (or fortunately - depends on how you look at it) that plan went to shit when one Jeon Jungkook barged into the room without even bothering to knock.

"Yah! Have some manners. Just because we dont say anything - "

"Hyung." Jungkook cut him off. Jimin looked up to see Jungkook and could clearly see the younger was angry. Livid would be a more better suited term.

"What happened?" Jimin asked, already getting on his feet. He wouldn't admit it but he would have happily beaten up people if it meant wiping that frown from Jungkook's face.

"You." Jungkook spat.

"Me?" To say Jimin was confused would be an understatement.

"Do you do it on purpose?" Jungkook's tone had taken an edge now. He was slowly walking towards Jimin. Without realising Jimin started walking backwards..

"What did I do?" He asked

"The constant touching. The whispering in my ear on stage. The running to me and jumping in my arms knowing that I would catch you. The sitting on my lap despite there being perfectly good seats." Jungkook was nose to nose with Jimin now. Jimin had cornered himself. There was no escape. A wall behind his back and Jungkook's solid chest in front of him.

"What are you talking about?" Jimin's knew very well what Jungkook was talking about. He knew he sometimes overdid it in the name of skin ship, but the man was HOT. How was Jimin supposed to stay away when Jungkook was so fucking attractive and right fucking there for his taking.

"Do. You. Do. IT. On. Purpose." Jungkook gritted out.

"It's skin ship Kook." Jimin said, he sounded breathless even to his own ears.

"Are you sure?"

"Pretty sure." Jimin felt heat pooling in his belly. Jungkook being this close was proving to be difficult. All he wanted to do was reach up and kiss him. Instead Jimin placed both his palms on Jungkook's chest with the intention of pushing him away. That is not what happened though. The moment his palms came into contact with Jungkook's chest, it simply stayed there.

Both Jimin and Jungkook looked down at where Jimin's hands were resting. Jungkook looked back up again.

"Who are showing skin ship to now Jimin-shi?" Since when could Jungkook make his voice sound so sultry.

Jimin swallowed and yet made no move to take off his hands. All at once he felt like a cornered, caged animal being threatned.

"What if I am doing it on purpose? What are you going to do about it?" Jimin challeneged.

Evidently Jungkook had not been expecting that. He took a step backwards, Jimin's hands automatically fell.

Wide eyes looked at Jimin disbelieving. Jimin snorted.

"Put up or shut up Kook." Jimin jabbed and moved from the corner towards the door.

The next second he was whirled around and pinned into the same corner back again. Only this time, Jungkook's body was flush against his own. Every inch touching him. His thick thighs was shoved between Jimin's own legs and oh...since when did their makane become so confident in himself?

Watching from the outside, Jimin felt arousal licking at his balls. He remembered what had happened next and seeing it again was like his own personalised version of porn playing out. Belatedly he thought that maybe they should have recorded themselves, consequences be damned.

“Is this what you want Hyung?” Jungkook asked, pressing his knee harder into Jimin’s now growing bulge.

“Did you keep teasing and taunting me to end up here?” Jungkook continued, there was an intensity in his eyes that had Jimin shivering.

Before Jimin could make smart retort, Jungkook had leaned down to kiss him. There was nothing soft or sweet about it. The kiss was hungry and dominating. Jungkook swallowed Jimin’s moan, kissing him with a ferocity that rivaled his own.

Before Jimin knew it, Jungkook’s tongue was inside his mouth. The sounds coming out of Jimin were downright lewd.

Jungkook withdrew from Jimin’s swollen mouth and blinked once. “So fucking pretty Hyung.”

He leaned down again, this time kissing and nipping through Jimin’s jaw. Going downwards sucking the sensitive flesh behind his ear.

Jimin held onto Jungkook’s shirt in a death grip as he moaned and rutted down against Jungkook’s thigh. He titled his head to give Jungkook more access.

“So fucking pretty.” Jungkook murmured as he bit lightly and sucked a trail down Jimin’s neck.

“Kook, please.” Jimin moaned.

“What does my Hyung want?” Jungkook asked while continuing his ministrations. 

“Please.” Jimin whispered, grounding more and more on Jungkook’s thigh.

Abruptly Jungkook stepped back. Jimin whined and almost followed Jungkook. 

“Strip.” Jungkook commanded. It had Jimin’s already hard cock leaking in his pants.

Jimin wanted to say no, wanted to remind Jungkook that he is the Hyung, wanted to make some smart ass comment but that is not what he did. The intensity with which he was watching Jimin had him complying before he even realised.

He stripped all the while maintaining eye-contact. He hooked his thumbs into the bands of his boxers and took them off, throwing them on Jungkook's face.

Jungkook sniffed at it while still looking at Jimin. Jimin felt his face go red but did not look away. Jungkook then dragged his gaze slowly through every inch of Jimin’s body, stalling and staring at Jimin’s hard and leaking cock.

“Fuck Jimin. So fucking pretty.” Jungkook breathed. He took a step back and raked his gaze again.

“So hungry for my cock Hyung that you did not even stop to worry about hidden cameras? Just stripped down so eagerly.”

Jungkook brought his boxers back to his face, sniffing at it again and continued, “Even smells pretty. Fuck Jimin you are going to be the death of me.”

It was a good minute when Jungkook continued looking and licking his lips. Jimin felt shy, he had a very strong urge to cup his cock and curl away from the unrelenting gaze.

Jimin squared his shoulders though, he would be damned if he was going to shy away from Jungkook of all people.

Gathering all his courage he pushed Jungkook a little and stood in front of the mirror looking at himself, his hard cock still straining for attention.

He looked back at Jungkook who was now resolutely staring at his ass.

A moment of silence passed, then another and another. Jungkook swallowed while still staring.

“That’s it? All your bravado is gone?” Jimin taunted. “Told me to strip and now you’ve frozen. Aww Jungkookie, do you even know how to use your cock?”

It was evidently the wrong thing to say, or the right thing to say depending on how you are looking at it. The next second Jungkook was pressed up behind Jimin. He was still fully clothed. It sent a thrill shooting down Jimin’s spine. The look in Jungkook’s eyes was almost feral.

Jimin shivered, his bare skin brushing against Jungkook’s clothes.

Jungkook pressed his pelvis against Jimin’s bare ass. Jimin could feel the thick hard length against his ass. Even through the clothes, Jimin could tell Jungkook was big. Jungkook was definitely a grower, Jimin thought.

Jungkook's hands sneaked down around Jimin’s waist. One hand went up towards his chest, caressing the skin and the other sneaked down towards his thigh, carefully trailing over his pelvic bone and not touching Jimin’s cock. The hand then wrapped around his inner thigh and squeezed hard.

Jimin gasped and lifted off his feet slightly, pushing back against Jungkook. The feeling was euphoric. The hand on his chest was now playing with his nipples twisting and pinching the buds. Pulling on them till Jimin couldn't tell pain from pleasure.

 The hand between his legs was now tailing feather light touches against his balls and then returning to squeeze and pull at his inner thighs. Jimin had no idea being groped like this would feel so good.

All through this Jungkook continued nipping, biting and sucking a trail of kisses through Jimin's neck and shoulders.

Jimin was a whimpering mess in Jungkook's arms.

“Fuck Hyung. You make the prettiest noises.”

Jungkook lewdly licked from the base of his neck to his ear, sucking on his lobe and biting down on it.

“Kook. Please Kook.” Jimin moaned.

“What do you want Hyung?” Jungkook asked moving to the other side of Jimin's neck.

“Fuck me Kook please.” 

“What was that?” Jungkook teased, twisting and pulling Jimin’s nipple particularly hard.

Jimin was so hard, it was hurting him and Jungkook had not even touched him once. He desperately wanted to touch himself.

Jungkook tsked, “Hyung, touch yourself and Ill walk out that door.”

Jimin wanted to call his bluff, and wanted to brag that there was no way Jungkook was walking away from him. But Jimin was having too much fun to stop, so he obediently did as Jungkook asked, dropping his hands back down again.

“Kook Please. Fuck me. Please.” Jimin said again, writhling in Jungkook's hold, shamelessly grinding against Jungkook.

“Look at you Jimin-shi. So hard. Your pretty cock is leaking everywhere.”

Jimin whimpered.

“I am pretty sure you would cum as soon as I touch you Jimin-shi.”

“Please.” Jimin moaned “Please.”

Jungkook's hand left his nipple and turned Jimin’s face to catch him in a searing kiss. His other hand lightly ghosted over Jimin’s straining cock making Jimin keen out.

Then Jungkook was there, grasping Jimin's cock in a firm yet unforgiving hold. The shock of the change had Jimin rutting into the hand and trying to pull away all at once.

Jungkook pulled away from his mouth. “Look in the mirror Jimin. Look at yourself.”

Jimin looked, he was red in the face, lips swollen, tears in his eyes. His nipples red and abused. One of Jungkook's hand wrapped around his throat and the other hand his cock leaking and twitching in his hold.

“Cum for me Jimin-shi. Keep looking and cum for me.” Jungkook whispered in his ear.

Jungkook tugged at his cock. One. Twice. Thrice and then Jimin was cumming hard. Long ropes of cum splattering over his belly and in Jungkook’s hand. 

Jimin cried out, “Kook. Kook.” watching as his mouth dropped open in a silent scream.

He looked thoroughly used and downright filthy.

Jungkook did not stop though. He continued tugging at Jimin's cock. Oversensitive and still twitching, Jimin whimpered. “Kook. Please, Please Kook.”

Jungkook finally took pity on him and released his cock that had gone all red.

“Fuck Hyung. I am going to ruin you.”

Jimin whimpered as Jungkook pushed him down counter in front of the mirror.

“More?” Jungkook asked gently.

Jimin nodded, “More.”

“Okay Hyung.” Jungkook leaned down and kissed Jimin's shoulder.

Then he straightened and looked down at Jimin.

“I wish you could see what you look like right now. All spent and debauched, yet still spread open for me.” Jungkook whispered.

Jimin felt his cock twitch. He could imagine how he looked.

Then Jungkook's hands were on his ass, kneading his flesh hard.

“You have no idea how many times I have fantasized about doing this.” Jungkook said, his focus still on the flesh in his hands.

“Fantasized a lot about me, did you?” Jimin teased.

“More than I care to admit.” Jungkook replied.

Then Jimin felt Jungkook nudging against his ankle to get Jimin to spread his legs. Jimin complied. Jungkook then spread his cheeks apart and looked down.

The room grew silent except for Jungkook's laboured breaths.

Jimin whined, feeling unexpectedly shy at having Jungkook staring down at his most intimate place.

“Fuck Jimin-shi.” Jungkook whispered, “You are pink. Pink Hyung. Fuck.”

Jimin wiggled feeling even more shy. Wanting to hide himself. He felt a sharp slap on his left cheek and yelped. He liked that a lot. His cock filled out so fast, he was left dizzy for a second.

Jungkook was still kneading his ass, still staring at his pucker.

“Do you think your hole would get darker and more pinker the longer I fuck it?” Jungkook asked.

Jimin hid his face in his hands, unable to see himself or Jungkook's transfixed expression in the mirror anymore.

He felt another slap, this time on his right cheek. Jimin moaned.

“Just wanted to give you a matching set, Hyung,” Jungkook said cheekily.

A finger lightly ghosted over Jimin rim making him clench and unclench.

“Fuck Jimin. Maybe it will turn red the more it is abused. I would like that. Would you like that Hyung?” Jungkook said as a finger circled his rim.

Jimin thrust his hips to increase the friction. “So eager for my cock huh?”

Jungkook squeezed his ass again. The hands left Jimin's ass. Before Jimin could beg, plead or demand for anything more, there was a shuffle and Jungkook's hands were back spreading him open, only this time there was unmistakably a tongue that licked a long stripe from his balls to his rim. Then it lapped at Jimin's rim a couple of times.

“Going to ruin you.” Jungkook promised again, making Jimin whimper.

What followed was a series of licking, sucking, biting, nibbling on Jimin’s rim until it had turned red just as Jungkook wanted. Until Jimin was a crying mess under him.

The Jimin who was subjected to this memory watched on from the corner of the room.

Somehow his brain had pulled this memory. Seeing it now, from an outside perspective, Jimin could see what he had missed initially. The reverence in each touch that Jungkook had bestowed on Jimin, the soft and careful touches, the soft eyes, the worshipping tone.

Had Jimin really been that blind?

All at once he realised he was never going to have that again. Jungkook had made things very clear. He wanted more, but Jimin just couldn’t give that to him.

Guys like Jungkook, they were made for love. To have a loving, doting wife and 2.5 kids with a picket fence and a dog. Jungkook was made for that life. He deserved that.

Jimin on the other hand had nothing to offer Jungkook apart from resentment, anger and sex.

Jimin was never going to get to kiss Jungkook again, he was never going to feel his intimate touches again. He was never going to feel Jungkook holding him and looking at him like he hung those stars in the sky.

The crescendo in the room reached an all time high with moans from his past self and Jungkook echoing around and yet Jimin felt tears pricking in his eyes.

He sat down in the corner of the room with his arms wrapped tight around his legs and his head bowed on his knees. He did not want to see this anymore. He did not want to see what he had been too blind to see back then. He did not want to realise what he was losing here.

Jimin did not look again but he knew the exact moment Jungkook stopped rimming. He knew when Jungkook had turned him around towards himself, he heard himself begging to suck Jungkook, he heard the squelch of lube when Jungkook fingered him open. He heard his own screams and moans as Jungkook fucked him. He heard when their orgasms hit.

He also heard what he hadn’t back then.

He heard a soft voice. “My pretty Hyung. Mine.” from Jungkook as he had lifted a limp Jimin to rearrange them in a comfortable position on the small couch.

 A few minutes later, the woman had found Jimin still curled up in that fatal position with wet cheeks and red rimmed eyes.

“Please tell me it's over.” He had begged.

“Almost.” She said, snapping her fingers.

It was the next morning. Jimin had spent the night in Jungkook’s bed. By morning, he was raw and bruised and stained with Jungkook’s cum. They had to have fucked three times at least, maybe more with hands and mouths factored in; Jimin had lost count. 

He chanced a look at Jungkook's face, relaxed in sleep with his messy hair curling around his ears and flopping over his forehead. His lips were pink and full, and his tongue sat just behind them as he slept. Jimin's heart clenched, dammit. He wanted nothing more than to lean down and kiss Jungkook gently, wake him up with a nip to that gorgeous mouth, to whisper something lewd in his ear, laughing softly, before spreading his legs and pulling Jungkook on top of him again. 

The memory of Jungkook's solid weight on him the night before, his cock pressing deep and his arms pinning Jimin down... It nearly made him tremble just to think of it. No. He had to get the fuck out of there.

The only solution had been to run. He couldn't promise the sex wouldn't happen again, and it had, many times, but Jimin had made sure his guard was up after that. He never stayed the night, never let his masks come down, never let Jungkook share too much. 

"Hey." Jungkook woke, rubbing his eyes and fumbling on the nightstand for his glasses before a frown crossed his face. 

Jimin was across the room, gathering his clothes and wincing at being caught out. "Sorry," he ventured, "Tried not to wake you." 

"It's okay. I don't want you to..." Jungkook looked lost for a moment. "... think you have to sneak out," he finished, pressing his lips together. 

“That’s exactly what you do after a one night stand. Bye Kook.” The young Jimin had stated, somewhat coldly, before walking out on the man.

"Listen, you little beast," he snarled at the woman, "you're going to end this bloody scene right now." 

"Soon," she said, her face shifting from condescension to... pity? 

Jimin felt ill. "There is one more thing for you to see." She said.

She gestured at him to keep watching, and he realised his past self had left, but he and the woman were still in Jungkook's bedroom. Jimin couldn't help but be curious. What had Jungkook done when he'd left?

Well. He lay in bed for a long time, it turned out. Jimin glanced at the spirit, but again she gestured for him to keep watching. Jungkook was on his back, the sheets tangled around his legs and waist. One hand rested over his bare stomach while the other sat over his forehead, occasionally rubbing it before falling slack again. 

Finally, he sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed. Even soft, his prick was full and gorgeous, and Jimin couldn't stop staring at the figure he cut as he searched through his chest of drawers for clothes. 

Jimin huffed in disappointment when Jungkook threw on a t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms, then padded across the large room, barefoot, to the kitchen counter on the other side.

 He fiddled with his phone, a ring went out. Evidently he had called someone.

"Jin Hyung," he said quietly. 

"Yaahh! Jungkookie Good Morning”

Jungkook sniffed, with rising horror Jimin realised he was crying.

"What happened to Jungkookie? Did your trainer beat your ass in the gym?” Jimin could hear Jin laughing.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence." Jungkook gave her a wry laugh. 

"Tell Hyung, what happened." Jin’s voice was softer this time, "What is it?" 

Shaking his head, Jungkook slumped his shoulders as he began to talk. "I think I just made the biggest mistake of my life," he said, his voice a bit strangled. 

Jimin turned to the woman again. "Oh, wonderful. Do I really need to hear this?" She put her icy hand on his shoulder and shoved him around, keeping it there to make sure he watched. 

Jin was silent for a moment and then asked, "What's that?"

He bent to scrub his face, moaning out a tortured laugh into his hands. Then sighed. "I think I just signed over the right to break my heart to the one person who would surely do it."

Jimin was back in his apartment in the cold of the night. Vaguely he wondered just how much time had passed since it was still night outside. 

Jimin felt as though he was going to be violently ill.

“No more. Please.” He begged the woman.

She simply stood there spinning, “Rest while you can. My sister will be here shortly.”

“There is more?” Jimin asked bewildered.

“I am just the past remember. The present and future still call to you.”

With that she lifted her hand and a clawed finger slashed horizontally against his left rib. Searing pain tore through Jimin, he could feel the warm gush of blood.

“What the fuck.” He screeched.

“So that you don't forget.” The woman simply said and disappeared.

In the dead of the night, Jimin could only curl up on himself and wonder what would come next. The pain and blood on his side were the only thing keeping him sane and centered.

The Second Sister

Jimin must have dozed off against his couch. He woke up to the sound of ticking. He had a weird sense of deja vu. 

Quickly sitting up he looked around. He needn’t have looked far though. A few steps over sat a young girl with a long flowing braid. She was knitting something, singularly focused on the task. Soft ticks sounded whenever the needles in her hand collided.

“You are up.” She said without taking her eyes away from her task.

“Which one are you?” Jimin asked.

“Present.” she said simply.

“You ready? Time runs short.”

“Is anyone ever ready?” Jimin snipped.

“Oh God she was right. You are a bad host.”

Jimin ignored the comment, “Let’s get on with it.”

“Sure.” She shrugged.

Jimin felt the now similar squeeze as he was being transported to wherever the next destination was.

To his surprise they landed in what looked like an office. There was a lone man sitting in a cabin furiously typing away at something on his keyboard.

“Is this happening now?” Jimin asked. The girl nodded, choosing instead to focus on her weave.

The closer Jimin got to the cabin, the more cleared things got. He was evidently in the Hybe building. There were no other employees this late at night except for the man at the desk who turned out to be Mr. Choi.

Jimin felt his annoyance bubble up.

“Seriously? Aren't you supposed to show me pivotal moments? What good does this one even do me? I can do without hearing him grouse and complain about me.”

The girl looked at him for a second then said, “Stop complaining and watch.”

“You are ill-tempered.” Jimin said, just to be bratty.

“You are ill-mannered.” She shot back, continuing her weave.

Jimin found himself within the cabin. A minute passed and nothing happened, then the phone rang.

Mr.Choi startled at the loud sound in the dead of the night. His mobile lit up with the name - Mi-So.

Jimin hadn’t heard of a Mi-So prior to this.

“Mi-So-ah.” Mr. Choi greeted her.

“Choi-shi. How are you doing?”

“Still working.”

“You work too much. You should definitely take a break.”

“I will. I will. There is just too much to do now.”

“There will always be too much to do.”

“Mi-So-ah, if I had a daughter she would definitely nag me like you.”

“I am just like your daughter and I have a right to nag you.”

Jimin looked at the girl. Why was he listening to a father daughter bonding? The girl however paid him no mind. Jimin sighed.

“Choi-shi. Are we getting the donation?” The girl on the line asked. That had Jimin’s ears perking up.

Mr.Choi sighed, “Sorry Mi-So-ah, It doesn’t look like it.”

“I see.” Her voice sounded devoid of any emotion.

“I tried.” Mr.Choi said, his grip on his phone had turned white knuckled. 

“I am sure you did. I'm not worried. It is good that you tried. We have all made peace with it. Will you come to visit soon?”

Mr.Choi’s voice broke, “I will. Sure.”

“That's good.” The voice on the other line said, “I have to go now.”

They said their goodbyes and Jimin wondered, what donation? What funeral?

“Damn you Park Jimin.” Mr.Choi whispered, tears trailing down his eyes.

“Hey, what did I do?” Jimin asked aloud knowing that Mr.Choi could neither hear him nor answer him.

“You really want to know?” The girl who was weaving said.

“Isn’t that kind of the point of this entire thing?”

The girl rolled her eyes. Suddenly a glowing screen appeared on the wall. There was what looked like an orphanage displayed there. Multiple children running around, laughing and jumping.

Jimin walked closer to the screen and only then noticed, the children all had various disabilities. Some had deformed limbs, some were using sign language, some walked with walking sticks, some were sitting on the far end on a wheel chair. 

Jimin’s heart squeezed. 

“This was the orphanage you were supposed to donate to.” The girl said, still lost in her weaving.

“The one for which Mr.Choi and Mr.Kang had visited me yesterday?” Jimin asked. The girl nodded.

The scene changed to a small room. A boy about 7-8 years of age was dancing in the cramped space. He occasionally bumped against the table or the bed but kept going regardless. There was a small phone screen playing one of the songs from their latest album, the boy imitated the choreography perfectly. 

Jimin was awed. This boy definitely had potential. He was reminded of a young Hobi. So much energy, so much charisma.

Jimin smiled.

Mid-dance, the boy started leaning precariously to his left. Jimin was alarmed, he reached forward as though he could catch the boy through the screen in the wall. The boy fell and lay on the floor breathing harshly. His face was rapidly draining of colour and he looked a second away from fainting.

Jimin panicked and looked at the girl, “Do something.” He demanded. The girl shrugged.

On the screen a flurry of activity ensued. A woman stepped in and picked up the prone boy rushing away. The screen glowed for a moment and then it was dark again. Jimin whirled on the girl, uncaring of Mr.Choi who was now passed out drunk.

“What was that? What happened to him?” Jimin demanded.

“That was little Jiwo. He has a lung condition. He will have a good Chuseok tomorrow, he will laugh and play and have fun but he won't live to see the New Years.”

Jimin felt his throat close up, “Why?”

“They can't operate on him. They couldn't collect enough money. They tried everything from a go fund me to having donation camps to even Mr.Choi donating 3 months of his salary but it is just not enough.”

“He could have just told me about the boy instead of labelling it as a donation for my PR.”

“You have a reputation for only caring for yourself, he didn't think it would matter to you if a boy is on his death bed.”

“That's not true.” Jimin defended himself.

“But it is.” The girl paused and then pointed to Mr.Choi, “In his defense, he didn't want to hoodwink you. He has a list of all the places you could donate to; it would have been your choice. This just happened to be the one he would have rather chosen given its cruciality.”

“Are there more like Jiwo?” Jimin asked

“So many more. Though in that orphanage, it is a miracle that they have enough funds to buy warm clothes for the winter, let alone anything else. No one wants disabled kids you see so the number of children increases every year. No one adopts them. Even fewer people visit them. Those children, they have the bare minimum and they are lonley.”

Jimin felt tears prick in his eyes. Damn these sisters for making him cry. The ticking of the knitting needles stopped and Jimin looked up to see the girl watching him.

“You hate him.” She jerked her head towards Mr.Choi, “Yet, he is the kind of person who donated more than half of everything he earns. You think this economy benefits because of you? Hardly. He is far richer than you in having the gratitude of the less fortunate.”

Jimin fidgeted. He had never felt this small in his life.

“Come on, time runs short.” The girl muttered back to her knitting. She sided along Jimin and he was once again squeezed through the ether.

This time they landed in Jungkook’s house.

“Oh God.” Jimin moaned, “Not again.”

The girl as usual paid him no mind.

There were voices coming from the living room. Jimin moved towards the voices. He was surprised to see the entire Jeon family. This must be the Chuseok festival gathering that Jungkook had invited him to.

“When is Jimin coming Kook-ah?” Junghyung, the older brother to Jungkook asked.

“Huh? Uh…um…. He isn’t.” Jungkook replied.

“He is not? I made him his favourite pork katasu.” Mrs. Jeon said, looking seriously upset. Jimin felt guilt gnaw at him.

“Did you fight?” His brother asked.

“No.” Jungkook said, “No. He just doesn't want more.” The last part came out in a tortured whisper.

Silence reigned for a minute. Jungkook's family looked stunned and taken aback. 

“You'll broke up?” His father asked.

Jungkook let out a harsh laugh, “There was nothing to break up. We were nothing. I meant nothing to him.”

Jimin wanted to go forwards and smooth the rigid lines of Jungkook’s shoulder. He wanted to kiss him until the tension melted off his body. He wanted to hold and console Jungkook until he no longer looked upset and then some.

“Oh darling.” His mom let out, walking forward and wrapping him in a hug.

“I hate to be the one to say I told you so. But I did tell you so. I have been telling you so since you first realised all those years ago that you were in love with him and panic flew to Busan, where you then proceeded to bed rot for a week.” His brother said.

“Now is not the time since.” His father intervened.

“We all knew the Park boy was bad news, Appa. He behaves like a completely different person on camera and off camera.”

“We all do that. We have roles to play.” Jungkook said, defending him, still sniffing against his mother's chest where she held him. Jimin felt so endeared in that moment, all he wanted to do was hold Jungkook and never let him feel this misery again.

“And you are still defending him.” His brother rolled his eyes.

“Ofcourse he is defending the boy. He loves him.” His mother said.

“Fat lot of good that did him.” The brother muttered.

Jimin was getting increasingly frustrated with Jungkook's brother. What the hell was his problem? Why was he so hell bent on painting Jimin as the bad guy? His answer to that came unexpectedly.

Junghyung moved to Jungkook and gathered him in his arms brushing his hair back. Jungkook looked so small and precious against him.

“I hate seeing you unhappy like this. You have been in pain of this one sided love for years now Kook. It's time you move on. You deserve to be loved.” 

Jungkook had tears brimming in his eyes. His father also moved forwards and envelopes Jungkook in a hug from the other side. 

“You are still our baby Kook. We all want you to be happy.” He left a light kiss against Jungkook's crown.

Jungkook looked indignant, “I am not a baby.” He muttered.

“You are a baby.” His brother said.

“Small, cute, precious, baby.” His mother cooed.

“Little precious Jungkookie.” His father agreed.

“I can lift all of you and then some more.” Jungkook replied, puffing out his chest.

“My baby.” His mother cooed again.

“Little baby brother.” Junghyung said.

“Cutest baby ever.” His father said, trying hard and failing to control his laughter.

Jungkook crossed his arms and huffed, “I am never inviting you all over again.”

They continued teasing Jungkook while Jimin watched fondly. A treacherous part of him whispered that he could be a part of this; this easy acceptance and camaraderie of the Jeons. 

The girl was silent throughout. She titled her head towards Jimin as though to tell him it's time to go. Jimin walked to her and he heard Junghyung behind him -

“You are going to be okay, Jungkook. I promise. We will all make sure you are okay.” 

Jimin's heart clenched. Someone like Jungkook should never ever be in a position to require those soothing words.

This time when he was squeezed through the ether Jimin did not know what to expect. He didn't even take a stalk of his surroundings. He was too lost in thought. 

Had he really been that hurtful to Jungkook? Jimin could physically feel his chest ache at the thought. 

How had he been this stupid?

Loud boisterous laughter broke him out of his reprieve.

Jimin was startled and looked around. The girl was watching him amused, her hands still furiously knitting away.

“Didn't I tell you I would win? Yahhh you brats never believe me.” That was definitely Jin Hyung.

Where was he? He looked around and realised he was at Hobi’s house.

Hobi's house? It was daylight outside. Just how much time has passed. He asked the same question to the girl who just shrugged and said, “Time is relative.”

What the fuck was that even supposed to mean? Had no one noticed he was missing?

Jimin shook his head and focused on the scene in front of him.

The members had all gathered around Hobi's living room. There were a few other well known people sitting around. They were a group of 15 people at max, all having a conversation and laughing. Jimin searched for Jungkook, he was nowhere to be found.

Had he not attended?

“He is drinking his woes away.” The girl said, nodding her head towards the kitchen.

Sure enough when Jimin rounded the corner he saw Jungkook at the kitchen counter drinking like no tomorrow.

“Seriously? Tequila? It's still afternoon.” Taehyung said as he joined Jungkook. Contrary to his words he poured himself a shot and downed it.

Jungkook raised his brows. 

“What? Misery loves company.” Taehyung shrugged, “Besides, you should be grateful I had anything other than wine.”

Jungkook laughed, “Thank you, your highness.”

Taehyung preened.

“Are you going to be holed up here all day?”

“I think so.”

Taehyung sighed, “if that's what you want, then that's what we will do.”

“You don't have to do that, Hyung.”

“I know I don't have to. I want to.” Taehyung picked a jar of olives and speared on with a toothpick, bringing it to his mouth.

“You think Hobi Hyung would be too mad if I finished off this jar?” He asked.

Jungkook shrugged, “Hobi Hyung never gets mad.”

“True.” Taehyung chirped, popping another olive into his mouth, “Wanna talk about it?”

“Nothing to talk about.” Jungkook looked down, pouring another shot, “Will he be coming?”

“No.” Taehyung's voice was quiet. “Hobi Hyung said he denied outright. He wants some distance from us.” Taehyung sounded upset.

“Yeah. Lately that is all he wants.” Jungkook said, venom in his voice.

“Kook” Tae began

“No Hyung. Let's go talk to the others.” Jungkook said leaving his seat and walking back to the living room. Jimin trailed after them.

Back in the living room the atmosphere was lighter. It was definitely not Jimin's imagination that all members tried to keep Jungkook as engaged as possible. Not leaving him alone, keeping him company. Whenever he walked off, someone went after him.

Right now, lunch had just wrapped up and Jungkook walked to the huge balcony. He closed the French windows behind him to avoid the heat leaving the house.

“My turn.” Yoongi Hyung sighed and got up. 

Before he could take two steps, Minjun entered the balcony from the other end, making a beeline for Jungkook.

Yoongi Hyung froze. “Aish, that's good enough.” He muttered, plopping down on the couch.

The other members looked outside to see Jungkook and Min-Jun standing side by side leaning on the balcony railing.

By now the other guests had almost left. All that remained were the members and 3 other guests. 

One of them was Minjun, his older brother Minhyung and one of their earliest managers Seojoon. Though Jimin was pretty sure Seojoon had passed out in the kitchen.

Minjun was the youngest son of the owner of CJ enterprises. This company controlled approximately 30% of Kpop. Channels like Mnet and MAMA awards came under their umbrella. They also had other tech and beauty names that came under their brand. 

In short, he was the son of one of the most powerful men in the country. As far as Jimin knew he was the same age as Jungkook.

Jimin knew Minjun’s elder brother was good friends with Hobi. He had no clue why that little brat was here though.

Minhyung walked back to the living room and saw everyone's attention on the balcony. He laughed, gaining everyone's attention.

“Kid has had a crush on Jungkook since ages. He practically bounced all around the house when I told him I am coming here for a lowkey lunch gathering. He invited himself, I hope you don't mind Hoba.”

Hobi, the angel that he is shrugged and smiled, “Family is always welcome Mina.”

Jimin's eyes narrowed, since when are these people family? The family were just the members. Just the 7 of them.

The girl next to him snorted in amusement as she weaved.

“Got something to say?” He asked, annoyed.

“You have a funny view on family. Calling them that only when it suits you. If they really were family to you why are you not here? Why are you rather in your apartment all content and alone.”

Jimin was about to answer when a phone ringing caught his attention. Minhyung excused himself to a guest bedroom to receive the call.

The members sat in silence for a minute, then Taehyung spoke in a hushed whisper -

“So? Are we just going to sit here and let that happen?” He pointed to the two men on the balcony who were now glued to the side.

Jimin clenched his teeth. That fucking brat was making a move on his Jungkook. He looked back at Taehyung thinking, good Tae good. Break them up. Stop this nonsense.

“I say let them be.” Jin Hyung said.

“Seriously?” Taehyung looked back and forth between the balcony and the members.

“Yeah, I agree with Jin Hyung. Let them be. Minjun would be good for Jungkook.” Namjoon said

“I agree too.” Hobi said, looking sad.

“But Jimin?” Taehyung said looking at the members for help, “Yoongi Hyung?”

“Let them be Taehyungie. Jimin had his chance for well over a year and he blew it. We have all seen Kookie being miserable and Jimin not giving a flying fuck.”

“It's not like that. Jimin just needs time.”

“How much longer?” Namjoon asked quietly.

Taehyung looked down, unable to answer and Namjoon continued.

“We have been together for more than 8 years now and look around you. Where is he? He refuses to spend time with us unless absolutely necessary. He puts up a show on camera but he can't be bothered to even show up here for us. We didn't ask for expensive gifts or to use his fame or to take advantage or whatever it is he thinks people only care about….we simply wanted to spend time with him. Where is he now? It's been 8 years and he still treats us like nothing more than colleagues. You think we should put Kookie through 8 years of heartbreak for us to realise that some people never change?”

Taehyung had no answer. Neither did Jimin. 

He looked back at Jungkook who was now laughing at something Minjun said.

Was it true what Namjoon Hyung said?

Jimin didn't even realise he was crying until he felt the wetness on his cheeks.

He looked back at the members. The people with whom he has spent the best of his years with. The people who had stood by him through the hate and the love, through the good times and the bad.

He suddenly could not understand why he had pushed them away. Sure, he had abandonment issues and sure he had people around who only used him and took advantage of him but the members had proved themself to Jimin time and again. Then why had he pushed them away? Why had he not made more of an effort for people who truly deserve it?

Jimin had no answers to his own questions.

He looked back over the balcony to see Minjun pushing Jungkook's hair out of his eyes and over his forehead.

Jimin saw red. What the fuck. How dare he touch his Jungkook.

“Oh wow.” Hobi said, “At this point I wouldn't even mind of Kook took that one to bed in one of the spare rooms.”

A chorus of scandalized “Hobaaa” went around before the members dissolved into laughter. Jimin didn't wait to hear more. He went through the glass, onto the balcony.

“ - at a time like this.” Minjun said.

“Arent you too mature for your age?” Jungkook asked.

“We are the same age.” Minjun said.

“Yet everyone treats me like a baby.” Jungkook huffed, his beer bottle lightly clinking with the railing.

Minjun raked his eyes on Jungkook from top to bottom boldly. If Jimin could he would have punched his fucking nose in and then thrown him over the balcony for good measure. 

Jungkook raised a brow, “Blatantly checking me out huh?”

“Can you blame me?” Minjun wiggles his brows. Jungkook giggled softly.

Jimin clenched his teeth so hard he was sure he cracked one of them. His nails dug into his own hands to keep from screaming or throwing a tantrum. Not that anyone could hear. 

“Look, I can see you are going through something of a heartbreak. All I can say is that anyone dumb enough to leave you is not worth it. You were made to be loved and cherished.”

Jungkook's eyes softened and Jimin almost lost it. That was how Jungkook looked at him…..used to look at him.

“Yeah.” Jungkook said, turning back to look over the balcony.

They continued talking in soft voices and unexpectedly Jimin felt like he was intruding on a private moment. He felt sick. How had he ever convinced himself that Jungkook wanted nothing more than sex? How had he ever convinced himself that he wanted nothing more than sex?

He wanted Jungkook. All of him. All his smiles and laughs and tears. He wanted his lazy mornings and late nights. He wanted all his fights and all his love. He wanted Jungkook to be his and he wanted to belong to him.

How the fuck had he not seen what was right in front of him the entire time.

Now it was too late. Jungkook was moving on. His members had all but written him off and rightly so.

He was a horrible horrible person. 

Everything was slipping from his grasp. Things he didn't even realise he had. 

Jimin felt a sob caught up in his throat. He stepped back into the living room ready to beg the girl to take him out of here.

She took one look at him and shook her head gesturing to the door opening and Minhyung stepping back into the room. His call was done. He looked over and Jungkook and his younger brother were still on the balcony and focused his attention back to the group.

“You know I usually wouldn't say that because it's none of my business.” He spoke, “But Hoba is a good friend and by extension you guys are too. If you can, you'll really need to let Jimin know to follow certain etiquettes of the industry.”

The members looked on at him. Hobi Hyung frowned, “What happened?”

“Oh nothing much. A few feathers are ruffled because he was invited to events and he never RSVP’d back. He has been receiving less and less invitations because he is gaining a reputation of being ‘holier-than-thou’. I don't think that he has even noticed or else your PR team would already be on it.”

He ran a hand through his hair and sighed, “It's just that polite declines along with a flower bouquet or something along those lines would never hurt.”

The members were quiet. Minhyung said his goodbyes and left along with Minjun. Jungkook continued to stand at the balcony.

“Should we tell him?” Hobi Hyung asked.

“Would he listen?” Yoongi Hyung questioned.

The silence was loud and deafening. It had all the answers to their questions and then some.

Jimin blinked and he was once again back in his own house, on his own couch. It was still dark outside. He had lost all sense of time.

The girl didn't say anything. She simply slashed her needle horizontally along his  left ribs below the first mark and disappeared.

Jimin didn't feel the pain. He didn't gasp or shriek or react.

He just sat there with lead in stomach and his heart aching.

The Third Sister

Jimin was wide awake when the third sister appeared. If he was not getting used to the bizarre stuff here, he would have actually panicked.

The third sister was young. Very very young. Barely 8 perhaps. The child simply showed up near the metal ball which was still abandoned on the floor.

She giggled and skipped to him with childish excitement. There was a belt tied around her mind from which a variety of ribbons and yarn pieces were flowing downwards. It had different lengths and colours and thickness. It should have looked like an uncoordinated mess, it looked breathtaking however, almost like a scatter of stars across the night sky.

“Let's go. Let's go.” She bounced.

“Aren't you bubbly? Are you here to give me good news finally? Is that why you are happy?” He asked.

Despite knowing that the child was an ancient being Jimin felt like he was talking to an actual child. His tone was soft and caring, unlike the one he had used with her sisters.

“No silly. I don't have much time but I have so much to show you. Come come.” She shyly put her hand forward waiting for Jimin to take it.

It was such a contrast from her sister who didn't ask or wait, they simply did their job.

Jimin took her hand, instead of being squeezed this time, he left lightheaded, there was a blur of motion all around him. His feet hit the ground and he steadied himself.

He looked around and couldn't tell where he was. It sure did look like someone's house.

The interior was chic and modern. Along the far wall a range of photo frames were littered.

Jimin looked at the child who was now busy playing with the various ribbons and yarns that hung around her frock.

Jimin walked towards the wall. His eyes widened in surprise. It started small with frames on frames of all the members right from their trainee days to their debut, their MVs, the award shows, the concerts, the variety shows, some backstage photos, some magazine covers, some vacations. As Jimin looked on, he could practically see them growing up from children to adults. 

As the frames went on over the years Jimin noticed he appeared less and less in the photos until eventually he was in none of them. The other 6 members did continue meeting. There were numerous photos of vacations taken together, lunches, dinners, get togethers.

There were even some more people that Jimin did not recognise. 

There was one photo however that had Jimin's blood running cold. It was evidently a celebration. A wedding? 

It was Jungkook all decked in a black form-fitting suit smiling happily at the camera and beside him stood Minjun, dressed in a similar suit with white edges. His hand intertwined with Jungkook's. The members were all smiling and waving at the camera.

Jungkook married Minjun? Jimin felt something clawing within him, itching to get out. 

His hand shook as he looked on ahead. 

More photos of Jungkook and Minjun at vacations, candid photos on lazy mornings, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, photos on boats doing the titanic pose, their faces open and happy and what very much looked like love to Jimin.

There were tears tracking down his cheek again.

He felt small hands envelope his own and looked down to see the child looking up at him with something akin to pity.

He wondered just how much anguish was showing on his face right now.

“How set in stone is the future? Please tell me if I can change this? Please tell me I still have time to change this.”

The child said nothing, looking down at her feet and shuffling in place.

Jimin felt his heart break all over again. He couldn't breathe. He couldn't fathom having to live through a future where Jungkook was not his.

He heard footsteps coming down the stairs. Jungkook walked past him into the kitchen.

He made himself some coffee then plopped down on the couch with his tab in his hand.

Jungkook then meticulously went through all the hashtags trending in his name, the news articles, and the viral videos. Jimin smiled. This was a habit Jungkook had put on quite early on. He liked to be in the know about what was happening in his name. Looks like the years hadn't managed to dim that curiosity.

Jungkook looked at one app after the other. Some which Jimin recognised and some he had no clue about, looks like some new apps would be launched in the future.

Jungkook straightened and kept the tab on the table. He pushed his face into his hands and took a deep breath sighing out loud. He rubbed his palms over his face a couple of times.

Jimin's stomach clenched uncomfortably and he felt bile rise up his throat as he caught sight of the wedding ring on his finger.

Jungkook then carefully took out the wedding ring, placing it beside him on the couch. Jimin watched on curiously.

Jungkook picked his tab again and this time googled Jimin. 

Jimin held his breath. What was Jungkook doing?

The page loaded to his name. It was something Jimin had seen a million times and yet, somehow right now, seeing it through Jungkook's lens had him bracing himself.

He ignored the tab focusing instead on the look on Jungkook’s face.

Jimin had never seen so much longing on one person's face. That coupled with the pain and a sheen of tears on his eyes had Jimin’s own tears flowing.

“I am right here.” He whispered, knowing Jungkook could neither see him nor hear him.

Jungkook opened a picture on his tab. Jimin looked older, much older. He had fine lines and his face had evidently seen better days.

“Are you happy?” Jungkook whispered to the photo, caressing Jimin’s face lightly through the screen.

“Are you?” Jimin asked, looking at Jungkook.

Twin tears tracked down his face as he continued looking at Jimin’s picture. A moment passed and footsteps echoed through the house. Jungkook hurriedly closed the webpage and switched to another app playing a random video. He wiped his face and slipped on his ring just as Minjun rounded around the corner.

“Hey baby.” Minjun said, leaning down and pecking Jungkook softly on the lips.

Jimin was instantly enraged. Here stood the man who had taken it all away from Jimin.

Had he though? His mind whispered. Minjun hadn't taken anything away from Jimin, that Jimin himself hadn't willingly given up on.

Jungkook smiled at Minjun who turned around to walk to the kitchen. Jungkook gave one last broken look at the now closed tab and stood up following Minjun.

“What are we cooking today?” He asked.

“Anything my husband is willing to make.” Minjun replies with a cheeky wink making Jungkook smile and shake his head fondly.

Jimin didn’t even feel when the child held his hand again. He didn't feel it, everything blurred around again and spit them out again. Jimin was openly sobbing. He had fucked up his life.

How had he gone from wanting people around him in school to rejecting everyone? To rejecting Jungkook?

Would he get a second chance? Would it be too much to ask to redo everything?

The child tugged at his hand and he realised they were standing somewhere. It looked like a lobby to a huge apartment complex.

People were milling around. The child tugged his hand again and pointed to a television mounted on the wall to their left.

Jimin walked towards it reading the headlines -

‘Park Jimin of BTS found dead at his apartment.’

The news anchor was saying - ‘Park Jimin of BTS was found dead at his apartment this morning. According to forensic reports, it seems he had passed away from a heart attack 5 days ago and no one knew of his untimely death. It was only when neighbours complained of a foul smell that authorities were alerted. Park Jimin who had gained his fame as a member of the world famous boy band group BTS was known to become a recluse by his mid 30s. It is no wonder that everyone was unaware of his demise. The members of his group were unavailable for comment.’

Jimin blinked. He was dead? For 5 days? And no one knew?

The child tugged at his hand again and started walking to what looked like a general hall. 

There were a few people gathered here. No more than 12 at best. 6 of which were his members.

It was the last service for him, he realised.

His photo was put up along with a closed casket. 

There were only 6 bouquets of flowers around his coffin. Jimin crouched to read. 6 bouquets from his 6 members.

They were here but none of them had tears in their eyes. Jimin realised they were here more out of obligation than anything else. Jimin wouldn’t even blame them for it.

He had brought this upon himself.

There were no fans who had gathered, there were no other industry people, no flowers or letters or condolences from the fans. Nothing.

Gathering all his courage he risked a look at Jungkook. He was the only one openly weeping. His eyes were red and swollen. Minjun was next to him rubbing soothing circles on his back.

“Hyung” Jungkook said in a broken voice. Jimin felt his very soul shatter at the agony in Jungkook's voice.

Jimin's knees gave out and he fell to the floor. How could he have put Jungkook through all of that? He was a horrible person. He deserved all of this and then some more.

He vowed if he was given another chance he would set everything right. He would. He would do anything to make sure he is worthy of Jungkook as well as the members.

The child looked at him with sad eyes, holding out her hand again.

“Will I get another chance to set all this right?” He asked her unwillingly to take her hand just yet.

She tilted her head and studied him for a moment.

“Do you love him?”

“I do.” Jimin replied immediately without any hesitation. At that moment he knew how true those words were. Somewhere along the line, he had fallen in love with Jungkook. He was too wrapped up in his own issues and being an asshole in general to even realise how deep his feelings ran. Not to mention his good for nothing giant ego which would have stopped him from confessing.

But that was in the past now. If given a chance again, Jimin would set it right. He vowed he would never let Jungkook ever have unhappy tears in his eyes, especially not because of him. He would set things right with the members. He would do what he could for Jiwo, even if it meant spending every last penny he had.

He just wanted to set things right.

The child nodded “Very well.” She sounded eons older than what her small frame would lead others to believe.

Jimin blinked and he was back in his living room on the couch. The first rays of sunshine were breaking through the dead of the night. The lightening sky had hope blooming in his chest.

“You better take the chance, mister.” The child said, waggling her finger at Jimin sternly. She produced a sharp thick scissor out of nowhere. It alarmed Jimin to see that in the hands of a child before he reminded himself that this was an ancient being, not a child.

He knew what was coming and yet couldn't stop the wince that married his features at the third and final line across his ribs.

“Ill see you in a few years.” The child winked and disappeared.

“Wait.” He called out, but she was gone. “What time is it? What day is it? Oh God am I too late?” Jimin muttered as he rushed around to find his phone.

“Fuck.” He screamed in frustration on seeing the broken screen and realising that his phone was not working.

He rushed to his bedroom to start his PC. “Comeon. Comeon. Comeon. You blasted thing. Turn on. Why does it take you so long?”

The moment Jimin saw the date and time he felt a wave of relief so intense he stumbled before righting himself.

He rubbed his hands across his face and mentally did the math.

It was the morning of Chuseok. Which meant that the Jeon family gathering had not happened yet. They were supposed to have lunch together. The members had not gathered for Hobi’s get together either. That was supposed to be tomorrow.

He had time. Jimin still had time. 

There was so much to do and he had no idea how he was going to get it all done. All he wanted to do was to rush to Jungkook and throw his arms around him and beg Jungkook to stay. However he needed to wrap other things first. He needed to save the best for last.

First things first, he needed to call Mr.Kang. Since his phone was out of order, he threw all caution to the wind and decided to be an asshole one last time. He video called his manager from the PC, impatiently waiting for him to pick up.

“Jimin-shi?” His manager's face appeared, the confused tone of his voice had Jimin wincing.

“Mr.Kang, I need your help. I know it is Chuseok and I know you spend it with your family and I am so so sorry for this but I really need your help and this cant wait or I wouldn’t have bothered you. Really, it is my fault, I should clean my own mess, but I need help –”

“Jimin. Jimin. Calm down. What happened?”

“Can you come over? Please? And can you get me a new phone? Ill wire the money. And can you get Mr.Choi here too please?”

“Jimin?” His manager sounded uncertain.

“I am so sorry for bothering you today of all days, I know I am an asshole - “

“Jimin-shi. No. Wait.” His manager sounded scandalised, “Ill be there in 30 minutes?”

“Yes. 30 minutes. That is good. Yes.”

Jimin cut the call and took a deep breath. He went to the pile of unopened invitations he had lying around. Jimin winced seeing that some events were for the previous day.

Wow, I really was an asshole. Jimin thought to himself as he sorted out the pile based on priority.

He quickly hopped into the shower. To his surprise the cuts against his ribs had settled and closed in itself leaving behind thin raised scars.

Once he was fresh, he waited as he paced his living room like a caged animal. The metal ball still lay abandoned and Jimin did not have the courage yet to pick it up.

A few minutes later the bell rang and Mr.Kang stood there with Mr.Choi who looked tired and sullen. Jimin remembered how he had passed out drunk last night in the office and sympathised.

“Make yourself at home.” He said turning and rushing to the kitchen to bring out fresh coffee for Mr.Kang and Mr.Choi.

“Least I could do.” He said placing the coffee and toast he had prepared on the table for them.

It is a testament to how u hospitable he had been in the past that this simple gesture had both their eyes widening and eyebrows rising.

“Oh, did you want water?” Jimin asked fussing and rushing back into the kitchen to get glasses and a jar of water,

“Jimin.” Mr.Kang said, “what is going on?” His tone was cautious, making Jimin feel like even more of a jackass. This was his manager who had dropped everything on Chuseok to come help him after one call and Jimin doing the bare minimum in terms of hospitality had made him cautious.

“I am sorry.” Jimin began, “I have been a little bit of an ass these past few years.”

“That's not -” Mr.Kang began

“I have. I know I have and I apologise. I am trying to make amends.” Jimin said, not knowing how else to explain all that had happened.

“Uhhh….” Mr.Kang stumbled unsure what to say.

Mr.Choi on the other hand had one eyebrow raised scrutinising Jimin.

Mr. Kang shook his head and then rummaged through his bag and pulled out a brand new phone. “You asked for this.”

“Oh yes.” Jimin took the phone gratefully, relief evident in his voice. He fiddled with it to insert his sim which he had ready in his pocket.

“Manager-nim.” Jimin began as he turned on the phone, “I need your help. I kind of disregarded a few invitations that I had received and some event dates have passed and some are yet to come and I am not sure which ones to attend and which ones to not.”

“Are you willing to attend an event?” Mr.Kang asked incredulously. Jimin looked up and he cleared his throat and said, “Yeah sure, we can see which events to attend and which to not.”

Jimin nodded and waved to the pile he had created and went back to setting up his phone, “I have sorted them date wise. The ones that have already passed, can we write a personal apology for missing the event and send a bouquet of flowers or something? Also to the ones we RSVP as no? The ones I will be attending I would need your help on whom I should socialise with any other information on the hosts and what I should take them and all. Stuff like that you know?” 

There was silence for a good minute and Jimin looked up again to meet the wide-eyed stare of his manager.

“Are you doing okay?” Mr.Kang blurted out, making Jimin burst into laughter.

“Yes. Yes. Never better.” he reassured. Mr. Kang nodded and went to the pile looking at it and making notes.

“Mr. Choi.” Jimin looked at him, “I apologise for my behaviour yesterday. I was being an unreasonable brat.”

Jimin had to bite his lip to keep from laughing at the gaping fish look on Mr. Choi. Even his manager froze at Jimin’s admission. Wow, he really was a difficult person, wasn’t he?

“That's… alright.” Mr. Choi said shifting uncomfortably and exchanging a loaded look with Jimin’s manager.

“Do you have a list of charities you wanted me to look at? For the donations?”

“Uh yes, I do.” 

“Well?” Jimin looked back up from his phone. Almost done logging into all his accounts.

Mr. Choi fumbled for a bit and took his own phone out, “Sorry, I do not have my laptop at the moment.”

“No worries.” Jimin waved it off and sat next to Mr. Choi peered over to see the different pamphlets on his phone.

A minute later Jimin ventured, “Is there anything related to children?”

Mr. Choi startled for a moment before his eyes lit up, “Yes, yes there is.” His excitement was palpable.

Jimin smiled as Mr. Choi went through 3 different pamphlets related to children. Jimin's smile slipped when he realised there were just so many children in need out there.

Mr. Choi will still speaking and explaining when Jimin cut him off. He knew the name of the orphanage Jiwo was a part of and he had seen the name on one of the pamphlets.

“This one.” Jimin pointed out, “Tell me more about this.” Jimin swore there was a sheen of unshed tears in Mr.Choi’s eyes.

It was a long 30 minutes when he was being walked through the process, Mr.Choi did haltingly explain about Jiwo, throwing Jimin side glances as though expecting him to lash out any moment. 

Jimin calmly heard everything and declared that he was going to shoulder the cost of Jiwo’s surgery. At which point Mr.Choi burst out in tears alarming Jimin and his manager. A lot of tissues and some water later Mr. Choi apologised.

Jimin reassured him it was no big deal when an idea struck him.

“Manager-nim?” Jimin began, “Can we set up a foundation perhaps for such underprivileged children in need of medical aid? Not for PR purposes but to genuinely help?” 

A stunned silence followed and Jimin looked at Mr.Choi and backpedalled, “I mean we can have a PR angle, but I just..want to help.” He finished lamely.

Of all the outcomes he had thought of, it had never occurred to Jimin that he would end up being crushed in a high by Mr.Choi.

A few minutes later Jimin’s manager and Mr. Choi had left. It was still pretty early in the morning.

Now he had to call Jungkook.

Jimin took a deep breath and dialled the number. As the rings kept increasing, his fear peaked. What if Jungkook wanted nothing to do with me now?

“Hello?” A groggy voice greeted Jimin from the other end.

“Kook?” Jimin said softly, unsure of what to say or how to proceed now that he had actually called Jungkook.

“Jimin Hyung?” There was a brief shuffle and then, “What are you calling?”

“I deserved that.” Jimin winced.

There was silence on the other line. Jimin had no clue how to take the conversation ahead.

“Can I come over? Can we talk?”

“There is nothing to talk about Hyung. You made yourself pretty clear. Plus my family is coming here…..”

“I know…. I just…. Please Kook….Let me explain. I swear I will leave before your family gets there if you don't want me.”

Jungkook gave a sardonic laught, “You are not even here and are talking of leaving already. Classic.”

“No. That's not…. That's not what I meant, Kook. Just please, give me a chance to explain.”

Jungkook was silent for a moment. Jimin's own heartbeat echoed in his ears. Finally Jungkook spoke -

“I am fucking weak when it comes to you Hyung. When can you be here?”

“15 minutes.”

“15 minutes?”

“Yes.”

“Okay.” There was a shuffle over the line and then a thud and Jungkook cussing, “See you then.” The line cut off before Jimin could say anything else.

Feeling light hearted for the first time in forever, Jimin skipped to his car and was out of his complex in record time.

Contrary to what he had told Jungkook, he reached there in 10 minutes.

Jimin did not bother with knocking, instead opting to key in the security code and letting himself in.

“Kook. I am here.” He announced walking into the spacious living room.

“Hyung? You are here?” Jungkook walked out of the bathroom with a towel low on his waist and another drying his hair.

Jimin swallowed but he couldn’t take his eyes off Jungkook's chest. He always had a fascination with it. Even back when he was an asshole, he couldnt stop touching his chest even when they were out in public.

Belatedly he realised Jungkook was calling out to him and walking towards him.

Jimin blinked and looked up to find Jungkook's eyes on him, “Huh?”

“Cat got your tongue?” He teased me.

“Hey, not my fault you look hot, all dripping and wet.” Jimin murmured eyes landing back on that delectable chest. He had half a mind to go forward and lick the water off.

Jimin shook his head to dispel all unholy thoughts. He had come here to talk. He should talk first. A half naked Jungkook was making that very hard though. However Jimin knew if he fell into bed with Jungkook again, all Jungkook would think is that Jimin was back just for sex.

It was not Jungkook's fault, Jimin had given him no reason to believe otherwise.

All that was going to change now though.

“You better go put some clothes on.” Jimin said, even though it pained him to do so.

“Why?”

“I want to talk to Kook. Just put on some clothes so my brain can function properly.”

Jungkook looked a little too pleased as he walked off to his bedroom.

A few minutes later Jungkook returned back, this time clad in soft grey sweat pants and a white loose fitting t-shirt.

Jimin still felt his heart flutter. He still felt attracted to Jungkook.

How had he missed all these signs was beyond him.

“So?” Jungkook asked. His demeanor had changed. He didn’t have the flirty tone anymore. If anything he looked like he was waiting for the other shoe to drop.

“I am a grade A jackass.” Jimin said. Jungkook choked on air.

“What?”

“Just hear me out okay. I need to get this out.”

Jungkook looked sceptical but nodded and Jimin continued.

“I am so stupid Kook. I am the poster child for being oblivious, I swear. I am that stupid. First let me start by saying that I won’t even hold it against you if you want to throw me out and close the door on my face and never see me again. “

Jungkook opened his mouth but Jimin held up a finger to stop him and continued speaking -

“I should have known all this time that it was not just sex. You were not a booty call or a one night stand. I swear. You are more than that. So much more. I also want to admit that I have not been with anyone else since you. I swear Jungkook, there was only you.”

Jimin was on a roll now and couldn’t stop talking, he began pacing and wringing his fingers together and continued -

“I did not sleep with anyone else. Not Taemin, not any of the models, no one. I don't even know why I led you to believe that. I am just stupid, like we have already established. I don’t even want to go to Gangnam anymore. I am cancelling the Paris thing as well. All I want to do is spend time with you and play games and watch series and have sex and do all those teeth rotting couple stuff. I behaved like a total loser for an entire year and still you put up with me for so long and I am grateful I really am and I know that just saying words and saying I am sorry is not nearly enough to account for all that I put you through but if I dont do anything now you are going to meet someone new and they will love and cherish you like you are meant to be and then you will marry him and I will become a recluse and then I will have no one and you will ask my photograph if I am happy and then I will die and my corpse will not be found for 5 days and I am so sorry Kook. I am the world's biggest - “

“Whoa whoa whoa. Calm down. WHAT.” Jungkook said, his eyes looking bigger than Jimin had ever seen them.

Jimin stopped pacing and stood still.

“I get married, you die? What? Hyung, are you feeling okay?”

Jimin blinked. Of course Jungkook didn't know all this. He had prattled on like an idiot.

“Uhh… I had a dream. Not important. The point is I am sorry. I am here and if you will have me I want to be here with you and spend Chuseok with you and your family.”

Jungkook stared at him for a moment.

“Hyung if this is some elaborate scheme to get into my pants - “

“No. No. I promise. It is not. For example, I have been itching to kiss you silly since the moment I stepped into your house but I am refraining because I need you to believe me when I say I want to be with you. Labels and everything included.”

“Did that dream scare you? Is that why you are here?”

“No Kook. Well yeah, the dream was scary but I am here because I want to be with you.”

“If you are joking Hyung - “

“I am not.”

“There can be no one else.”

“There will be no one but you Kook.” Jimin said softly.

“You are not going to run away?”

“Not even if you try to chase me away.” Jimin promised.

“You really want this?”

“I do.” Jimin said, trying to convey his honesty through words.

Jungkook hesitantly stepped ahead and Jimin's eyes softened. He couldn't believe he had pushed Jungkook to the point where he had to hesitate to approach Jimin.

Jimin covered the rest of the steps between them, effortlessly stepping into Jungkook's arms.

This felt right. This felt like what it was meant to be all along.

Their kiss was light and sweet. Slow moving lips promising a thousand things. Jimin melted in Jungkook's strong arms. He never wanted to leave the warmth radiating off his boyfriend?

Jimin looked up, “Am I your boyfriend now?” He asked

Jungkook hesitated, “Do you want to be?”

Jimin nodded shyly. The slow smile that spread across Jungkook's face would forever be etched in Jimin's mind.

This time when Jungkook leaned down to kiss it it was firm and sure. He kissed Jimin with so much fervour, it left them breathless.

Jimin pushed back out of Jungkook's arms as much as he hated it. Jungkook's smile faltered and Jimin rushed to explain -

“Uh, your parents are going to be here. Do you still want me to spend it with you and your family?”

Jungkook looked at Jimin closely, “Would you be comfortable with that?”

Jimin nodded, “I will be comfortable wherever you are.”

Jungkook had a small smile as he looked at Jimin. 

“Want to get started on cooking with me? Or would you rather be a couch princess?”

“Uhh…. Kook… It’s just that…”

Jungkook's eyes narrowed, “Oh for fucks sake. Should've known. You want to tuck tail and run again. Fuck I am a fool for falling for this act.”

“No you idiot.” Jimin shouted, “Just listen to me first.”

Jungkook raised an eyebrow unimpressed.

“I just…was thinking….maybe I should go out and get something for your parents you know. Since I am meeting them for the first time.”

“What are you talking about? You have met my parents multiple times.”

“Not as your boyfriend I have not. Look, just let me do this please? For my peace of mind.”

“You don't have to get them anything Hyung.”

“I know, but I want to. I will be back, I promise Kook. I will be back in time.”

Jungkook said nothing as he walked Jimin to the door. Jimin turned around to give a quick peck to Jungkook, Jimin couldn't stop smiling.

Jungkook in turn gave him a small, sad smile, “You are not going to come back are you?”

“I will. You will see.”

Jimin hated that he had given Jungkook so many reasons to not believe him. He vowed he would spend the rest of his life making it up to Jungkook.

Two hours later, Jimin was definitely running late. The holiday traffic was not helping. Jimin cursed everything to high heavens.

Fuck, Jungkook would think that Jimin had bailed.

He had no calls or texts from Jungkook, was that a good thing or bad thing? He had half a mind to drop a text to just explain that he would be late but he wasn’t sure if Jungkook would even check his phone, given his family would already have reached his house.

15 minutes later Jimin pulled into the parking spot and made his way to Jungkook's apartment with an array of bags. He let himself in.

In the hallway, he heard Mrs. Jeon asked, “When is Jimin coming Kook-ah?”

He was hit with a disorienting sense of Dejavu. He heard Jungkook began to answer, “Huh? Uh….ummm….-”

“I am here. I am here.” Jimin called out from the hallway slipping his boots out to wear the in-house slippers.

Jungkook rushed out with wide eyes and a stunned expression.

“You actually came back.” He whispered.

“I told you I would.”

“Yeah, but…..” Jungkook fidgeted with the hem of his t-shirt.

“I love you Kook, I am never leaving you ever again. I promise.”

“You what?” Jungkook voice had gone up 2-3 octaves, echoing around them.

His parents and brother poked their heads into the hallway to see what was happening.

“What happened?” Jung Hyung, Hungkook’s brother asked.

“Uhh… I brought gifts for everyone and uhh Jungkook was not expecting that.” Jimin said holding up the bags and looking at Jungkook hoping he would go with it.

“Yeah. Right. That.” Jungkook nodded.

“Oh darling, you didn’t have to do that.” Jungkook's mom said.

“Least I could do. I know I have not been the best person in the past. “ Jimin winced remembering the conversation he had seen and how Jungkook had spent a week in bed crying when he realised he was in love with Jimin, “I am trying to be better and I will make up for it. I will make it up to him.” Jimin said, gesturing at Jungkook.

To his surprise Junghyung clapped him on his back and smiled, “Welcome to the family Jimin.”

Jungkook blushed bright red and promptly ran back to the kitchen.

Jungkook's mother gathered Jimin in a hug while his father’s voice boomed, “Awww look our little Jungkookie is shy.”

A very petulant and embarrassed shout of, “Apppaaaaaa….!!!” Was heard causing them all to burst into laughter.

He could get used to this, Jimin thought to himself. With Jungkook by his side, he could definitely get used to this.

They spent the day recounting stories, embarrassing Jungkook and opening gifts. To Jimin’s immense surprise the Jeons had also got him a watch. Jimin had cried like a baby.

That night as he laid in bed with Jungkook who was tracing patterns on his naked back, Jimin felt content and happy for the first time in forever.

“Will you still be here tomorrow morning?” Jungkook asked

“Ofcourse where would I go?”

“Gee I don't know. You do have a habit of sneaking out.”

“I will be here.” Jimin smiled softly looking at Jungkook, “I expect breakfast in bed. I am a diva.” he joked.

“Anything. Ill give you anything. Just stay.”

“I will.” Jimin promised. They slept with a smile on their faces.

The next morning Jimin woke up to a heavily snoring Jungkook and half his weight crushing Jimin into the mattress.

Jimin wiggled out of Jungkook's hold and got out of bed, stretching his back and arms. Jungkook was still asleep, he hadn't even moved. Jungkook had seen the marks on his ribs last night and had all but panicked. Jimin had promised he would explain someday. Someday in the future when he would sit the man he loved down and explain how he got his head out of his ass.

For now, Jimin figured he could wake Jungkook up with a good breakfast. Even though his culinary expertise was limited to making toast. He could make coffee and toast right? Get Jungkook breakfast in bed. Heaven knows the man deserved the best.

Mission in mind, Jimin went to do just that. 15 minutes into his great kitchen expedition he heard a loud crash from the bedroom. Fearing Jungkook had fallen off the bed, Jimin ran to the bedroom to find Jungkook in tears and a table lamp broken into pieces on the floor.

Jungkook had yet to notice him. He let out a frustrated yell, doubling over himself as more tears fell.

“Kook? You okay? Was that lamp important?” Jimin asked as he side stepped broken glass pieces to get to Jungkook. Once there he crouched in front of him, "I'll get you another one. Don't cry.” Jimin wiped Jungkooks tears.

“You are still here. You didn't leave.” Jungkook said, red rimmed eyes watching Jimin in wonder.

“Of course I didn't leave. I promised you I would stay.” Jimin paused in wiping the tears and looked around.

“Is that what this is about?” Jimin asked.

“I woke up and you weren’t there.” Jungkook said, his voice breaking all over again.

“So you went hulk on the poor lamp?”

“You won’t understand.”

“I am sorry Kook. I woke up just 15 minutes ago.”

“Why weren't you there in bed with me?”

“I thought I would make us breakfast.”

“My house is going to burn down.” Jungkook deadpanned and Jimin giggled and then shot up straight, “shit shit shit my toast.” He mumbled rushing to the kitchen.

“Careful of the glass.” Jungkook called after him.

The toast had burnt to a crisp. Jimin pouted. He couldn't even get one thing right.

Jungkook hugged him from behind, hands on his waist, “It's okay, I'll make us something.” 

Jungkook kissed Jimin on the side of his forehead and began pulling out things to cook. Life was good. Life was right.

Now the only thing left to do was to make things right with the members.

“Oh shit.” He yelped racing out the kitchen.

“Jimin?”

“I am getting my phone, you big baby. I am coming back.”

When Jimin came back to sit on the kitchen counter Jungkook grumbled, “I am going to tie you to me. You keep running.”

“I am not averse to the idea of being tied up.”

Jungkook's eyes darkened. Jimin felt heat gather between his legs but he shook his head and focused on the thing he wanted to do.

Swinging his legs, Jimin called Hobi Hyung. He just hoped it was not too late for him to make amends.

“Jiminie” Hobi Hyung's voice came through the phone.

Jungkook raised a curious brow but did not comment.

“Hey, Hi Hobi Hyung. Good Morning.”

Jungkook was definitely laughing at this point. The silence on the other end was too loud for Jimin's comfort.

“Good Morning?” Hobi Hyung sounded confused.

“Hyung… I…. Um…”

“Jiminie, you okay?”

Jungkook must have sensed his discomfort because he slid to stand between Jimin's legs, caressing his thighs slowly. Jungkook gave Jimin an encouraging smile. Jimin's heart clenched. How had he managed to land such a good partner who was comforting him and encouraging him without even knowing the reason for Jimin’s hesitancy.

“Yeah Hyung, I am okay.” Jimin smiled back at Jungkook, carding his hand through Jungkook’s unruly hair. Jungkook hummed in contentment.

“Who is that with you?” Hobi Hyung almost sounded accusing. Jimin knew what their image of him was. They thought he pushed Jungkook around, which was true Jimin supposed.

“It's me Hyung.” Jungkook answered instead, wiggling his brows at Jimin.

“Kookie?” 

“Yes Hyung.”

“Ohh…” Hobi Hyung said.

Jimin giggled.

“Hyung.” Jimin said, “Umm… is it okay if I join you for lunch? Like I know you have extended the invitation and I have been less than nice about it but can I…. Can I still come?”

Jimin resolutely avoided looking at Jungkook. 

“Of course Jiminie. You could have even showed up unannounced, you know.”

“Oh…!!!” Jimin hadn't known that. He didn't think he would be very welcomed after rudely declining to join them.

Jungkook buried his face in Jimin's neck. Jimin could feel his shoulder shaking from laughter. Jimin pinched his side causing Jungkook to squeak.

“Ill see you for lunch then?”

“Yes Hyung I'll be there.”

“Good Jiminie.” Hobi Hyung said, hanging up the call.

“Stop. Laughing. At. Me.” Jimin said, punching Jungkook playfully between each word.

“That was cute.”

Jimin groaned, “Keep laughing and I won't sleep in the bed next to you.”

It was comical how fast Jungkook stopped laughing. It caused Jimin to dissolve into laughter, tears of mirth flowing from his eyes especially when he heard Jungkook mumble “Meanie.”

To say Jimin was nervous about the gathering would be an understatement which was ridiculous considering these were the same members he had known for 8 years. The same members with whom he had seen highs and lows. They knew so much about each other, it would be impossible to find a detail the others were missing.

Yet, he felt nervous.

By the time he and Jungkook had reached Hobi Hyung's house, everyone was already there. Everyone was talking and chattering amongst themselves.

“Jiminie you came.” Hobi Hyung greeted him, sounding surprised. Jimin was really feeling horrible realising just how much he must have put people down in his life for them to be so surprised.

“He came bearing formalities.” Jungkook said, rolling his eyes.

“Formalities?” That got everyone's attention. The members were all sitting on the couch looking at Jimin expectantly.

“I just…. I just got something for everyone.”

The shocked silence was broken by a panicked Namjoon Hyung, “We were supposed to exchange gifts?”

“No Joonie, calm down.” Jin Hyung said, “You don't have to do this Jiminie.”

“I want to.” Jimin insisted, “Think of it as a sorry for being an ass to you all sometimes…..okay maybe most of the time. I am going to try my best to change, I swear.”

Another shocked silence and then, “Did you hit your head?”

“Ahhhh Yoongi Hyung..!” Jimin whined and the others chuckled.

“It is part of his new campaign of saying sorry, unnecessarily might I add, with expensive gifts.” Jungkook said plopping down next to Jin and stealing some chips from his bowl.

“Gimme Gimme.” Taehyung made grabby hands at Jimin.

Jimin gave the designated bags to the members. Except for Taehyung, no one bothered with the gifts.

“Don’t you want to see what it is?”

“Jiminie, you fool. You are still one of us. Show up. That's more then enough for us. We don't want gifts. We just want you to spend time with us.”

A chorus of “agreed” went around the room.

“Deal.” Jimin agreed, readily bursting into a wide smile.

“Speak for yourself.” Taehyung said, “Jimin, I want expensive gifts.” He grinned.

Jimin remembered from the scene last night that Taehyung was the only one who had bothered to defend him when that stupid brat Minjun was making moves on Jungkook. Jimin all but threw himself at Taehyung and gathered him in a bone crushing hug.

“Taehyung you beautiful bastard.” Jimin said through a watery laugh.

Belatedly he realised he was crying. Taehyung, for his part, just returned the hug with full enthusiasm.

“Jimin you little dwarf.” He said, making Jimin laugh even more. He didn't even mind at this point.

“Careful, I am two seconds away from ripping Taehyung Hyung's arms out.” Jungkook said, obviously teasing.

“So you two? Sorted things out?” Namjoon asked, looking between Jimin and Jungkook.

Jungkook stayed silent and looked at Jimin allowing him to answer. In response, Jimin broke away from Taehyung and plopped down on Jungkook's lap happily, lacing one hand behind Jungkook's neck.

“What do you think?” Jimin asked, grinning so wide his cheeks hurt. He could physically feel the tension melting out of Jungkook as he relaxed and looped a hand around his waist grinning back.

“Oh God, these two are going to be insufferable now.” Jin Hyung moaned.

In response Jimin smacked a very big wet kiss on Jungkook's cheek which had the other members groaning and Jimin and Jungkook laughing.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw Minjun glancing at Jungkook multiple times and glared at the boy. He could fuck off for all Jimin cared. Jungkook was his. His to love and his to keep.

Minjun caught Jimin glaring at him and reeled back. The next few times whenever Minjun chanced a glance at Jungkook, Jimin was right there glaring back.

At some point Jungkook must have noticed it because he teased Jimin asking if he was going to glare at their fans now too for looking at him. Jimin had huffed in fake annoyance.

Lunch was a hearty affair. Jimin felt so light and happy. He hadn’t felt this in ages. He wondered if it was possible to float away because of happiness.

After lunch Jimin was sitting around gossiping and giggling with Taehyung when he looked out to find Jungkook on the balcony standing alone. Only this time, Jungkook was not facing outside. Rather he was looking inside right at Jimin and smiling.

“Agghh…. Just go suck face with him. That sex eye is weirding me out.” Taehyung groaned.

Jimin happily skipped to Jungkook's side whose smile grew the nearer Jimin got.

Jimin threw his arms around Jungkook's neck and felt Jungkook's arms lock around his waist.

“Hey.” Jimin said

“Did you mean it?”

“Mean what?” Jimin asked, confused.

“Yesterday, you said you loved me. Did you mean it?”

“Oh! Yes, I did mean it. I do love you.”

“Like love in the sense that oh he is our makane so cute - that kind of love?”

“Well that too, but more of the oh he fucks me so good and makes so so happy kind of love.” Jimin said.

You really meant it?”

“Yes Kook, I meant it.”

“Say it again?”

“I love you.”

“Hyung.” Jungkook dropped his forehead to touch Jimin's, “Hyung I love you too. I have been in love with you for years. Even before, before we….” He trailed off.

Jimin knew a little about this, courtesy of the scenes he had witnessed last to last night.

“What do you say to us spending the rest of the day in bed and you telling me all about it and then Ill make it up to you in a special way?”

“Is your mind always in the gutter?” Jungkook teased.

“When it comes to you, yes.”  Jimin laughed.

“Umm… Kook…” Jimin began, “Maybe we could go to Busan for New Years? We could bring both the families together for dinner or something.”

“You would want that?”

Jimin nodded and Jungkook smiled.

“Then we will do exactly that.”

Jimin leaned up and kissed Jungkook.If that happened to be the same time that Minjun was watching then that was merely a coincidence.

Pulling back Jungkook smiled at Jimin.

“Where is my gift btw? Everyone got one but me.” Jungkook pouted.

“I was waiting for you to ask about that.” Jimin admitted.

“Oh? I am getting one?”

“Of course.” Jimin pulled out a spool of pink satin ribbon he had tucked neatly in his pocket and presented it to Jungkook.

“I am getting a ribbon as a gift?” Jungkook asked, looking a little cross making Jimin giggle.

“Mmmhmmm…. I distinctly recall you having a fascination with everything pink on me. Thought you would like to see me all tied up in pink.”

“Hmmmm… I recall me liking to turn pink into red.” Hunkook mummered, rubbing the ribbon between his fingers.

“Tie me up in pink and turn me red then. I am yours to do whatever you want.” Jimin whispered

Jungkook groaned, “You are going to be the death of me Hyung.”

“Ruin me Kook.” Jimin said, biting lightly at Jungkook's lips.

The members all watched in amusement as Jungkook barged into the living room announcing they are leaving all but dragging a giggling Jimin behind him.

On the edge of the universe where time stood still, three sisters sang as they worked on a weave. A strand in their weave with ragged ends and frail hold burned bright golden and settled back down, this time strong and whole. The sister looked at each other smiling and continued weaving.