Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Oh Jiminie.” Kyung Mi cooed softly.

His big soft eyes sparkled at the affection that seeped out of her words. The blonde haired darling was so deep into Little space, his mouth only producing babbles and giggles. And as much as the caretaker loved the purity that encased his entire persona, they both had classes to attend and no option of letting the tiny mochi stay in his cuddly state.Wiping the maple syrup off his sugary lips, Mi Mi tutted at the mess before kissing his nose. A bubble of giggles erupted out and it was so endearing, so incredibly soft for her poor heart.

There was a very big chance that those lips would tremble the minute she tried to get him to leave his safe space. But it had to be done,  her boyfriend would never forgive himself for missing any class whatsoever.Taking a deep breath, Kyung Mi spoke in a calm voice, in hopes that it would lighten the blow.

“As happy as Mommy is with you being a good messy boy, my angel.” She leaned forward to card her hands through his hair, an action that always caused a happy hum in response. “You’re going to have to try and be a big boy, Sweetheart. We both have classes and you know you can’t go to a place with big adults this way.”

It took a moment for Jimin’s baby brain to register the words. Once it had seeped in, his lips trembled and eyes watered. A large pout was formed, his arms crossing over his chest as he spoke in a small and wobbly voice.

“No. Jiminie no wanna. Mommy not making me.”

It was quite a strange thing to witness a grown man, in a tight black shirt and ripped jeans, his hair brushed backwards to show his eyebrows and forehead, a man who looked like literal sex on legs, be so childish.

Of course such an outfit was chosen by the rather lustful girlfriend herself. She could never in her life get over the fact that a man like Park Jimin was hers. Someone so effortlessly beautiful, so softly adorable, so fiercely hot , to be hers.

Someone with thick thighs and rock hard abs, someone with small yet skilled hands, someone who could dance like a God and be as graceful and agile as a cat. Someone who could make Kyung Mi’s heart race, even after a year and a half of dating. A boy so perfect that even angels cried from his beauty. Mi Mi tried not to drool, remembering that he was in Little Space and that she had responsibilities that did not include ogling over her boyfriend.

Her boyfriend.

Her mind took a different direction, trying to think of any way she could avoid a temper tantrum because neither of them had the time for such an endeavor.  

Kyung Mi’s mind went to the first and most easy solution.

Bribing.

“If you’ll be a good boy and do what I say, Mommy will buy you ice cream on the way back from school. Any kind you want.”

This stopped the Little from erupting into a flurry of tears and shouts instantly, his eyes sparkling before he frowned. He seemed to have some common sense in him, enough to know the tactic Kyung Mi went for.

“You can’t blibey me, Momma. Little Jiminie smart very much.” After an internal groan and a slight squeak for the most adorable mispronunciation to ever exist, the caregiver gave her baby boy a stern look.

“I’m going to have to punish you, young man if you don’t listen to what I say.” The boy’s eyes widened so much that it almost cracked her heart.

It took a second before Jimin shook his head wildly, pouting even further.

“No. Me wanna stay home an’ cuddle with momma and play and watch Ponyo.”

The hidden side of Lee Kyung Mi, the Little side, peeked her head out. There was a large part of her who simply wanted what Jimin wanted but without the hardships of being constantly Big.

With a gulp and a swift scolding towards her child side, Kyung Mi softly glared at her boyfriend. It was not much but it was enough for Jimin to whimper and that made her want to whimper and go sleep with a stuffie close to her chest.

“No crayons for a week.”

The horror that struck the tiny human was equal to the horror of finding out your whole family was killed in a fire.

Jimin stood up quickly, stomping his foot and staring down at the girl, because of course he was taller than her.

Mi Mi gulped, knowing that the stare Jimin was showing wouldn’t even scare a squirrel, but her mind had been disintegrating and she hadn’t been in Little space in so long. To her, at that moment, Jimin looked fierce and scary.

She swallowed those irrational thoughts down and hardened her glare, which made the Little’s eyes waver and fall to the floor.

“The longer you take to accept defeat, the more punishment you get.” Kyung Mi lowered her voice, seeming intimidating even to herself.

After a few seconds of no words and Jimin shuffling his feet, his mommy drew closer to his face.

“No cartoons for a month.”

This was outrageous, to both him and her. It was so clear that Jimin wanted to fight back and argue, but at what cost?

There was still silence and Kyung Mi was so surprised at how stubborn he was being. She didn’t want to continue this, she hated upsetting him so much but they really had to leave soon. Missing class was really not an option at this point, for both him and her. Continuing with the process of making her boyfriend kneel, even though she hated doing so, Kyung Mi mentioned Jimin’s weakness.

“I’ll confiscate your stuffies.”

She had expected the gasped that escaped the blonde’s lips. Fear had grasped him by the throat, seeping into him like venom as his heart almost gave out.

“Not Mr Fuzzy Wuzzy Bearington.” With a hushed whisper, the boy’s resolve slowly cracking.

And so did Kyung Mi’s heart.

Because how could she possibly take Mr Fuzzy Wuzzy, the cuddliest teddy bear to ever exist , away from her sweet baby.

In truth, she wouldn’t, if Jimin was Big he would know that it was an empty threat. But, she was so close to getting her brat to do what she wanted that she scarily whispered back a ‘yes’. Anyone would have expected that Jimin would finally listen to her but a part of him felt angry and upset over the fact that she would ever choose to keep his precious friend as a hostage.

Big Jimin also would have known that ‘hostage’ was a big stretch.

Crossing his arms, the Little swore to remain a brat as he shook his head once again.

Being difficult should be on his resume. I swear to God.

Kyung Mi decided to skip a few steps, leaning closer to her precious baby boy and gripping his hips tight.

“We could start with sexual punishment then? Hmm? Would baby like that? Would he like his mommy to tell him all the things she could do to him?”

Her voice had become husky, hot breath hitting Jimin’s ear.

The Little knew that this was where he should stop being a hard head and simply do what his mommy asked him to do.

He still decided to shake his head, though it had less vigour and more hesitance.

“I don’ wanna.”

Was all that left his lips and it was then that mental exhaustion began to weigh her down. With determination, the girl’s nails dug into the Little’s skin. A soft whimper escaped him and a very selfish part of Kyung Mi wanted to shout and say:

‘No fair, I should be the one whimpering. I wanna be small. I wanna be held and cuddled.’

Blinking back her tears, Mi Mi made a mental note to take out time for herself so that she could pamper the Little part of her as much as she could. She couldn’t stand up for much longer now and it was nearing to being painful.

“Baby.” She warned, her voice dangerously stern and impatient.

With a sniffle, Jimin moved away from her grip and murmured out three soul crushing words.

“I hate you.”

Of course, the sweet boy could never ever mean such a thing. It was a sin in itself for him to even utter those words, he loved his Mommy more than anything else in the world.

Kyung Mi couldn’t hold back the gasp, even though she knew that Jimin was being an unfair stick in the mud at that moment. To the tiny, affection craving, child, it hurt a lot.

With a cracked and defeated voice, Kyung Mi spoke softly,

“I’m going to go get ready. You better think of what you’ve said and get out of your head space when I’m done.” It was only when his girlfriend  had weakly slammed the door, did Jimin realise what he had said to her.

He drew a shaky breath before feeling a big fat tear slip down his plump cheeks.

The girl had to force herself not to slide down onto the  bathtub and simply curl into a ball. The hot water felt good against her shivering skin, the reason she was shivering was unbeknownst to her. Her fingers felt good against her scalp as they massaged them gently. It was a habit of hers to try and pretend that her hands were someone else’s as a way to make her feel more comforted.

As a way to make her feel less alone in the times where she felt distressed and unsettled, as if she didn’t have anyone.

It was also a habit for her to hum, the vibrations soothing her as they spread from the back of her throat to the top of her chest. It never reached her heart though but it was all she had.

The one song she always hummed was an artist who gave her warmth. Someone who made her feel less lonely.

An artist by the name of J hope.

Just like his name, he gave her hope. Sometimes, Kyung Mi couldn’t help but cry endlessly at his voice and his words and the way he made her feel.

Sometimes, she actually felt like she was being taken care of. That she was loved, that she mattered even when she couldn’t help others.

When she would hear Jung Hoseok’s voice, Kyung Mi would believe that she had worth with or without being the cause of someone’s happiness.

Because to her, for the longest time, the broken girl truly believed that she only mattered if she made others happy or if she was useful.

J hope gave her a few minutes of inner peace. He was peace itself. And she would forever be grateful.

After calming down, the buzzing in her mind quietening, Mi Mi finished washing up. It was like a routine for her, to spend her morning showers like this. To always start her day with a mantra of ‘you will conceal everything you feel’.

Kyung Mi got out of the bathroom, almost forgetting the cruel words that were thrown at her.  Jimin was sat on their bed. He simply laid there, foot thumping against the floor as his upper half started to slide down.

Kyung Mi had no energy for anymore of Jimin’s behavior and so she ignored him. It was always a hard thing to do, because she loved her boyfriend to no end, but her whole mind was numb to the point of feeling no empathy or care.

She changed quickly, not sparing a glance at Jimin. With an oversized sweater (most likely belonging to Jimin) and yoga pants, Kyung Mi was ready.

Not glancing his way, Kyung Mi combed through her hair while gathering her thoughts. Most of it was about the dance practice and her assignments and the important thesis she was working on.

Her waist was encaptured in Jimin’s arms as they pulled her against his chest. No words left either of their mouths as Jimin placed his chin on her shoulder and began kissing his beautiful girlfriend on the cheek.

“I’m sorry for saying that. I’m sorry for being a brat. I’m sorry that I hurt you and didn’t listen to you.” Jimin’s voice was still soft and sweet but Kyung Mi could tell that he was out of Little Space.

She didn’t speak and simply let the boy kiss her neck and then her shoulder, nibbling gently on the skin as a way of apology.

Mi Mi knew she had forgiven him the moment he wrapped his arms around her, but she still felt so drained and tired.

Of course, she didn’t want to share her problems with her boyfriend or else he’ll know that she wasn’t built for being his mommy and that she was forcing herself.

It was strange how much love could make people lie about who they really were.

It was always a fear of Kyung Mi’s that if she wasn’t a Dom to Jimin, then he would leave her for someone who could provide the pampering he needed.

It had been a whole year since he had told her he was more of a submissive and had shared a very intimate secret, him being a little. And in truth, they had been dating for one and a half years and he still had no idea that his girlfriend was not made out to be anything more than a Little as well.

It seemed unfair but to Kyung Mi, she loved Jimin way too much to not provide for him. And along the way, it had become very fun but at the same time, she was all on her own when it came to taking care of her needy side.

“It’s okay, Jiminie. Let’s just get to school. We have that afternoon class together, right? Then dance practice. We’ll talk about all this later.” Jimin had agreed hesitantly, still planting kisses on Kyung Mi’s body causing her to let out a small, tired giggle.

They were off to school in no time at all, swinging their intertwined hands around. Jimin would make her twirl and pick her up randomly and it made Kyung Mi feel content because as shitty as her life felt at that moment, she still had a very loving boyfriend.

They sat close on the bus, Kyung Mi’s head on his shoulder while Jimin rested his cheek on her. They wore an ear bud each and listened to music throughout the ride, Jimin still providing apology kisses and saying “I love you” over and over again to make up for the harsh words that he spoke.

He even promised to buy ice cream for her, which gave her heart a warm glow.

Once the couple reached the university, they hugged tight. Classes were to begin soon and both of them didn’t like the idea of leaving each other after a hectic morning.

Giving her head a million more kisses, Jimin whispered a promise to run to her once their break starts. It was a promise he always made and always kept.

While Kyung Mi was a Humanities major, Jimin was a Science major and the only time the actually hung out in school was for their psychology class that both took a course on. And of course, they would stay after school for dance practice since both had a passion for it.

They both had part time jobs, while Jimin helped teach children how to dance, Kyung Mi was a waitress at a café.

Or she used to be, until her boss fired her for all those times she couldn’t come to work because of Jimin being in Little space. It wasn’t really hard to believe that her boss would fire her for not coming to work a few times or for not always being a ball of energy during her shifts due to lack of sleep, her boss was an ass and a creepy one at that.

So she was happy to an extent, because staying up late at night when Jimin couldn’t sleep or taking care of him when he was deep in little space was a better job than any.

Of course, it wasn’t a source of income and though the rent for their apartment was handled with the allowance both their parents sent, there are many other problems that would inevitably arise if she doesn’t get a job.

A part of her really wished she had told her boyfriend, she should but Jimin’s stress had only increased with the overdose of assignments and him being the lead of the dance group. They had an important showcase coming up soon and while Kyung Mi was also part of it, she still did not feel the amount of pressure that Jimin was constantly bearing on his shoulders.

So, she did her best to give him affection and soothe him when he had stress induced panic attacks and nightmares.

It had been hard to do that and  find a job, do her school work and keep the secret of her unemployment and crumbling mental state from her precious beloved.

It was hard, but she had convinced herself that she, somehow, would be able to get through with it and that Jimin did not need to help her in any way.

She always felt safe in her classes, at the back of the room with great lecturers teaching her about the world and making her passions come alive. Her literature and philosophy classes would always bring a smile to her face because it was what she enjoyed the most, it made her feel at ease even with all the assignments and exams that came with it.

There was this guilt, however, because she knew that Jimin would always miss her and she would too. She would miss having his hand to hold or the warmth that he exudes, but her whole mind was in so much chaos that she was just tired of having Jimin always around her because that meant she had to hide herself constantly and handle his pain and insecurities while increasing her own.

It was the most painful thought she could possibly have, because it just felt mean and harsh to like being away from someone who loves being with you and it took her awhile to realize that it didn’t mean she was a bad human, it just meant she was human and sometimes, humans need space. Even from the ones they love.

And as always, once the bell rang and she knew that there were two hours before Jimin’s class ended, Kyung Mi ran out and went to the one place where she could be herself or as much of herself as she could be.

It was a bench in the far corner of the university where no one came across, especially during the certain times that Kyung Mi would be free. At first, she would always rush into the bathroom to cry away any stress or pain but her mind felt more at ease in the open air.

With her thoughts whirling in her head and legs stumbling to get to her safe haven, she fell on the grass and turned herself into a little ball of sadness.

The brave girl’s walls tumbles down, heart squeezing in agony as her lungs lost the oxygen in them. In three seconds, Lee Kyung Mi was in tears, gasping out for breath as she sobbed all the emotions that were suffocating her.

It was a long time until everything that existed in her soul had poured out into the real world. It was lonely, to her. No one was there to hold her and give her cuddles or to simply know that she was suffering.

She never thought that she would live the same way even as an adult, even when she had someone who loved her so much.

Every teardrop reminded her of when she was a teenager, finding out about what Little Space was and loving the security she felt the deeper her mind regressed. She remembered all those nights where she would sob into her plushies and beg the universe to give her a caregiver, to give her someone who could comfort her.

It was the same as before but more painful, because now that she actually had someone, the temptation to fall and break only ever increases and only ever stays in the bubble of awful thoughts and demons. And as more time passes, it slowly crushes her as the light in her eyes dim into tiny flickers.

Deep down, even she knew that those flickers were not sustained for her. Kyung Mi was alive because she didn’t want to be blown out when there was a Little to be taken care of.

Chapter Text

She trudged towards the vending machine, keeping her head low. With every student that passed by, her shoulders became tenser. Her mind was like clockwork, continuously thinking of hydrating and calming down so  by the time Jimin’s class would end, no traces of vulnerability would be left for him to see. Her tears had to stop, to evaporate, along with the burning need for affection that scorched the pit of her stomach.

Jimin was very observant and that was what made everything difficult but the love Kyung Mi had for him, along with the fear of losing the one person who actually mattered , was stronger than her weakened state of mind.

Slipping in the money and pushing the buttons was almost like it being muscle memory, an action she had done so many times that her body just knew. Kyung Mi always wondered, if her body could talk, what would it say? Would it  weep and wail at the pain she had inflicted on it in the past? Would it pity her? Or would it have said, “it’s okay. I’ll take the pain, I’ll do these trivial things and let you hide my scars. Take care of yourself but please, stop hurting me.”

The last thought was comforting yet scary and Kyung Mi preferred it.

She had gulped down her orange juice, not tasting anything. She was like a zombie, barely breathing with dullness set in her eyes.

She threw the bottle into a nearby trash can, movements lifeless. She bought water, staring as the machine whirred and the bottle was pushed forward until it fell down. Her eyes watched it fall and simply stared at nothingness, body swaying before her head snapped up and she shook it a little to get some feeling back in her mind.

Her eyes watered, and Kyung Mi knew that it was about time she stopped. She had made a whole plan, when to cry and when to stop so that there was time for the swelling to decrease and her eyes to lose the red.

But she was so overwhelmed, so tired and the dam had been opened. It wouldn’t shut off.

Sniffling and feeling hot tears trail down her cheek, she grabbed the bottle and pressed her lips against it, whimpering into the cool surface. Her whole body was so cold, shivering with her fingers twitching. The hiccups began not too long after and she knew that to anyone who looked, she was a subject to ridicule and point at.

Her feet moved on their own and when she bumped into someone, her whole body was pushed back.

Legs giving up, someone caught her before Kyung Mi fell to the floor.

“Mi Mi?”

The weakened girl’s heart almost stopped and it was absolute fear that took over her, the only thought invading her mind was:

Run.

But she was left struggling against the strong grip.

“Hey. Hey. It’s me. I’m here. I’m not gonna hurt you.”

That hadn’t calmed her down because she knew who he was, the only reason she wanted to stay away was because they would tell Jimin. And that was something out of her nightmares, something she didn’t want to deal with.

Not ever.

With more soft words, she calmed down and looked up at the man. Her eyes glassy, lips wobbly and knees buckling under her.

The boy held her up, eyebrows furrowed in worry and with more soothing words, he coaxed her to lean against the wall. She slid down the moment he let go.

Her mind reeled, trying to find a way out of the crappy  situation she was put into and the only solution that crossed her mind was to beg.

Grasping his arm tight, she pulled the crouching man closer towards her. He was still rather calm and Kyung Mi had no doubt in her mind that he was thinking of nothing but horrible things about her messed up state.

“Please, don’t tell Jimin. I’ll do anything, Tae. Anything.”

The concerned friend’s brow furrowed further but he didn’t stop thinking of what he could possibly do to calm the crying girl.

“You know I can’t keep something so important from a close friend, Mi Mi.” Was his response, and it frightened him how much her eyes widened in horror. As if it was the end of the world.
And maybe it was, because Kim Taehyung only knew half of the extent Kyung Mi would put herself through for the boy she loved.

With lips under his teeth, he came to a decision.

“Tell me what’s wrong and I promise I won’t tell him. If you really don’t want this.” That was a hard decision on Tae’s part, because he was the type of person who cherished his friends. But Kyung Mi and Jimin both meant so much to him. And his decision might betray one’s trust, but it would comfort the other.

Kyung Mi was so torn. She didn’t want Jimin to know, no chance in hell. But she didn’t want Tae to worry about her, to know things that not even her boyfriend knew.

The needy side of her hugged her human tight and begged for Kyung Mi to submit and simply tell someone something. Anything.

With a dazed sigh, the girl nodded tiredly. Before she could start, her friend decided to take her somewhere that was not the cemented ground.

He gave her a piggyback all the way to the bench, setting Kyung Mi down and unscrewing the water bottle so she could drink some.

With tiny sips and more tears spilling out of her eyes, Kyung Mi felt warmth as Taehyung wiped away the sadness. It was such a small gesture, but it meant so much to her.

“Take your time. I’m here.”

To his words, the shaken girl looked at her watch for the time. They really didn’t.
“Jimin’s class ends soon and I need to stop crying so that the swelling goes down.” Kyung Mi murmured, more to herself than the boy.

A pit settled into his chest as Tae asked, “Do you do this often? Cry before Jimin’s lecture ends?” Kyung Mi could have denied it but the only thing she wanted was to be an honest, good girl.

With a nod, the withered girl’s eyes looked at her hands, they were so tiny and chubby. So, it was a strange sight when Taehyung’s large hand enveloped hers.

With another sigh, the girl decided to get the confession over with. So she simply told him, cutting out the part of her and Jimin both being Littles and her hiding the fact that it was getting painful for her to be his Mommy. Taehyung would probably find it weird and disturbing, Jimin’s regression was a secret to even his best friends.

Her being fired was what surprised Tae, because he knew how hard working she was. It seemed like a loss on their part but also, not a completely bad thing since he knew how much of an ass her ex boss was.

And when he asked the reason for it, Kyung Mi murmured out the truth. Saying how she would be too tired to work since she would stay up with Jimin and how often times, she wouldn’t go altogether to look after the boy.

Rather than asking the reason why she even had to take care of her twenty two year old boyfriend, he gave words of sympathy.

“It’s hard to take care of a Little, especially a stressed one. I relate.” His statement had instantly made Kyung Mi jump because no way in hell had she thought that Tae had any idea.

Looking at her apologetically, Tae explained it in simple words.

“Jungkook’s a Little. So, at one point or another, it wasn’t hard to notice the signs, I guess? Jimin looked horrified when I confronted him about it, but he seemed glad.” This shocked her even more because she would never think of the muscular and reserved Jeon Jungkook to be a Little.

And for a second, Kyung Mi had hope that maybe Tae could give advice on being a caregiver.

She had been doing her best, with as much research material as she could get but it just never felt enough. In that moment, her own wellbeing had not even crossed the disheveled girl’s mind.

Taehyung smiled softly and answered her unasked question. “I was his Daddy. I still kind of am? Except, it turned out I was a Switch so there were times that I wanted to be Little but couldn’t cause Kookie had no idea I was one and I was afraid he would love me less.”

Tae remembered all those moments in the first few months of their newly found dynamic, how unsettled and depressed he felt. It was so strange to hold so much fear for someone you loved so dearly.

Kyung Mi couldn’t help but ask, “Did you find out you were a Little first or a caregiver?” Her heart praying that he was in a similar situation to her.

Snapping out of his daze, Mi Mi received a rectangular grin. “I was a caregiver first, find out about my Little side way later. After Jungkook accidently found out, we had a new type of dynamic but then decided to be in a polyamorous relationship with two of the hyungs we’re living with. It’s a weird kind of lifestyle but it suits us.”

Millions of questions crossed the girl’s mind but hope was stepping a foot forward. And before she could squash that tiny part of her, her mouth formed a question.

“Jungkook didn’t hate you after? He…he didn’t want to leave you?”

Worry made Tae’s brows furrow. He knew the look she was giving, he could see and understand the pain that swam behind her eyes.

“No. He loved me even more. Squished my face the moment he saw me sucking on a paci and attacked me with a million kisses. I’d never been called cute up till then.” Snickering at the fond memory, Tae noticed how Kyung Mi’s eyes brightened in hope before dulling in doubt.

With hesitance, Tae asked, “Are you a Switch too?”

Her body stiffened because the question was something she wanted to avoid. She may have been one but at the same time not? Her situation led her to evolve and become a caregiver, it never felt natural. But then, she felt somewhat comfortable with being a mommy so maybe her mind had turned itself into a Switch?

Staring at her lap and fiddling with Tae’s fingers, Kyung Mi murmured out, ”it’s complicated.” Holding an ear out, Taehyung stayed quiet as his friend untangled the complicated situation for him. By the end of it all, his heart felt heavy while hers had lightened from being able to finally tell someone this.

“You…You were fired because of the fact you were taking care of Jimin. You forced yourself to become a caregiver and hid this from him for a year and then you let yourself bear all of his problems on your shoulders but never spoke of your own mental state?”

The first thought that Tae had was how unbalanced their relationship seemed, the second thought was over the fact that the girl in front of him was unbelievably strong and the third was:

“You love Jimin more than anything. How is it possible to love someone that much? How do you bear all of that?”

Kyung Mi’s eyes went glassy once more and she couldn’t help but smile in pure joy and pain.
“I love him so much. It hurts, Taehyung. It hurts.”

Taehyung didn’t know if the amount of love she had was what hurt or  the responsibility that came with loving someone so much.

Maybe it was both.

Cupping her cheeks, he noted how her eyes closed in temporary bliss, Taehyung spoke the words that Kyung Mi needed to hear.

“Jimin loves you so much. Way too much for his own good. Dude, whether he’s out of Little space or in it he’s constantly telling our whole group about you. About what a great Mommy you are, about how adorable you are, about how you give the best hugs and how you’re the best person in his life. The amount of times he has been kicked out of the groupchat is embarrassing…”

A tiny giggle fell on Kyung Mi’s lips and relief caused Tae to smile softly at the sound.

“He’s always telling us about how much he loves you. Always. He cares so much about you but the truth is, he’s constantly thinking that he’s in the perfect relationship. We both know that isn’t true, we both know that whatever you’re sacrificing for him is not healthy and that fear that you have is only an irrational one. You need to tell him, Lee Kyung Mi. And soon, so that you can work on being better for each other, not worse.”

Of course she knew it was true, her heart and mind both agreed on this fact a long time ago. But, her insecurities were so loud and it was so terrifying. Everything was so terrifying. Because ever since she was a teenager, Kyung Mi always kept going with the hope that she would find love and a caregiver.

Having a caregiver was like a dream and becoming one was the reality that she didn’t think she would have.

Mi Mi knew that telling Jimin and giving herself a break from being a caregiver was the best way to keep her teenage dreams alive, even for a little bit.

With a nod, Kyung Mi let herself make a promise. “I’ll tell him. I will.”
But a few seconds later, she came to a decision. “After the showcase.”

Tae opened his mouth to disagree because it was going to take a toll on both Jimin and her, it wouldn’t be fair if Kyung Mi had to suffer until after the main cause of distress was over.

With a vigorous shake of her head, Kyung Mi gave Taehyung a stern look. “Please, Jimin can’t even sleep or eat properly because of this. He even has a big test and project coming up, it would be too much for him.”

Taehyung narrowed his eyes at her, realising that Kyung Mi might also need some time to prepare for what she had to do.

“Okay but I’m doing constant checks on you, you’re at least telling Jimin that you lost your job. No buts.” It was Taehyung’s turn to give the stern look.

“You can come to me and my daddies for comfort, all three of us are great cuddlers. You will eat properly and take care of yourself, no matter what state Jimin is in. If you can’t be in Mommy space, do not force yourself. Whether or not Jimin knows about your situation, he will understand when you need the time off. He’s smart enough to give you that, at least.”

Considering all of Taehyung’s conditions, Kyung Mi only found his words fair and good willed. Agreeing, she let herself melt when TaeTae placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

It was nothing compared to when Jimin did it every night and morning, plump lips against her head. But, her friend’s soft kiss felt more reassuring than her boyfriend’s.

How can people’s love for one another, be so bad for them?

In the end, it’s just their insecurities heightened by love.

Does loving another mean the end of loving yourself?

And if so, is it your choice? Is it something you can control?

Chapter Text

With a stressed sigh, Kyung Mi noticed how she had less time to reset herself. If there was even a hint of tear or pain on her, Jimin would notice instantly.

And so, she erased her tears and proceeded with her backup plan. Taking out a wet wipe, which was only ever in her bag for this purpose, Mi Mi placed it on her eyes to decrease the redness. Inhaling and exhaling, she tried to calm her frantic heart.

It was a sight that cracked Taehyung’s heart in two. The girl in front of him had to carefully plan when she could cry, when she had to stop and how she could erase every inch of her sadness. He wanted Jimin to know, for Kyung Mi’s sake but at the same time he had to honor their promise.

And in the back of Taehyung’s mind, another promise was made. To be there for his friend and support her as much as he possibly could.

When the girl began whining about how her hair was probably a mess, Tae couldn’t help but smile before offering to fix it for her. And so, while Kyungi Mi kept the wet wipe in place, the boy sat behind her and took her wavy black hair out of the pony, carding his hair through it in an attempt to tame it.

It was silent for a few seconds, not awkward but pleasant. And though the feeling of having a person there for her was foreign, Kyung Mi did her best to enjoy the presence of someone else while she was in such a vulnerable state.

“I was serious before.” Tae spoke in a murmur, his tone soft and loving.

“You can come to me or my daddies. They can comfort you, they’re the best at it. And even after you tell Jimin the truth, both of you can just come and let them take care of you. I bet..I bet you always wanted to be taken care of and pampered huh?”

That was no secret, but it always seemed selfish whenever Kyung Mi would admit it to herself.

“There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s understandable.” Tae spoke as if he heard her thoughts. “If you ever have doubts and think that you’re being a bad person. Always remember:

‘Self love is not Selfish.’

Keep this phrase close to your heart because you, of all people, need it.”

Kyung Mi let one small tear of happiness fall from her eyes, a smile gracing her lips.

The two walked back in peace, waiting for Jimin to come running to Kyung Mi.

Their rendezvous spot was always under an oak tree, the same oak tree where Jimin had confessed his feelings for Kyung Mi. Yes, it was a very cliché way to start their love story. But what can she say, the author was a sappy romantic with too much stress on her mind to actually come up with a better love scenario.

Leaning against the tree, Taehyung couldn’t help but miss his own boyfriend. He knew his Kookie had a singing course to complete, but the boy couldn’t help but sulk at the absence.

Kyung Mi had to apply some concealer under her eyes in order to hide the puffiness of them and it was scary how, if Tae hadn’t seen her cry with his own two eyes, he would have never even assumed that she did.

The moment Mi Mi had heard the pattering of someone’s feet, a genuine smile spread across her face. She had turned around just as Jimin came crashing against her, breathing heavily as he had ran all the way from his chemistry lecture.

The first thing Jimin did was hug her tight and bury his face into her neck. And it had taken his girlfriend a moment to realise that something seemed off with him.

It was only when he spoke that she realized why that was.

“Mommy, Jiminie tried really hard to be Big.” The sweet boy whimpered against her skin, tears gathering against it.

There was only worry for her sweet baby at that moment, whispering kindness into his ear. She reassured him that her little boy was truly the best and he did so well in being a Big human, even if it was for a short while.

Cupping his cheeks, Kyung Mi stared into his eyes, forgetting that she had tears in hers not too long ago.

Giving his whole face a million tiny kisses, she only felt content when giggles tumbled from his soft lips. With his cheek pressed gently against her hand, Jimin let the tension seep away.

Jimin only noticed Tae when the taller male cleared his throat. The Little’s friend gave him a playful pout and instantly regretted it the second Jimin came running towards him, jumping into his arms. With the Little’s legs around the man’s waist and a bone crushing hug, Taehyung had lost his balance and was very close to falling completely with a big mass of fluff on top of him.

With a chuckle, he returned the tight embrace. The squished koala only giggled, even though he was being crushed in the long arms of his friend.

It was such a soft moment and everything seemed right and good in the world. But, Kyung Mi’s mind instantly began to reel because dealing with a Little Jimin in public when they had class soon was an unpredictable and unsteady journey. Alas, they still couldn’t go home and cuddle like she wanted to because their education was important to both of them.

Kyung Mi just prayed that Jimin would be able to get out of Little space before dance practice.

As a way to entertain the Little and get some food in his stomach, the trio decided to go to a cat café.

Jiminie skipped happily in front of them, humming in excitement and delight, twirling like a ballerina. Tae stuck besides Kyung Mi, studying her expression. No traces of the girl he had been holding before.

“How do you do that? How do you smile so easily? And honestly, before you told me you were a Little, I had no idea whatsoever. You hide everything so well.” He whispered in disbelief, more to himself than her.

Kyung Mi’s face didn’t change at all, waving back at the bubbly Mochi as he danced adorably in front of them.

His yellow hair was gleaming happily against the sunlight and like always, Mi Mi wondered how her boyfriend was even human.

“It’s easy when I see him. All my worries melt away and all I feel is love. It’s so strong that I just can’t help but be this way with him.” She answered Tae’s question with a shrug.

It was true, all of it. At that moment, she felt at peace. And, even though there were times she didn’t want to be around her boyfriend, it was just due to the fact that her soul was becoming tired of being happy. It had so much pent up inside it and the fact that only the good parts of her could see the light of day, was something that Kyung Mi found unfair.

It had taken a while for her to realise, but she truly believed that loving herself came with loving the parts of her that were in pain. And it was necessary for her to give them a voice and letting herself hear their anguish.

Of course, she never liked the way it made her feel but it was the only way to heal.

‘To get over pain is to go through it.’

The cat café was like Jiminie’s heaven, his eyes popped out and his mouth was as wide as it could be. He was crouching within a second, opening his arms as a sweet white cat walked into them. Even in Little Space, Jimin made sure to not let his childish excitement get the better of him so that he could be gentle with the feline.

After petting three of them, Jimin let Kyung Mi pull him into a chair. The café had fairly priced and good food, which was a relief because all three of uni students were hungry and broke.

Correction, two of them were broke. Taehyung practically had a sugar daddy, though that didn’t mean the boy had no job. He was both a part time model and part time babysitter. Neither were really his dream, considering he wanted to have a singing career (his main motivation were his two caregivers who worked in the music industry, along with Jungkook’s huge passion for singing.) and not to mention, he was taking a photography course in university.

After they ordered, Kyung Mi let Jimin rest his head on her shoulder. He had quietened down, tired and unmotivated. With a grey cat on his lap, all Jimin would do was pat her softly on the head and place a kisses on its small face.

It made Kyung Mi coo internally, Jimin with a furry animal being her weakness. Though it would normally make her worry when Jimin acted dull, especially during little space, she remembered the fact that he was under a lot of stress and though he regressed to get away from it, it still had an effect on Little him.

After every few kisses on the kitty’s face, Jimin would raise his own head up to kiss his girlfriend’s nose as a way to tell her that she was no less cuter than a kitten.

It would be a lie if Tae were to say that he hadn’t been slightly judging his friend for putting his beloved through so much without having any clue, but the instant Jimin stared at her with his adoring eyes made Tae realise the complexity of the situation.

If Jimin’s countless texts on his girlfriend was no indication then the way he looked at her sure was.

Park Jimin loved Lee Kyung Mi a lot.

The concerned friend still felt unsettled, he didn’t know how to help either of them because how could he? It was their relationship and their business.

By the end of his debate with himself, the Switch decided to consult with his caregivers, Little and probably his other two Hyungs. He knew perfectly well that they would tell him to back away, but something told Tae that if he didn’t hear it from them, he would do something stupid.

And at least the fear of getting punished will make him hold still, knowing full well that the rather scary men in his life would not let him go until and unless he made a promise not to interfere.

And a broken promise always led to punishment.

Their lunch was rather calm and kitty filled, the most Kyung Mi had to do was stop her Little from feeding the cat chocolate cake. It was rather relaxing for her as well, feeling a bit re-energized after playing with the adorable kittens herself, melting at the cuteness of having her soft boyfriend cuddle soft animals.

Before they left, however, Jimin had seen the adoption sign and had given his Mommy the biggest of puppy eyes to ever exist. It was an instant no from her, causing him to stomp his foot and pout.

Kyung Mi gave him a stern look and explained why they couldn’t afford taking care of a living thing.

“It’s a lot of responsibility-and I’m sure you’d be able to take care of them.” The girl cut Jimin off before he could even defend himself.

“But, we’re university students with a lot on our hands and not a lot of time to properly take care of a living thing. Not to mention, money wise, we’re not ready to provide for a third.” She was as soft with her words as she possibly could be, praying that her grown ass man of a boyfriend wouldn’t throw a tantrum in public.

Jimin let out a huff, defeated and sad but not wanting to disappoint his mommy like he did in the morning. Nodding slowly, he flexed his right hand’s fingers, something he did when he wanted his girlfriend’s hand in his own.

With a kiss on his soft pouty lips, Kyung Mi held her boyfriend’s hand tight. Jimin waved a good bye to his newfound friends, promising to visit soon.

Tae had kept quiet throughout the events that played out before him, feeling even more pride for his friend. Kookie and Jimin were almost at the same level of brattiness as each other and to get a brat to calm down before they threw a tantrum was a miracle.

TaeTae made a mental note to ask Kyung Mi to teach him her ways.

The three parted as Jimin and Kyung Mi had a psychology class. Taehyung still had dance practice afterwards and a hard working boyfriend in class, so he wanted to go around campus and take some pictures for his portfolio.

Like all couples in stories, the two sat at the very back. But rather than being horny teenagers, which they certainly were not, they paid attention in class.

Or, well…normally both of them would pay attention and take notes. The only other thing they did besides that was hold hands in between or exchange whispers.

It had seemed that Jimin was so deep into Little space that any hard words spoken by the teacher would fly over his head. The boy look lost and disinterested. He was slumped over the desk, his hand flat against the table with his cheek pressed on top of it.

He looked squishier than usual, lips plump and in the form of a heart.

His eyes drooped and it seemed so oddly uncharacteristic of him but at the same time, the dullness behind his eyes and the exhaustion that was worn over his body made it understandable.

Kyung Mi worked diligently in taking notes, having Jimin in mind. All the Little did was hold her left hand as she wrote with her right. At that moment, his Mommy looked so grown up and serious. Little Jiminie couldn’t help but find it cool.

Jimin began pressing his lips against her knuckles after the first half of the class was over. His eyelashes fluttered against her skin and his chubby little fingers played with hers. He would give the tiniest kisses, always making a little chu~ sound.

Kyung Mi would have dropped everything and let herself melt in the softness if it wasn’t for the fact that she needed to make good notes and be able to fully listen and understand the professor so that she could help her boyfriend later on.

“Momma. Momma. Mommmmaaa~~” The baby boy whispered out, dragging the words in a whine as his squishiness came out full force.

It was too hard to resist and for the first time since the class started, Kyung Mi let her temptation get the best of her as she turned to look at her Little Jiminie.

The boy had somehow turned even more cute and mushy than when the class had started, his eyes big and innocent. And the unadulterated amount of adoration made Kyung Mi want to cry because he was her boyfriend.

Park Jimin was her boyfriend.

With his hair fluffy and yellow, he reminded Kyung Mi of a baby chick, something so wholesome and pure and endearing.

He mouthed out words but no sound was emitted.

After five whole seconds, it finally registered into Kyung Mi’s mind.

“I love you.”

A smile spread across her face and the only thought that crossed her mind was:

‘How could I ever burden him with anything? How could I not utterly love the idea of taking care of him? And...at the same time….how could I ever think he would stop loving me when I could practically feel it rolling off his body?”

Her eyes turned glassy and for the first time in a long time, Kyung Mi didn’t blink it away as she stared directly into his eyes.

At one point, her feelings were so overwhelming that she couldn’t help but blush and look away after ten seconds of holding eye contact.

Somehow, that was what Little Jiminie was able to process and he giggled cheekily, whispering in a teasing tone.

“Is Mommy blushing?”

With a quick shake of her head, Kyung Mi let Jimin lean against her as his whole body fell sideways from the quiet laughs that bubbled out of him. The vibrations of his giggles resonated within Mi Mi, letting a happy tear slip down from her cheek.

Before she could wipe it away, Jimin did it for her but rather than asking her what was wrong, he smiled warmly at her and placed his plump lips against her cheek.

“You’re so cute, Mi Mi.”

And they once again held eye contact, the boy brushing away any stray droplets that rolled down her cheek. Jimin finally broke it as he stared at her lips, with slow blinks Kyung Mi witnessed the clouds clear in his eyes.

The man grinned, lip rolling under his teeth before he leaned in for a kiss. Kyung Mi was always against kissing in public, it being an embarrassing feat. But she was too stunned and turned on to care as she let his lips capture hers.

It was like hot caramel and candy floss, him tasting like strawberries and syrup. They weren’t tiny pecks nor were they rough and heavy like the ones they would exchange in love drunken nights. It was sensual and slow, warm and searing hot at the same time. They were like honey and dew drops, lips parting away thickly.

The couple separated after a few more kisses, foreheads touching as they breathed heavily together.

After they moved away completely, Jimin picked up her pen and began scribbling down notes. They were  even more diligent than Kyung Mi’s, the man seemed completely unbothered by the kiss as his girlfriend sat there in dishevelment. She hadn’t even noticed him slipping out of Little Space, feeling her heart skip a beat at the sudden change in personality.

It was her turn to stare .

Because one second he was a baby chick, and now….he looked like a prince.

Perhaps it was the tight shirt and jeans that accentuated his beautiful body. His hips were sharp, legs long yet with thighs that were thick and almost mouth watering. Kyung Mi could see the outline of his abs through his shirt, collar bone exposed haughtily.

And his face seemed less squishy at that moment, jaw sharp and defined with his lips pursed against each other, tongue poking out almost teasingly. Through his light coloured bangs, Kyung Mi could see his dark chocolatey eyes become darker with concentration.

The veins on his neck had become so prominent. The only thought that crossed the girl’s mind at that moment was the need to leave a mark on the fine pulsing river that went along his skin.

His leg jostled next to her, muscles tightening unintentionally. Kyung Mi’s mind went berserk, remembering all of those nights where she would sit on his thigh and become a moaning mess within seconds.

When Jimin cocked his brow up and sent her a side glance, Kyung Mi didn’t notice. He purposefully flexed his jaw, making her body jump and legs tighten together, before giving her his full attention.

Placing his chin on his palm, the man angled himself towards his disoriented girlfriend.

Kyung Mi’s mind had turned blank because how the hell was she alive? How can someone be so cute and hot at the same time?

He had literally turned from a baby boy to daddy in mere seconds?

Both literally and figuratively?

Her mouth made no sound, she just stared with wide eyes as if she’d been caught with her hand in a cookie jar. To be fair, Jimin was a treat himself and she wanted her hands on him too.

After ten seconds of staring into his smug and sparkling eyes, Kyung Mi decided to whisper out what she had forgotten to say a while back.

Her mouth formed the words, but no sound came out and she didn’t know if it was intentional or if she literally could not speak due to the presence of a gorgeous man, such as Park Jimin.

It was most likely the latter.

Now, if Kyung Mi thought that the transformation from baby boy to daddy was startling, she was not prepared for Jimin’s reaction when she mouthed out,

“I love you.”

The boy’s smirk turned into a large and toothy smile, his crooked tooth making an appearance. His darkened eyes brightened in an instant before being hidden within the crescents of his joy.

The boy was genuinely so happy, that his smile reached his eyes and brightened his entire whole being and soul.

Chapter Text

When Taehyung saw Jungkook, it was as if he could finally breathe. The young boy had come bursting into the dance studio, breathing heavily.

He was fifteen minutes late, unusual for a punctual person like Jungkook but everyone in the studio knew he had a class just before practice. Warm ups were ending, it was a thing that Kyung Mi and Jimin loved doing together. They helped each other stretch while giggling, it made Tae miss his partner even more.

With a heavy sigh, Jungkook walked to his friends before engulfing Tae in a big hug. The boy might not be a Little at that particular time but he felt clingy and needed his boyfriend’s touch. Said boyfriend tried to shimmy away from him, cringing at the sweat that was drenched on Jungkook.

All the younger did was grin devilishly at his mate before doing a quick workout routine. The showcase was a hard task for all of them. Not only were there group performances, Kyung Mi and Jimin had a contemporary dance performance together and so did Tae and Jungkook.

It was especially stressful for Taehyung, because he had to play the saxophone while his boyfriend danced and in between, he had to incorporate dancing into it.

Jimin had it worse because he was the lead to most of the group performances, had to dance with his girlfriend and dance solo for the closing act.

As the practice advanced, everyone grew more tense but worked harder with each passing minute.

Jimin always worked the hardest, his need to be perfect clouded his vision and often times Kyung Mi would have to force him to stop and rest.

That day was the same as any, all four of them had stayed an hour and a half after everyone had gone home. The sun was going to set soon and Jimin was adamant to stay longer and dance. Kyung Mi wasn’t having it, Jimin’s mental and physical health had dropped because of how hard he would push himself. The thought of her boyfriend collapsing, like he had done so before, stressed her out even more.

Before Jimin could start his whole dance routine again, she stopped him. It took the whole of her mental strength not to wince when Jimin looked up at her with a stubborn glare. He was sitting on the floor, breathing hard and irregularly.

“Let’s go home, eat and rest and practice there. We can’t stay here all night.”

She knew that Jimin had done it before, stayed and only came home when Kyung Mi or Taehyung would come to the studio themselves, worried out of their minds. It would be 4am when his girlfriend would see him come through the door, an instant need to cry because he would turn off his phone during practice and all she could think about were worse case scenarios.

After breaking down in tears when she found Jimin on the floor of the studio at seven in the morning, having to take him to the hospital because of his weakened state, Jimin made a promise not to push himself as hard. Kyung Mi promised herself not to leave Jimin alone in the studio.

The boy turned himself into a ball and pushed his girlfriend’s hand away, frustrated at himself.

“I made a mistake, even after all those hours of practicing. I have to make sure that it doesn’t happen again.”

It was Taehyung who stepped up to his friend’s stubborn self.

“And we have to make sure you don’t collapse on stage from overexertion, like you did before. So stop being a moron and listen to your girlfriend.” His voice held more annoyance than concern, having the girl’s worried tears fresh in his mind.

Jungkook squeezed his shoulder in apprehension, staring at the older man with confusion. He had already noticed something odd about Taehyung from the moment practice started. The boy’s eyes would always fall on Kyung Mi and it made Jungkook question her well being for the longest time. Though, he trusted his boyfriend to tell him when the time was right.

Jimin had tucked his head within his arms, pressing his knees further into his chest. Kyung Mi knew that there was some form of internal conflict happening within the confines of her beloved’s mind. To make it easier for him, Kyung Mi crouched closer to the rather tiny human in front of her, carding her hands through his already messy and damp hair.

“We’ve talked about this. I know you’re worried and that it sucks when mistakes are made after so much hard work, but you’re human. Humans make mistakes and they learn from them and the truth is, you letting your insecurities swallow you up until you pushed yourself into oblivion was a big one. Learn from it, like we are.”

Jimin’s eyes met hers, eyes glistening in defeat and exhaustion. The light in them flickered, wanting to do what was right for the showcase but knowing that his girlfriend was making a good point.

“You know that efficiency also counts, and to be efficient your body has to be in good condition. It will only be in good condition if you rest and take care of yourself because you need to. Humans need to and that isn’t their fault nor is it their weakness. It’s what makes us beautiful.”

With her speech coming to an end, Jimin’s mind cleared of all insecurities and saw the bags under his love’s eyes. He saw her pale skin and tired eyes and the pain behind the small smile she had pasted on her face.

It was too much for her, to see Jimin look so defeated. It hurt her and no matter how many projects she had left or how many dances her body had to endure or how many nights she stayed up because of Jimin and anxiety, she couldn’t help but feel her heart crack when she looked at his state.

With a slow nod, Jimin moved himself forward to engulf his precious angel into a hug. They were both sweaty and frail, but the feeling of their skins against each other eased the tension out of both of their shoulders.

Tae put his head on the younger’s shoulder, inhaling his faint scent. The need for someone to hold him had increased with every passing hour.

Before she could help Jimin up, Kyung Mi’s alarm went off. It took Kyung Mi a second to remember why it was on. When she realised, her mouth let out a sigh.

Turning the alarm off, Kyung Mi smiled softly and rather apologetically at the others. “I have a meeting with my adviser about my thesis. Why don’t you guys get bubble tea or something? I’ll be out soon.” Her suggestion sounded very tempting to Jimin but the need to stay close to his girlfriend made him grab her hand tight.

Kissing his nose softly, Kyung Mi whispered into Jimin’s ear and promised it wouldn’t take long. Tae and Kookie were on board with the idea, helping their friend up.

Waving a short goodbye, Kyung Mi let them know that she would meet them at their usual rendezvous point. The three quickly dried themselves off, drinking water to hydrate their exerted bodies. Taehyung was rather excited for bubble tea, skipping in joy as they began the short walk to the only place they knew that served them.

While they ordered their drinks, Jimin got Kyung Mi a passion fruit bubble tea.

On their way back, while Jimin trudged behind them, Jungkook whispered into his boyfriend’s ear.

“What’s been up with you?”

Taehyung didn’t understand what the boy meant, looking at him in confusion.

Rolling his eyes in exasperation, Jungkook voiced his suspicions and worry.

“You kept glancing over at Kyung Mi Noona, your whole body was stiff while dancing. You made more mistakes on the saxophone than usual. There’s something bothering you, I can see it. It was obvious the moment I laid my eyes on you.”

The older man cursed at his Little’s sharp senses and the fact that he knew Taehyung so well. It was no surprise, Tae would’ve also been able to tell if something was bothering Jungkook the moment he saw the boy.

Taehyung had planned on telling his boyfriend, he really had. But seeing the way Jungkook had looked so stressed when he came in through the door, watching him dance his hardest while at the same time quietly scolding himself for not doing it perfectly, made Taehyung realise that he couldn’t possibly put any more strain on Jungkook’s back.

Before Tae could open his mouth and say a simple: ‘I’m fine.’ Jungkook put a hand over his mouth, giving the older male a stern look.

“If you say any bullshit about being ‘fine’, I will call Yoongi Hyung right now and make him ask you.” With widened eyes, Tae could feel fear claw its way into his heart. That man would fully get involved and do as much as leave his important meeting, just to know what was bothering his Littles. Not to mention, lying or omitting any information that had a negative effect on his baby boys, led to punishment.

Sure, Taehyung had decided on letting his Hyungs and Kookie know. But the thought of burdening them when it was none of his business and when all of them were already under a lot of pressure, seemed a bit unfair.

Fumbling with his words, Tae simply answered with a ‘tell you later’, eying Jimin who had decided to come forward and walk besides them.

Jungkook seemed to understand, sparking up a conversation with his friend, not before sending a daring glare towards his boyfriend.

‘Kids these days. Have too much nerve and not enough respect for their elders.’ Tae thought, vaguely registering the fact that the same line was said by his good friend, Seokjin, multiple times before.

Once they had reached the oak tree, Jimin plopped down against it. Sipping his bubble tea lazily, he placed Kyung Mi’s between his thighs in a protective manner. There was silence from him for quite some time, his friends chatting amongst themselves.

With a heavy sigh, Jimin asked a question that was weighing on his mind.

“How do you stop yourself from going into Little Space?”

Tae’s eyes widened as he and Jungkook stared at the boy that leaned on the tree. He didn’t even look up at them, simply staring at the drink between his legs.

Making eye contact, the couple talked with their eyes before wearily deciding to speak to the blonde haired boy.

“Why are you asking that?” Tae asked hesitantly, not knowing how to handle the situation without Jimin becoming upset.

For a second, the boy seemed lost in thought before sighing and answering the question.

“Kyung Mi is stressed. I can’t be in Little space with her like this, taking care of me is draining. I just want her to rely on me and not the other way around. But I’m being so unstable, I can’t help but slip into it.”

There was no answer, only silence as Jungkook went to sit on his right while Tae took his left. As much of a socially awkward kid JK was, he always tried his best to comfort his friends. Without even looking at the boy, the youngest sipped on his tea before laying the truth onto Jimin.

“We never stopped being what we wanted to be. Sure, Tae did but I don’t really think he’s the most proud of that.” Jungkook raised an eyebrow at his boyfriend, knowing full well that there were times where Tae still felt guilty over it.

With a soft nod, the man allowed himself to hold his friend’s hand. “It’s true, Chim. It wasn’t my best decision. And after we became Hobi Hyung and Yoongi Hyung’s Littles, I couldn’t really fall back into that habit. Not just because I could freely be myself, but cause my ass would get whooped if I even tried.”

Jimin chuckled at the last statement and Jungkook couldn’t help the wicked grin that spread across his face. But it softened quickly, smiling at the shorter male next to him.

“They never gave us that option because they knew it wasn’t good for us and it’s not. Hell, when I’m too stressed to even think about being in Little space, they force me to be. Cause they know it’s a healthy way to cope.”

The look Jimin had on his face was so lost, scared and hesitant.

Tae felt conflicted. Of course he didn’t want Kyung Mi to put Jimin before herself. Yes, telling Jimin to lessen the amount of times he depended on her would be the best way to help her. In reality, there really wasn’t no one to blame. Jimin couldn’t control his regression and Kyung Mi loved Jimin too much to stop caring for him.

But that didn’t mean they should keep secrets from each other.

Wrapping an arm around his platonic soulmate, Taehyung pulled the boy close. Taking a deep breath, Tae decided to use his words carefully.

“The best you can do is talk to her. About anything and everything. Voice your concern for her and leave some space for listening. I know you guys have a lot of pressure on you right now, so just….try to take a break and communicate.”

It was the best he could do without direct interference.

Jimin suddenly felt so light headed, feeling his eyes burn and throat constrict.   

“I-she’s amazing. She’s so amazing. She...I don’t deserve her.” The sudden sadness that took over his friend’s face hit Taehyung in the heart. It was the same look Kyung Mi had given him when her pain had overflowed and tumbled down onto the ground.

“Jiminie Hyung.” It was Jungkook who spoke, a soft whisper leaving his lips.

“I love her so much.” Jimin had turned completely to Taehyung, clutching the taller man’s shirt tightly in his small hands. His own sadness began to overflow down his cheeks.

“It hurts . I love her so much that it hurts. I can’t stop it, I can’t let her go even though I know I’m bad for her.” Tae pulled him into a hug, letting the dishevelled boy cry.

“What if...What if she leaves me? What if she sees how pathetic I am and just leaves .” A cracked sob erupted from his chest. “I wouldn’t have a reason to live. She- I need her.”

Jungkook, so unlike himself, wrapped his arms around his sobbing friend. Both of them just held the weeping angel, Jungkook humming softly as a way to calm the waves of panic that was overtaking their poor Jiminie’s body.

Cupping his cheeks, Taehyung made Jimin look into his large doe eyes. His friend’s eyes glistened, already making fresh tears that would tumble down when he blinked. Wiping the tiny droplets of pain with his thumb, Taehyung felt Jimin lean against his palm.

“Listen to me, Park Jimin. You have absolutely no idea how much Lee Kyung Mi loves you. And it might sound weird for me to say it but, as my platonic soulmate, you have to believe me. She would never leave you for such a reason. You know her, does she seem like the type to do that?”

Taehyung gently chided his best friend, already seeing a calmness in the blonde haired boy’s eyes. “I don’t deserve her.” was his response. The hold Jungkook had on him tightened.

“We think you do and I bet she does too. You don’t get to decide that, not ever.” Kissing the boy’s nose softly, he smiled to himself when Jimin’s nose scrunched up in mock disgust, his tears beginning to dry.

With a soft chuckle, Jimin used his sleeves to wipe the remaining wetness from his eyes, still letting out tiny sniffles.

“I’m an emotional fool.” He murmured out, hiccuping softly.

“You’re human. That’s all. But yeah, maybe you are a bit of a fool. So what? At the end of the day, fools change the world.” Tae felt his heart warm when Jimin’s eyes turned into crescents, a big smile taking over his features. With a small punch to his friend’s shoulder, Jiminie let out a breathy giggle.

“You’re so silly.”

His eyes became solemn in a moment, sitting straighter while looking at Kookie, who still kept an arm around his shoulder. Jimin then turned to Taehyung before speaking in a low whisper.

“Promise me you won’t tell Kyung Mi. Please? I don’t want to confront her just yet, too much is happening already.”

Both boys hesitated and Taehyung felt his heart almost break. He didn’t want to make a promise because it meant he would have to keep it, no matter the issue or urgency, and he wanted Kyung Mi to know. But that would be interfering and he knew that it would get messy if he got too involved.

Wouldn’t it be messy either way?

A part of him retaliated, but it was already known that relationships had to be messy. It was just how they were.

Just support them. Be there for both of your friends and make sure they don’t stray.

A more practical part of Taehyung spoke up, and as hard as it was, he accepted these words and made a promise to Jimin.

Jungkook followed with the promise, giving Tae a worried look before intertwining his pinky with Jimin’s. Taehyung wrapped his long finger with Jimin’s small one, loving how adorable it was. These small acts that happened between the three friends were the closest to being Littles as they could get when they weren’t in that particular headspace. It was soft and made each of them feel secure, they felt like the three Musketeers with parental supervision. It was perfect.

“We promise,” Tae had murmured before adding, “but you will talk to her about it soon. That’s the condition.”

Nodding weakly, Jimin looked sadder than he had before.

“After the showcase. I promise. I will.”

It was eerie how much the two were alike. Maybe that’s where it all went wrong.

It was ten more minutes before Kyung Mi would return, Jimin tried his hardest to get the redness and swelling down. Tae did his best to not get affected by it, doing whatever he could to help. It had gotten darker, so Jimin simply hoped that Kyung Mi wouldn’t be able to see his eyes until they got home.

Kyung Mi came running towards them, looking even more drained than before, if that was even possible. She brushed off the concerned looks, planting a kiss on Jimin’s lips while gratefully accepting her tea.

After their goodbyes and hugs, the pairs parted ways. Jimin and Kyung Mi having to walk home while Tae and Kookie had to take a bus. It was never really an issue, considering they lived in the most expensive apartment complex in Seoul.

Jimin had bought Kyung Mi ice cream as a way of apology for the things he did and said in the morning. And it was enough to keep the girl content, swinging their laced fingers back and forth in happiness.

For Tae, it was a bit tough to be anything but worried and agitated at the same time. He knew Jungkook wanted answers or else he would include their Hyungs into the interrogation. Taehyung really did not want to burden his hard working men and he knew that Jungkook would still tell them while knowing the stress the two held on their shoulders.

The younger was currently staring holes into Tae’s cheek and Tae did his best not to look anywhere but out the window.

“You’re worried. Talk.” Is all his boyfriend said, leaving no room for bullshit.

Tae tried to take the easiest route out.

“Yeah, you saw how Jimin was. You would be worried too.” He knew for a fact his boyfriend was, he just hope that that worry could be used as a distraction from the conflicting feelings Tae felt in his chest.

Jungkook’s grip on Taehyung’s thigh tightened. “You looked worried before, you look like someone broke your heart and it sure as hell wasn’t me. So speak or else…”

His Little’s words made Tae’s eyebrows arch. He decided to let his dominant side take control. Moving his face close to Jungkook, he only stopped when their lips were an inch apart and his nose touched Jungkook’s.

With his large hand, Tae removed the younger’s hand before sliding his on top of Jungkook’s own thigh. His fingers were rather close to Jungkook’s zipper, the longest one tapping against the denim of his jeans. The man looked straight into his boyfriend’s eyes and asked in a deep, husky and dangerous voice.

“Or else what? Hmm? What will my baby boy do to me?”

Jungkook’s large doe eyes became even larger, rounding in innocence. Flickering away, Jungkook stared at Taehyung’s hand. It was so close, the warmth radiating from his palm almost unbearable to withstand.

Taehyung smirked, moving forward to nibble on his sweet Kookie’s ear. It was fun to tease, fun to be dominant and be in control. Seeing his baby squirm and whine was something he enjoyed a bit too much.

His smug look only dropped when Jungkook held up his phone, Yoongi’s contact on the screen. The little brat’s finger was ready to press the call button and within a second, Taehyung removed his hand from Jungkook’s thigh while pressing himself completely against the bus window.

With an arched brow, Jungkook gave his boyfriend a toothy grin before tilting his head in question. A cocky move that was both an annoyance and turn-on for Taehyung.  

Shuddering at the thought of having to actually deal with his Hyung, Tae had to weigh the pros and cons of the situation. It didn’t seem like a big deal to tell his boyfriend but it seemed too much for the frail bunny, already looking even more burderned after watching his Hyung cry.

It wasn’t as if Tae didn’t have other problems besides his concern towards Kyung Mi’s health and so, the best Tae could do was tell Jungkook of what stresses he was facing as a decoy. Part of him questioned why he was being so stubborn and the truth was, Tae hadn’t been in Little space in so long and his inner brat was coming out.

With pouty lips and widened eyes, Tae told Jungkook whatever he could think of. He did his best not to lie, speaking of his problems and insecurities. From the fact that he wasn’t as good as dancing as the rest of the group, to how he had to play the saxophone after so many years, to worrying that he’d ruin Jungkook’s performance, to the fact that he got a low grade on an assignment, to the stress of being in one of Yoongi’s songs and inevitably disappointing everyone and of course, his concern towards Jimin.

It did help to lighten the load and by the end of it all, Taehyung felt better than he did at the beginning.

Jungkook exhaled a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before making direct eye contact with his Hyung.

“That’s all?”

Tae had to remind himself that what happened between Kyung Mi and him, did not need to be shared. It was not something he should worry for and the boy tried his best to make light of it so that he came off as believable.

But it was clearly not enough since his eyes flickered sideways as he answered with a simple ‘yes’. This made the younger boy sigh more, laying his head on his boyfriend’s shoulder.

“I won’t force you to tell me if you’re being so stubborn about it. Just tell me whether or not it involves Kyung Mi Noona and Jiminie Hyung.” The tension that had built up on Tae’s shoulder was all that he needed to know he was right about it.

“They’re my friends too, Hyung.” Was all what the boy murmured. Tae’s heart weighed heavy in his chest from the additional guilt that Jungkook’s words put on them.

“I know. But it’s no big deal and you’re already so close to dying of stress. I’ll handle it and tell you if it gets too much.” Tae made another promise, hoping it wouldn’t come to that. Jungkook was unhappy at the older’s statement, annoyed that he was being protected from information he should know.

But, alas, Jungkook had said he wouldn’t force him and so he decided to accept defeat and help his boyfriend out a bit.

“If you don’t want the Hyungs to know, you’re going to have to do better than that. They’ll see right through you.”

Banging his head against the glass, Tae groaned at that because he knew he couldn’t hide anything from his caregivers.

The bus had stopped at their destination, not giving the boy anytime to gather his thoughts. As they reached closer and closer to the apartment, Tae did his best to relieve his mind of any stress. That was the best he could do.

Jungkook patted his back and soothed him once they were inside the elevator, giggling silently at his Hyung’s distress.

“You look constipated.”

He had commented as Tae tried to act cool and relaxed, which should have worked since he was a great actor. Clearly, the boy needed a few more lessons.

Before they could unlock the door to their shared living space, it opened with a tall, broad shouldered man at the entrance. Jumping at the sudden sight of them, the beautiful human adjusted his beret before smiling timidly at his dongsaengs.

The smile instantly dropped when his eyes landed on Taehyung.

“Is something wrong, TaeTae?”

While Taehyung’s jaw dropped, Jungkook burst into laughter.

Shaking his head vigorously, Tae avoided Jin’s curious gaze. The older looked back into the apartment, yelling out to someone who wasn’t supposed to be home.

“Hoseok! The Littles are back.”

Before either of the boys could correct the fact that they were not even in Little space, the beautiful man was already leaving them. He was most likely late for a shoot, of course someone as breathtaking as him would be a model.

Jungkook squeezed the other Little’s hand before whispering reassurance into his ear.

The moment they stepped in and closed the door shut, Hoseok’s voice came from somewhere in the house.

“Welcome back!”

Jungkook’s eyes had dilated within a second, bunny teeth appearing from his wide grin. It was as if every bit of burden had melted off the boy’s body and his mind had completely slipped into a new realm just by hearing his daddy’s voice .

Of course the boy would try to fight it and stay a big boy for as long as he could. And that fight was lost in under three seconds as Jungkook tugged on Taehyung’s hand while scampering deeper into their home.

Tae was too busy worrying about what he would do when his Hyung would eventually find out about the fact that his baby boy was troubled.

“Daddy.” Jungkook whined loudly, making the Switch want nothing more to follow suit and be slip into the comfortable headspace.

“In the kitchen, angel!” The man yelled, Jungkook instantly bustling towards his targeted destination with Tae in tow.

“Daddy~” Kookie squealed, bouncing all the way into the large space where one of his favourite people in the whole world was standing in front of the stove.

Before the bunny could pounce, Tae grabbed a hold of the hyperactive child so that he wouldn’t end up burned from the boiling pot that Hoseok was tending to.

The first instinct the chef had was to turn off the stove and open his arms wide, dimples making an appearance with the sweet heart smile that was spread across his face.

His lips turned into a startled ‘O’ when his baby bunny crashed into his chest. After a million kisses and adorable sounds emitted from their daddy’s lips, the man turned to his other baby boy.

Now, Taehyung was dying from the nerves and so he was doing his best to have a good poker face on but that would have backfired since normal Kim Taehyung would be emitting rays of sunshine and happiness the moment he would see his hard working caregivers. A serious expression would instantly alert anyone in the household that something was wrong.

As Jungkook bathed in the love Jung Hoseok gave him, Tae stood there panicking. And the easiest solution his dull witted mind could think of was to put on his hoodie and zip his jacket all the way up so that the hoodie closed over his face. His head was completely caged in the fabric of his zip up jacket so the one who faced Hoseok’s gaze was a very toothy, dead eyed shark.

Jungkook leaned against the counter and died in laughter. Hoseok chuckled at the boy’s antics, stepping closer with a dangerously low voice.

“Watchu doing, pup?” Shuddering at the pet name, Tae merely played it off cool and shook his head in response. The truth of the matter was that the boy felt like if he looked at his Daddy long enough, he’ll crack and break down into tears. It seemed like so much but it shouldn’t be because it was none of his business.

When Tae felt the presence of the broad man in front of him, he instinctively stepped back due to fear of hugging the man too tight and making him see how desperately unsettled his little boy was.

Though it was already rather clear in Hoseok’s eyes as the caregiver’s brows furrowed and his lips turned into a “ ㅅ”.

“What aren’t you telling me?”

Why do I ever bother doing anything?

The only thing Tae could think of doing was to shrug as if he currently was not hiding his face behind a scary, ‘Imma bite you’ fish.

He didn’t have to be able to see to know the red haired rapper had his hands on his hips. He also knew that that man was probably giving Jungkook a inquisitive demanding look.

“Okay, look….I asked him about it and even threatened him with Yoongi Hyung. He told me a bunch of other things but not the full truth.”

Jungkook spoke, confirming what Tae assumed was happening beyond the empty blackness of his hoodie.

What happened to being in Little space and keeping your pretty little mouth shut? Brat.

Without giving Tae a warning, Hoseok took his hand and pulled him into a chair. And like always, a large hand was placed on the submissive’s thigh to make him understand who was dominant in that situation and what would happen if they test their daddy’s patience.

“I’m going to unzip your jacket and you’re going to look me in the eye and tell me what the hell is making you act this way.”

The sunshine in Hoseok demeanor had been shadowed with storm clouds, voice so deep that it made Taehyung’s soul shudder. The thumb that caressed the boy’s inner thigh was too much to bear and all he could do was breathe in shakily, squeezing his eyes tight.

Hoseok tugged on the zipper and watched carefully as the shark parted, showing his beautiful puppy’s face. Tae still kept his eyes shut, whimpering when his daddy held his chin to angle it upwards.

“Baby.” was the first warning. Taehyung really wondered why he was doing this, why did he love being a brat so much?

He remembered Jungkook calling him a “kinky ass” because the youngest believed that Tae loved the punishments that befell him whenever he was cocky or disobedient towards his daddies.

Where was the lie?

“Taehyung.” was the second warning.

The boy was playing a dangerous game.

“Hey, Kookie?”

“Yes daddy?” Jungkook’s voice had turned high pitched, a childish yet wicked tone to it.

Fucking fake ass bi-

“What did TaeTae tell you? What were these other things?”

Jeon Jungkook, you better get ready for the worst spanking of your entire life if you even dare to sa-

“ It’s mostly stress about the showcase and the fact that he might disappoint you.”

You added the last part, you nut. I swear to God, I’m going to use a paddle to beat that perky ass until it’s re-

“Baby.” The soft, saddened voice was directed at the boy who currently couldn’t see a thing and only felt the thumb that was way too enticing against his inner thigh.

“Is that true?”

Every part of Taehyung’s body had tensed, not knowing what to say or do.

No..No, daddy. I-maybe.

“He also got a low grade on an assignment and could only make the sound a boat makes the first time he went back to playing the saxophone. He’s way better now, though he’s worried that he’ll disappoint Dada too.”

I am going to rip your teeny tiny dick off. What are you even saying?

‘Is he wrong?’ A part of him asked, knowing the truth deep inside.

A hand cupped his cheek, soft lips kissing his forehead.

“You know how much Yoongi is proud of you, no matter what you do. You’re our little pup.”

I love you both so much.

“And he’s also worried he won’t be able to hit any high notes. He wants to sing and be in your song but he thinks that he’s way worse than me which I don’t disagree with.”

I WOULD NEVER ADMIT THAT TO YOU. I TOLD YOU I WAS INSECURE, NOT THAT YOU WERE BETTER THAN ME. YOU DICK, I AM NOT LETTING YOU CUDDLE WITH ME ANYMORE. NO COMING INTO MY BED CAUSE YOU MISS OUR HYUNGS.

“Jungkoook.” Hoseok’s tone was light and playful, knowing that there was something fishy about his bunny’s sentence.

“Okay~ he never said that he was worse than me but like….the rest is true.”

Tae knew that Hoseok was probably shaking his head, out of adoration.

“Anything else?”

Please don’t, you little chipmu-

“Jiminie Hyung cried today, that made bun bun sad too.”

Hoseok whipped his head to his youngest Little, surprised and deeply saddened by the news. Jimin had met both of the caregivers and the first few times were rather funny considering the boy had to do his best not to fanboy and explode from happiness.

Because of course he knew who Jung Hoseok and Min Yoongi were. Why wouldn’t he?

He would’ve been jealous that his friends had such amazing caregivers but then again, he stood by his statement that his Kyung Mi was the absolute best at being his Mommy and that no one could beat her.

“Poor Chim Chim. He’s under so much pressure, it must be hard on a soft mochi like him.” Hoseok spoke fondly, always having a soft spot for the shy, kind boy that exuded ten different types of cuteness.

“It was more over the fact that he kept going into Little space. He felt like a burden to his girlfriend.” Jungkook softly added, feeling the pain his dear friend held. Both Tae and he had gone through that exact same feeling and dwelling in it was dangerous.

“I’m sure she doesn’t feel that way about him. She’s a caregiver, its her job to take care of her Little.” It was then that Taehyung’s mouth opened, a noise escaping his lips.

He was still hesitant, of course he was. It was none of his business but why did it feel like it was. He decided to stop acting like a child (which was truly an impossible task) and open his eyes to face his daddy. And the moment he did, his breath was stolen from him.

He always forgot what the rapper’s beauty did to him because Jung Hoseok was truly a Greek God. And when the man gave his pup a dimpled smile, Tae’s whole body melted into a puddle.

“There’s my sweet baby. Hi~ I missed your pretty eyes.” Daddy cooed softly, cupping the Little’s cheek and kissing his forehead.

A giggle left Tae’s lips, cutely cupping his Daddy’s cheek and returning the kiss. His pudgy lips were wet against Hoseok’s forehead but it was so sweet that the man felt himself fall for his baby boy all over again.

“How Little are we feeling, hmm? What’s your number?”

The boy pursed his lips together and shook his head, “I don’t feel that Little, Hyung. Not yet anyway. Maybe ask Kookie that?” His eyes moved to the small bunny that was currently sucking on his thumb, eyes larger than normal with his fingers fiddling with the fabric of his shirt.

Hoseok instantly felt guilty, moving away from the Switch to hug his other Little in apology.

When the caregiver asked the Little for his number, the baby shyly brought up four fingers as his thumb curled in and out adorably.

The man felt even more guilty, hugging his bun tight.

“It’s okay, daddy. I just reaaallly wanna wear a onesie right now. And cuddle with Sugi.” The bunny pouted, hugging his daddy tightly.

Kissing the top of his head, Hobi asked Jungkook to go to his room and pick a onesie.

“I’ll be right there okay? Then we’ll eat some yummy food and cuddle in bed.” Hoseok patted his baby’s little bum as Kookie hopped towards his bedroom.

Tae kept eye contact when the rapper turned to him, deciding to let the man see what he looked like from the inside.

“You don’t have to tell us everything. But if it’s something that’s heavy on your heart, you know what’s better for you.”

Tae gave in and decided to stop being a brat.

“It’s better if Yoongi Hyung was here too, so I can tell all three of you at the same time and ask for advice.”

Hoseok smiled, knowing full well that if Tae was involving the most dominant of the four, than it was going to happen.

“You sure you don’t wanna get into a onesie?”

Rolling his eyes, Tae smiled brightly at the rather tempting offer.

“I’m good for now but you should help Kookie change before he tries to do it himself.”

Hoseok patted the boy’s head once more before rushing to see whether Kookie was trying to put his legs in the onesie’s sleeves.

Luckily, the boy was simply looking between two different coloured bunny onesies.

“Should I wear the purple one or pink?”

He really should’ve known that his daddy would be useless.

“You look adorable in both, baby.”

Grumbling at the compliment, Jungkook continued to make the hardest choice of his life . With his eyebrows furrowed, the Little poked both of them as if that would help in anyway.

Hoseok sat besides his baby boy, cradling hope in his arms. Hope being a unicorn plushie that was named after Hoseok’s stage name, J Hope.

“What do you think Dada would like?”

Hoseok was about to answer with the simple, ‘he would find you cute in both’ but stopped when Kookie sent him the most non threatening glare.

Sighing, the man whipped out his phone and took a picture of onesies with Jungkook sitting in front of them, having a very serious look on his face.

Sending the picture to his partner, Hobi asked the question.

Even though Yoongi was most likely in a meeting or producing a song with Namjoon, the man replied within a minute.

“Pink.”

After Hoseok replied with a heart, he let Kookie know. The boy smiled brightly, nodding in approval.

“Dada smart.”

Clearly having already made the decision.

Changing the boy was easy enough, except for the fact that he had gotten very hyperactive and was bouncing around. He wiggled his butt as his daddy buttoned him up into the soft cloud. When his phone buzzed, Hoseok checked the name before letting Kookie read the message.

The second Jungkook saw the text, a high pitched squeal left his lips. His butt wiggles became more aggressive as he began clapping his hands furiously, phone slipping down to the carpeted floor.

“Dada is coming home for dinner!” The bunny yelled loudly, Tae being able to hear it from his room, a room that he and Kookie often shared because who would wanna stay apart rather than having daily sleepovers?

The Switch felt a pit in his stomach, Yoongi Hyung usually worked till 4 am or more if there was an album in progress. He would practically live at the studio, Tae and Kookie having to visit him. Tae was thinking he would have time since there was no way either of the Littles were awake when Yoongi came home and the conflicting schedules would buy him a few days, at least.

Once Kookie was fully bunny upped, Hoseok gave the boy a million kisses because of how adorable his sweet baby was. He, of course, realised that dinner had yet to be prepared and asked Tae to watch over Jungkook as he cooked.

While Jungkook coloured and made his little fluffy tail waggle, Tae stared at his phone in hesitance. He had another thing to consider, to tell Kyung Mi about Jimin’s outburst or not. He didn’t know if that would make it better or worse.

Maybe she would feel even guiltier for not being able to hide her pain?

Or maybe she’ll finally decide to talk about it?

Or she’ll do her best to make sure Jimin didn’t have to go through the pressure of being Big by making herself seem more stable than she actually was.

Tae couldn’t, even if he thought it was a good idea.

He made a promise and not just a promise. A pinky promise. The most sacred act a Little could do.

His fingers moved quickly as he composed a simple message.

‘You gonna be okay?’

She answered a minute later.

‘I don’t know. I feel like I’m going to have a panic attack.’

His heart dropped, afraid of what was going through her mind and what he could possibly do for her. She sent another text, explaining her situation.

‘My advisor found a problem with my thesis and I’ll have to restart it when I’m halfway done.’

Another text followed.

‘Sorry for putting this on you, I don’t know what’s wrong with me.’

She never felt the need to let her panic out, to tell others but it was just so much . She had coddled Jimin and made him eat a meal before forcing him to sleep. He, just like Kyung Mi, had been sleep deprived and the fact that there was only one class the next day and no work for both of them meant they could actually afford such a luxury.

While Jimin lay cuddled by her side, in deep sleep, Kyung Mi tried not to hyperventilate because how was she going to start everything she worked on from scratch and make it good? Her plan of starting it early was a good call but that still didn’t mean it was enough time to think of a topic and find the proper resources. She also had to look for a job, practice for the showcase, attend her classes, do the assignments of said classes and take care of her Little.

A Little that had no idea what she was going through and a Little she didn’t want to rely on.

Lee Kyung Mi was hyperventilating and as she did, she had carefully squirmed from under her boyfriend and ran to the bathroom because all she wanted to do was cry.

Tae had replied and the only thing she could do to keep herself grounded was to keep talking to him.

‘You want me to call you?’

She sent  a quick ‘yes’, Kyung Mi letting out a shaky exhale when her phone began to vibrate. Picking up his call, she plopped down onto the toilet seat.

“Hey, hey. I’m here. You’re okay. Just breath in.” The boy took a deep inhale so that Kyung Mi would follow along. Once she did, he let the air go and heard her do the same. After repeatedly doing the same action, the dishevelled girl felt her body relax.

While she continued to do so, Taehyung began humming a lullaby into her ear. His low, deep voice providing comfort to the girl’s unstable state.

Kookie was staring at the older, eyes dilated with his mind not processing what was happening. He was too deep into Little space to realise what Taehyung was trying to do.

The girl slumped down against her seat, feeling exhausted out of her mind. Taehyung continued to hum and heard his friend’s breathing gradually even out. It took awhile but the boy was patient, gathering his thoughts on how to help her.

“Thank you.” The girl finally murmured out, feeling as if she was two seconds away from falling asleep. Taehyung didn’t speak at first, uncertain about whether he should say something or not.

But he decided to.

“If you want to talk, you know I’m here for you.”

With a small whimper, Kyung Mi shook her head in frustration.

“I didn’t mean to put this on you or anyone . I didn’t wanna be a burden and I just keep….messing up. I keep depending on people when I never did, I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

Yoongi came into the room just as Taehyung had jumped on his seat and folded his legs under him. “You aren’t a burden! Trust me, I know it’s hard to depend on others when you haven’t for your whole life. But...that doesn’t make you weak for doing it. It’s fine if you feel guilty at first because you’re hard wired to feel like that, but don’t think that you always have to feel guilty. I’m here, Jiminie ’s here.”

Jungkook’s ears perked at his Hyung’s name, sitting on the couch and trying to decipher if something was wrong or not.

Kyung Mi curled up into a ball when she heard his name. It was so warm and had comfort in it but she didn’t want to take that away from him, she didn’t want to be too much.

“You’ve given so much love to him without letting him love you. You deserve it, not because of how much you do but cause you’re his girlfriend. He loves you, no matter whether you’re happy or not.”

After a second, Taehyung asked a question. “Where is he? Where are you ?” Yoongi sat besides Tae, making the younger jump before relaxing his body and leaning against his caregiver. The man didn’t question who his baby boy was talking to, combing through the pup’s hair while pressing a kiss onto Jungkook’s cheek.

Kookie curled up closer to Yoongi but kept staring at the phone against Tae’s ear, knowing that something was wrong.

“I made him go to sleep, I ran to the bathroom when I started to have a panic attack.” Kyung Mi answered bluntly, feeling her eyes droop.

Taehyung gave the easiest answer, “go lie down with him and cuddle. You need to sleep too.” Before she could complain, having a million things to do, Tae added, “I know you don’t want to because you have a lot to do but remember, if it was anyone else you would be giving them the same advice. So stop being a damn hypocrite and rest.”

Tae heard Kookie gasp, murmuring into Yoongi’s ear about how the oldest Little said a bad word. Even though the caregiver knew that “damn” technically didn’t count, he still smacked Taehyung’s head gently so that Kookie would be satisfied.

It was clear that the baby was being a brat as he giggled softly at Taehyung’s annoyed expression. His eyebrows unfurrowed when Kyung Mi weakly agreed to do as he said, the boy still worrying about how frail her voice sounded. Saying their goodbyes, Taehyung made Kyung Mi promise to call him whenever she needed to.

While Kyung Mi didn’t like that idea, deep down it gave her a sense of comfort and warmth, knowing that someone cared.

After the call ended, all Kyung Mi wanted was to be held. But, there were nerves that were yet to be calmed and so she went through her playlist and played the one song that always soothed her.

First Love.

Without earphones, sitting on the toilet seat while her boyfriend slept in the next room, Kyung Mi listened to the song in low volume and her head close to the speaker of her phone. She mumbled every word, choking up when the rapper’s voice became more heavy and pained. She listened and listened and felt a blanket enveloping her, a hand that was patting her head, making her feel safe .

By the end of the song, Kyung Mi was in tears yet she was calmer than she had ever been because there was someone there for her, even when he actually wasn’t.

Her knowing that she loved someone else, someone who she relied on, someone who was her saviour and protector, whilst at the same time having her boyfriend not know, seemed so wrong.

It was a bizarre thing, to count on a person who didn’t even know you, rather than leaning against someone who was physically there to lean on. It was just a habit of hers. A habit to close herself from the world and only let people who she couldn’t hurt into her bubble.

Ever since she was young, be it cartoons or singers or her own imagination, Kyung Mi felt most comforted by them rather than people.

For a moment, after her tears were wiped away, Kyung Mi had the motivation to actually seek external comfort. Even though she had promised herself that she would never lean on Jimin, that she would never burden him with her insecurities and her pain, Mi Mi seeked comfort from him.

Opening the door of the bathroom, letting the light seep into the darkness where Jimin lay, Kyung Mi couldn’t help but hold her breath when the mass under the blanket moved and groaned.

Mi Mi would have closed the door, but it was too dark for her, too scary.

It should be known that Lee Kyung Mi was terrified of the dark and felt extremely unsafe and vulnerable in it. All she wanted to do was make a run for the bed, to jump into it and snuggled her head into Jimin’s chest. But that would wake him up and he already got bothered and now the need for comfort seemed so selfish and stupid and unnecessary…..

“Baby?”

An audible whimper escaped her lips when Jimin spoke with his groggy, sleepy voice. A tuft of blonde peeked out of the bundle, the boy squinting as the bathroom light was too bright for his dilated eyes.

Somehow, Kyung Mi had managed to not even tell her boyfriend that she hated the dark. For what other reason than hating the fact that he would feel the need to coddle her in her vulnerable, fearful state.  And that did sound magical to the 80% of her that was weak and tired and needy, but the 20% of her was too used to self comfort that it would crush every little whine for external attention and care.

Jimin couldn’t help but miss the warmth that had faded from besides him. Sitting up, he silently admired how Kyung Mi looked so good in his shirt and how sweet and tiny she was.

“Come back to bed, love. Let’s cuddle.”

Though his girlfriend could only see his silhouette, she was sure that he was smiling softly at her. This was proven correct when the boy turned on the lamp besides him, blinking slowly while running a hand through his messy hair.

With sweater paws as hands, Jimin urged her towards him. With the fear of darkness no longer paralyzing her, Kyung Mi closed the door and padded her way towards the now cross legged boy. Jimin’s arms were open, welcoming her into his hold.

It made her heart warm, forgetting all about the pain she felt.

Kyung Mi’s arms were outstretched as she walked towards the bed, they stayed outstretched as the needy girl clambered on top of the end of the bed and waddled towards Jimin on her knees.

On the last plunge, her knee was caught into her shirt, causing her to lose balance and fall forwards.

Falling right into Jimin’s arms.

The boy had spread his legs just as she tripped, wrapping all of his limbs around the sweet, sleepy girl.

She was so warm to him, so soft against his own body. With a sleep drunk mind, the boy couldn’t help but giggle hysterically at the pure cuteness of it all.

The kisses that followed were many, tiny and frequent. It ranged from her cheeks, to her nose, to her forehead and hair and even on her neck.

“Sorry. I woke you up.”

Kyung Mi murmured into his shoulder, feeling the exhaustion hit her full force. Her voice was nasally and thick, lips pressing tiny kisses on her boyfriend’s collarbone.

“It’s okay, baby. I wanted to cuddle with you anyway. Did you have a tough day?”

Opening her mouth, the tired girl was ready to deny it. She really didn’t want him to worry but at that moment, her heart became selfish (though,truthfully, it had just become kinder).

“I have to redo my thesis. Think of a new topic and everything. Start from scratch, only got a week’s extension.”

Her voice cracked at the last sentence, feeling even more tired from saying it but feeling lighter at the same time.

Jimin cooed at her state, worry creasing his eyebrows. He hadn’t seen how much work, time and effort Kyung Mi had put into everything but he had noticed the darkened circles under her eyes, the weakened smiles she would force on her lips. Jimin would hear the soft pacing of her feet when she would be working extra diligently while he would be ‘sleeping’.

The amount of times he wanted to bring it up was plenty, except his focus would always shift to dance practice or his chemistry assignments or his part time job.

Park Jimin always felt a deep, intense guilt for being so selfish.

It ate away his mind and many times, his dreams would turn into nightmares because of her and the guilt. The guilt. The heavy guilt set on his chest whenever he woke up sweating with Kyung Mi besides him.

Kyung Mi who would stay awake the whole night for him.

Who would miss work for him.

He wanted to try harder.

Just a bit harder.

He wanted to be there for her, even when she never let him.

But what could he do?

He didn’t know.

And he would freeze.

And not try at all.

And drown in the guilt.

Rocking back and forth, Jimin did his best to convince himself that this was enough for now. That holding and coaxing her into sleep was the best he could do.

He could love her. He could give her all of his love, all of his heart and soul. But that wouldn’t be enough. Not enough to take away the guilt, to right his wrongs.

Maybe love wasn’t enough to help anyone?

Did it even do anything?

Could she feel it with the layers and layers of insecurities between his warm love and her heart?

Jimin didn’t think it was and so, he let the guilt dig its claws deeper in because he deserved it.

Kyung Mi felt every inch of his love however, with the vibration of his chest as he hummed a soft lullaby, his heart beat, his hands that combed through her hair, his soft lips that were pressed against her forehead, his arms and legs that were like a sweater on her. A sweater that warmed her from the cold reality of constant fear and panic and work and work and work.

He was her safe haven.

He, as he was, was enough.

At that moment, he wasn’t her Little and she wasn’t his Mommy.

They were just them.

Jimin lay back down, his girlfriend sprawled across his chest and stomach. Kyung Mi’s breath was deeper, heartbeat steady as darkness enclosed her. Jimin stayed awake for a few minutes, thinking of turning off the lights but something made him repel from that idea.

All he could do was listen and feel. Her hair under his nose, her arms around his waist,her tiny babbles that appear from time to time.

It was always a sweet thought for Jimin, that he may have a dozen stuffies with the most fluffiest bodies, but Kyung Mi was his favourite one to cuddle.

And to Kyung Mi, Jimin was her one and only teddy bear.

And though their relationship was flawed and their mental states fluctuated often, it was still so beautiful .

They were simply their imperfect yet beautiful selves.

Chapter Text

(There is a mystery man in the other half of this chapter...try to guess who it is while you're reading it!!)

When the call had ended, Tae did nothing but put down the phone and stare at his lap. He was scared of looking at the man besides him. But, it really wasn’t Yoongi who he had to look out for as Jungkook got up to stand in front of the Switch.

Putting his fluff clad paws on his hips, the bunny pouted at the older.

“What’s wrong with Noona?”

Sighing, Tae knew Jungkook was too much into Little space to be threatening but a temper tantrum was what would ensue if the boy didn’t get what he wanted.

Hoseok came to the rescue, smiling brightly at the Little and urging him into the kitchen.

“We’ll let TaeTae explain after we’ve all eaten. How about that, hmm? Let’s get something in that squishy belly of you.”

The man proceeded to poke the bunny’s stomach, causing Kookie to giggle and hug his Daddy tight. Jungkook had nowhere near a ‘squishy belly’, his abs toned and hard from his morning workout routine.

Once the two were in the kitchen, Kookie gave his Daddy moral support as the man set the table and added the finishing touches to their meal.

“We’ll talk later, okay? Don’t stress over it and just eat . You look really pale, hun.”  Yoongi carded his large hands through Taehyung’s hair, seeing the boy relax completely against his touch.

“Look who’s talking.” Tae weakly mumbled out, laughing softly.

The rapper pressed a kiss on the boy’s temple, chuckling at his words.

“I’m naturally pale as fuck, don’t be cocky.”

There was a loud gasp from behind them, causing Yoongi to curse under his breath as the youngest Little shouted,

“Daddy! Dada said a bad word.”

Hobi came out from the kitchen to send his partner a playful glare, “you know what that means, mister.” With hands on his hips, the renowned, badass rapper looked like a mother.  

And the other, rather scary renowned rapper simply pouted like a baby and took out a 1000 won note. He and Taehyung moved to the table, Yoongi slipping in the money into a jar that sat on the counter. Jungkook giggled happily at the growing amount of bills in the swear jar, whispering to Taehyung of what they could possibly get from it.

“Let’s get a bunch of snacks and share, okay?” Taehyung smiled adoringly at his beloved Little, kissing the tip of his nose.

When he looked down at the assortment of dishes set in from of him, Taehyung’s stomach growled loudly.

There was Bibimbap, Bulgogi, yang nyum chicken and candied sweet potatoes. Jungkook’s eyes were wide and shimmering, jumping on his seat while clapping excitedly.

The boy had to be fed at this point, him being too messy as a Little. Hoseok took on the task of putting chicken and rice into his mouth, the bunny moving his head around while munching on his food. Tiny noises and mewls would escape his lips, showing how much he loved the tasty food his daddy was feeding him.

Taehyung had stared at his plate for a solid minute, too worried and stressed to have an appetite. Though the last time he ate was two hours before the strenuous dance practice, which had left Jungkook as a hungry, bratty baby.

Tae yelped when Yoongi stuffed some Bibimbap into his mouth, the man using his own chopsticks and feeding the Switch like Hoseok was with Jungkook.

“Wha-you know I’m not in Little space right?” Taehyung spoke with a mouth full of food, it was so good and he couldn’t help but smile.

“You weren’t eating, so I decided to help. Don’t make me use my chopsticks on you.” Yoongi took a bite as well, sending Taehyung a threatening glare.

“I was just thinking.” With a mumble, the boy picked up his utensils and began feeding himself, groaning at finally having something in his stomach and at how good it was.

“You like?” Hoseok asked, feeding Jungkook another spoonful. The Switch sent the man a thumbs up and flying kiss in response.

Yoongi smiled so much that his gums became visible, the man playing with Tae’s hair before twiddling with his ear.

“Yoongz, you need to eat too.” The younger of the Daddies gave the elder a chiding glare. The man straightened, his mouth in a line before proceeding to eat.

Jungkook started to talk about his day, jumping around so much that Hoseok would accidently smear food on his cheek.

When the boy was told to settle down, Jungkook simply put his energy into his legs as they swung violently under the table.

He spoke nothing of Jimin and his tears, the boy being too upset as it was.

It was mostly chatter and random facts about different people in his class.

The sadness the Little had had evaporated because both of his Daddies were with him. Both of them. And sure, Namjoonie and Jinnie couldn’t be there but still . It was a miracle when both of them were in one place.

They were always busy with something or the other, most of the time Kookie and Taehyung wouldn’t mind because they loved their caretakers’ music but they still miss them a lot.

The boys never needed much, no matter how much they missed their Daddies, all they asked for was that the two hard working men took care of themselves.

At the end of the meal, Hoseok had finally given Yoongi the curious look that he was trying so hard to hide (even though Yoongi noticed it halfway through the dinner).

“Hyung….you had a lot of work today. I didn’t think you would come home before the Littles fell asleep, much less for dinner.”

Smiling softly at his partner, the man fiddled with Taehyung’s ear one more time before answering honestly.

“Jin called and told me that something was wrong with Tae. I was worried so I decided to leave early. I’m glad I did cause Hyung wasn’t wrong.” The man finished his sentence while eying the boy next to him.

Hanging his head low, the boy gave an apologetic look at his Hyungs, even bowing because of how guilty he felt.

With a soft swat on the head, Yoongi pulled the younger up and gave him a heavy look.

“Never apologise for us worrying for you. I like caring and being there for my boys, so it’s no problem at all.” Yoongi softly chided, caressing the boy’s cheek.

Jungkook decided to jump in, still bouncing in his chair. “And both Dada and Daddy are here! We got to eat with ‘em. That’s good right?”

Hoseok chuckled, kissing the top of the bunny’s head before taking the plates to the sink.

“Yeah, you’re right bun bun.” The man praised the Little, seeing his eyes brighten as if it was a math question he got right.

Which didn’t really make any sense because he hadn’t studied math since high school.

“I like spending time with my three favourite humans and I love each and everyone of you, no matter what you’re feeling.”

Patting Taehyung’s head once again, Yoongi smiled brightly at the shy boy in front of him, who was fiddling with his fingers and biting his lower lip gently.

Yoongi got up to help Hoseok with the dishes, asking his two boys to sit on the couch and wait for them. Tae knew that after the two caregivers were done with the task, he would have to tell them everything. It was unnerving, even when he was ready to speak.

Jungkook had noticed his stiffness, being more aware of his surroundings, and had taken out his phone and earphones from the pockets of his onesie.

“Wanna listen to a song while we wait.” The boy had already plugged in the earphones, offering one of the buds to the other.

Taehyung took it, not really thinking much of anything.

They both looked through Jungkook’s long playlist but it seemed that one song was already in the Little’s mind as he scrolled down to listened to one of Daddy’s newer songs.

A giggle escaped Kookie’s lips when “Just Dance” began playing. It was so fun to listen to, Hoseok’s vocals making their hearts thrum faster.

Taehyung relaxed soon and belted out the words with Jungkook. Even though the Little was still deep in his head space, he sung beautifully and only stopped to squeal at the way his Daddy said “Baby” over and over again.

Both the boys clung to each other and wriggled around, not being able to form coherent sentences because their mind and heart had melted into a puddle.

The second song was Seesaw and it got loud very quickly, the two dancing in their seats and fanboying because their Min Yoongi was singing .

The two rappers could hear their baby boys from the kitchen, snickering at the way Kookie’s voice would crack or how cutely childish Taehyung’s deep voice sounded.

The next song was, of course, Love by their dear friend Namjoon. The man was a Little himself, one of the most clumsiest and innocent Littles to ever exist but his Big self was so mature and deep and wild. The boys would sing along but pause every now and again because the man was a lyrical genius .

He was also one of the most hard working Littles they knew, the one who wrote and produced so many songs and he was the kindest person as well. The late night talks with him were what Taehyung and Jungkook cherished the most, right after their Daddies’ cuddles and love.

The two then sung along to Galaxy and Some by bolbbalgan4, serenading to each other. Part of it was mockingly but their eyes were alight with pure adoration.

The caregivers took their time with the cleaning up, wanting Taehyung to relax first. Yoongi had asked about him, not holding back in the amount of worry that he held for the pup.

Hoseok told him the story, even mentioning what the boy did to avoid eye contact, Yoongi smiled at the silliness.

“You want me to tell you what Jungkook told me or would you rather have Taehyung say it out loud.” Yoongi sighed and shrugged.

“The thing that’s bothering him the most must be someone else’s problems if he tried to hide it. He must feel like it’s none of his business, either that or he doesn’t want to burden us because he thinks we already have so much on our shoulders. “

Hoseok hummed in response, thinking deep about what his partner said. Yoongi was always more observant and simply knew the Little’s better, it helped a lot when it came to them being caregivers.

“You really think he’s worried about someone else, someone other than Jiminie?” Yoongi’s eyebrows arched up in surprise, he was suspecting it would be him.

“It’s not?”

Shaking his head, Hoseok explained how Jungkook had already mentioned what was wrong with Jimin and though it was also bothering Taehyung, it wasn’t the only thing.

Nodding slowly, the oldest became even more worried for his pup.

“He’s the type of person who wants to be there for others, no matter how broken they are….” with furrowed eyebrows, the man couldn’t help but think the worst of the person Taehyung was worried about, “he’ll get hurt. This person….their going to hurt him if he gets too close.”

Hoseok didn’t want to agree with this statement, nor did he want to believe that helping others would lead to someone getting hurt.

“I was there for you and….we turned out alright. You got better….or at least I hope you did.” Hoseok shuffled his legs as he spoke, feeling unnerved.

“You helped a lot, you know you did and I’m happier than I ever was before I met you. It’s just….I hurt you and I don’t want that happening to Taehyung.” Slipping in the last plate into the drying rack, the man looked at his pruny hands in distaste.

Hoseok hugged him from behind, kissing the Yoongi’s pale neck out of affection.

“I’m okay, you need to stop feeling guilty for that, Hyung.” Another kiss was planted on his cheek, Hoseok’s hands placed firmly against the older man’s hips.

“Yeah, I know but sometimes….it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen or isn’t going to happen.” Yoongi craned his neck so that the red headed rapper would have more room to plant his love.

“Let’s hear him out first, yeah?” Hoseok caressed the man’s thigh, much thinner than his own but perfect in its own way.

“I wanna hear Taehyung’s worries from him, so he could get comfortable.”

The two caregivers smiled at each other, Hoseok calming down the shorter man by placing soft kisses on his face. The stress of producing a new album and being away from his Littles had increased his anxiety which was made obvious with the trembling of his hands and the way he would try to inhale and exhale deeply to calm himself down.

Hoseok was the first person to make him feel safe and secure, helping him through the really rough days. His two precious boys had also become his safe haven. They didn’t even know how much he depended on them, how much their love meant to him.

When they left the kitchen, Taehyung and Jungkook were laying on top of each other. They were panting heavily, burned out from how hyped up they were and how many mini performances they had on the couch.

Hoseok tickled the bunny, making the younger wiggle around and scream in joy.

Taehyung had sobered up, anxiety building up inside of him.

Yoongi noticed, smiling kindly at the boy.

“You can tell us whenever you’re ready, we’ll wait for as long as you want us to.”

Taehyung nodded, understanding that he needed help no matter how guilty it made him feel. He anxiously wrung his wrists, not knowing where to begin and how to begin.

“I-I-don’t…” He bit his lip in frustration, eyes flickering in thought. Hoseok had plopped down on the couch, Jungkook on his lap. The bunny clung to him, smiling encouragingly at the Switch.

Yoongi placed a thumb on Tae’s lower lip and unlatched it from under his teeth. Placing a kiss on the thumb, the boy mumbled out incoherent words as if his mind couldn’t even form any.

“Why don’t you start by telling Yoongi what Jungkook told me.” Hoseok added, also smiling kindly.

Taehyung looked between his caregivers, a confused expression painted on his face.

“I thought you would’ve already told him, Hoseokie Hyung.” Yoongi sat next to the pup, placing his cheek on the boy’s broad shoulder.

“I thought it would be best if you told me. That okay with you, love?”

With a nod, Taehyung took a deep breath before telling them everything from his lips. He left his biggest insecurities for last.

“I-it wasn’t as if I meant to be scared that i’ll disappoint you guys and I know you would be proud of me no matter what, but….I love to dance and to sing and to be surrounded by people who love it as well. I just don’t want to disappoint myself and I wanted to be as confident as I can be before I sing for you guys, so I can be on the same level…..”

Taehyung blushed, once again biting his lower lip.

“I know that’s impossible, I can’t even be on the same level as Jungkook but I just….want to feel like I belong with you guys when I sing. That I don’t bring you down with me. And maybe….there is a part of me that’s scared that you’ll hate my voice and the way I dance.”

Yoongi, once again, unlatched Taehyung’s lip from his teeth. The man kissed the Switch’s cheek, murmuring into his baby’s ear.

“You already know how much I love your voice, it’s so soulful hun.”

Hoseok piped in, moving to sit next to Taehyung while Jungkook sat on the ground in front of his partner.

“And I love the way you dance. And I know we can’t take away the insecurity in you but….know we’ll always love you and your whole entire being.”

Jungkook placed his head on Taehyung’s lap, “and your voice is so so pretty. I can’t even go as low as you can! And you dancing while playing the saxophone is the sexiest thing ever! That’s what the girls said, at least. They’re gross so don’t listen to them.”

Taehyung let out a tiny chuckle, running his hands through the boy’s hair.

“Thanks, Kookie.”

Jungkook grabbed the man’s hand and pressed a kiss on the palm, smiling cutely with his bunny teeth. Yoongi was right to let Taehyung speak of his problems since the boy had grown even more comfortable with them.

The rapper had also been right about one other thing.

“The other thing...is about a friend of mine….about Jimin’s girlfriend.” The Little clenched his jaw, sadness clouding his eyes.

Jungkook and Kyung Mi, though it could not be instantly seen, had a very close friendship. It was an odd one, but it was precious and sometimes very silent but sweet.

“Wh-why did she-” Taehyung cut the boy off, understanding what he was trying to say.

“She didn’t mean to tell me, I found her crying and I kinda made her tell me.”

Taking a deep sigh, Taehyung explained the situation.

It made his throat close, heart heavy in his chest.

Jungkook had tears dripping from his eyes by the end of it.

His Noona was hurting. And he didn’t even know.

Hoseok cooed softly and collected the baby back into his arms, the boy snuggled against the man’s chest and lap.

His Daddy wiped away the tears, kissing Jungkook’s face as a way to calm him down.

“I didn’t even know she was a Little. She just-she never…..”

Taehyung nodded, understanding what he felt.

“It’s okay, Kook. I didn’t know, her own boyfriend doesn’t.”

Yoongi had stayed silent, processing the words. The girl reminded the rapper of himself and that really was not a good thing in that situation.

“We should tell Jiminie Hyung! We can’t just- just let her suffer alone without him knowing.” Jungkook had gotten restless, moving around on his Daddy’s lap. Hoseok held him down, trying to settle the boy by kissing and nibbling on his neck.

Once Jungkook relaxed against the red headed rapper, Taehyung gave the bunny an uneasy smile.

“I promised Kyung Mi I wouldn’t tell him. She promised to tell Jimin about the job thing but other than that, I don’t know if she’ll do it until after the showcase or if she’ll even do it.”

The most dominant of the four sighed and nodded, “alright. I understand your concern, I would be concerned too. But I’m guessing you know that the best thing either of you can do is simply support and be there for her. You can’t interfere in a relationship that isn’t your own.”

Jungkook pouted, his mind in between headspaces. Taehyung was completely mentally exhausted from the amount of words and feelings he had put out in the open, he hummed in agreement. Yoongi hugged his pup, kissing his neck and face as affectionately as he possibly could.

“You think I should let her know that I know?” Jungkook asked, resting his head under Hoseok’s chin. Both Taehyung and Yoongi let out a “no.”

Before Jungkook could even ask why, Taehyung answered with an apologetic look. “She’ll feel embarrassed and would close herself off if someone else knew. Kyung Mi would think it’s wrong to worry so many people and show vulnerability. Today, she told me a lot of things and trusted me….she let me help her. I don’t want her to not rely on me.”

Jungkook stayed silent, conflicted and confused, snuggling closer to his Daddy before yawning. Hoseok cooed at the sleepy boy, giving his partner a look before glancing at the clock.

“It’s pretty late now, I think we should all go to bed.” There was groans from both the boys, not wanting to be away from their caregivers because of how many times they don’t get to see the two busy men.

Yoongi grinned, not thinking of the amount of work he had left to do as he told his Littles, “We’ll cuddle and sleep together. All of us worked really hard today, huh?”

The subs contemplated it, liking the idea of their caregivers getting a good night’s sleep as well.

Agreeing rather quickly, Jungkook latched himself onto the red headed male while Taehyung clung to Yoongi as they walked out of the living room.

“Uwah, you got heavy Bun Bun.” Hoseok spoke as he carried the fluff clad prince in his arms.

They all decided to sleep on Yoongi’s bed, as his was the biggest.

Yoongi asked the Switch whether or not the boy wanted to wear a onesie. Taehyung nodded without hesitation before pausing and smirking wickedly.

“Only if you and Hobi Hyung wear one too.”

Kookie loved that idea and Hoseok had agreed almost immediately. While Yoongi shook his head and refused, he was no match for the Little’s puppy eyes and the dancer’s arms as they picked him up. Taehyung stripped the man of his pitch black clothes; it was at that moment that the man decided to stop resisting.

While the grumpy rapper was put in a sugar glider onesie, the bright faced rapper wore a cat one. Taehyung was put on his favourite fluffy dog onesie before being smushed with affection and kisses by Hoseok.

They nestled into the double king sized bed, the two youngest in the middle with Hoseok besides Taehyung and Yoongi besides Kookie.

They talked amongst themselves, planting kisses on each other and cuddling closer. It was like a miracle, for them to be together at the same time.

All four felt the most peace when they were in each other’s presence and no matter what pain or stress befell on them, they knew that it was going to be okay.

“All you need to do is be there for her,” Hoseok whispered into his pup’s ear. It was normally Yoongi who took it upon himself to give the Littles advice and it was normally the fun, sunshine filled man who took the responsibility of being the energy and warmth of the group.

But Hoseok felt like even he had to participate in guiding his precious boys.

“You’re a human, not an angel. You can’t take away her pain but you can empathise. Don’t do anything that will hurt you, no matter how much you think it’s the right thing to do.”

Though Hoseok had been someone who had transformed himself into an angel and gave up his happiness to lift Yoongi up, the man knew how much it hurt.

He never regretted it, he would never regret giving up everything for his first love because it ended with that man being alive and well and besides him as they took care of two beautiful boys.

But Taehyung was not as emotionally strong as Hoseok was, he was fragile and more easily affected by words.

Or at least that’s what the caregiver believed.

Their whispers grew quieter, sleep blurring their eyesight.

Yoongi was practically passed out, trying to keep his eyes open because he knew his boys were staying awake just to spend a bit more time with their Daddies.

“Mi-”

Kookie cut himself off, wondering whether the information was important or not.

Dada tapped the tip of his nose, giving him a questioning look.

Kookie didn’t know whether it would ruin the mood or not, whether it would wake Taehyung up from his dozed off state.

The information wasn’t really important but it meant something .

“Mi Mi likes Dada’s and Daddy’s music.”

Tae groaned and put his leg over Hoseok’s hips, wrapping an arm around him like a pillow.

“That’s no news, Kookie. We all like their music. The whole dance crew is using two of their songs, they practically worship Hobi Hyung. Of course she would like them.”

Kookie pursed his lips, wondering how much his theory could be correct. With another look from Yoongi, the boy sighed and snuggled closer to his caregiver.

“I saw her before practice once, all alone and on the floor. ‘Fledgling’ was playing from the speakers and the look she had on her face was….Like she was content with tears in her eyes. I feel like they mean something to her.”

The older rapper placed his lips on the bunny’s forehead, humming in thought.

“I don’t think it makes much of a difference, baby. Look at you, you’re practically dreaming. Don’t use anymore of that cute brain of yours and sleep.”

Jungkook didn’t even try to argue. His head nestling deeper into the crook of Yoongi’s neck, sighing deeply before relaxing into the darkness. The caregiver gave Kookie his hand to hold, the Little putting his Dada’s thumb into his mouth.

It was a strange habit of his, but a cute one at that.

Taehyung lazily peppered kisses along Hoseok’s neck and collarbone, worried that they’ll be out of their reach when morning came.

“If we do leave, I promise I’ll wake you up for a goodbye.” Hoseok whispered, returning the love.

Jungkook and Yoongi often got along because of how subtle and calm their love was, Hoseok and Taehyung were very loud and open about their affection and so were the best to cuddle each other with.

But the four, despite their differences, still had an unbreakable bond that would last for years to come.

It had been two weeks since Kyung Mis breakdown, two weeks since her panic attack, two weeks since she found out she had to do her thesis from scratch.

Two weeks since she had promised Taehyung that she would tell Jimin about her lack of a job.

Two jobless weeks of her pretending to have a means of income.

Two weeks of her only caring about her boyfriend,her thesis, her class and never herself.

Kyung Mi’s focus on such tasks had led to her forgetting to eat most of the time, her sleeping was at a minimum and Jimin was drowning under his own responsibilities, so of course, there was no way for him to know how much his caregiver was doing a bad job at taking care of herself.

The only time he could possibly notice is when their work schedules lined up, twice every week, and rather than confessing Kyung Mi lets Jimin walk her to the intersection before he goes the other way and disappears from sight.

The girl would turn around and walk back home, ready to work even harder on her assignments.

However, it was one faithful day that Kyung Mi could not bare to stay at home.

She aimlessly walking around, the afternoon cool but not enough for any extra layers. Her legs were feeble and she had taken note of how thinner her thighs were. Not by a lot but the girl still noticed. It was a habit of hers afte rall.

Because Lee Kyung Mi was not born with her mother’s skinny features, she was soft and chubby. Her thighs were thick in the most beautiful way possible, though all thick thighs were beautiful, her stomach would’ve stuck out if her body hadn’t gone through vigorous dancing.

Her hips were wide and her breasts had volume, body imperfect but bold and magnificent.

It was one of her many insecurities, the scars on her arms and legs proof of the shame she felt.

It was one insecurity that never left her lips, mostly due to the fact that Jimin demolished it all. The way he held her, kissed her, looked at her.

There was never a hateful thought in Kyung Mi’s mind when she was with her boyfriend.

It was when he wasn’t was what crippled her.

But at that moment, she was happy because she looked thinner and more fragile.

As fragile as she once was, no matter how sickly the past her was.

Kyung Mi felt a bit more closer to Jimin’s perfection, his fragility and his beauty.

But it was wrong.

Her thoughts were wrong but her mind was exhausted, her body mirroring it as it was worn into bluntness.

She was soon walking on the grass of Han River, her legs being on autopilot as Kyung Mi stayed in a state of dissociation and numbness.

There were not many people there, chattering about and laughing with no worries and no obligations.

They were happy and Kyung Mi did not want to say it out loud but she was not.

She felt miserable but she couldn’t do anything about it.

Her mind and heart were too tired to do anything about it.

Dropping down onto the itchy grass was relieving, her sandals off within seconds as her toes wiggled over the damp greenery.

The softness of the water moving and crashing gently were something that lulled Kyung Mi into her dissociative state, her body feeling cold but it felt good.

Coldness was what she was used to. The hours and hours of staring at a wall, the torture of standing under the shower with ice cold water spraying down at her.

Her hands moved mechanically as earbuds were placed into her ears, tapping on the songs she loved the most.

There were many Agust D songs, hard and fast yet some were kind and gentle and warm.

She needed it, she needed the warmth.

But everyone knew that shivering caused weight loss and she wanted to shiver even more to shed away the burdens and worries.

Her mind began to feel again, it sneakily slipping into a vulnerable headspace.

She was half asleep, back against the ground, her eyes listlessly staring at the sky that was turning a deeper shade of blue.

First Love began to play, Yoongi’s deep voice wrapping her in a blanket and holding her hand. Yoongi comforting her, Yoongi being vulnerable with her.

Yoongi smiling at her, Yoongi hugging her and placing kisses on her forehead.

Yoongi murmuring kind words into her ear, Yoongi cooing at her cuteness.

Yoongi calling her baby girl and feeding her and buying her stuffies.

Yoo-

“Daddy.” The Little whimpered out in a tired voice, not realising what she had said.

It was one word, a word that her heart had voiced.

A word so deep in her subconscious that it was something she didn’t even think about.

A word she would not remember when she woke up.

Her body and soul gave up as the girl fell asleep on the damp grass, under the open sky with none of her problems hovering over her like a grey cloud.

She was just there, unfeeling and surrounded by darkness and peace and none of the chaos.

It was near sunset that Kyung Mi woke, the biting cold digging into her.

It was that time of the year where the afternoons would be pleasant but the morning and nights would be icy and unfriendly.

Kyung Mi, with no jacket and weakened bones, stood up to begin her trek back home.

She did not get far however, feet trudging against the rough cement. Shoes had been forgotten as she felt her mind collapse.

Her body did as well, the moment she gently bumped into a wall.

She scraped her arm as she fell, not a sound of distress or surprise escaped her seal lips.

“Oya, I’m so sorry.” The voice was vaguely familiar, deep and smooth like the ocean.

The man crouched down, inspecting the weak girl for any injuries.

The sight of her wearing the bear minimum with the weather they were experiencing, along with no shoes was very suspicious but the kind human never cared as he held out a hand.

“Can you get up, miss?” Kyung Mi looked up, so dissociated that even when she saw his face it was unknown to her of who he was.

Tilting his head, he smiled kindly before asking, “is it okay if I touch you, miss? I just want to help you stand.”

She nodded softly, the words not registering in her mind.

He held Kyung Mi’s shoulders, coaxing her to use the little energy she had in herself to stand up. When she had, her knees were wobbly and uncertain.

“There’s a bench over there, let’s sit okay?”

The man put her arm over his shoulder, supporting the exhausted girl from the waist. There were lights flashing behind her eyes, throat constricting and stomach twisting in hunger.

But she had so much to do, she couldn’t get sick.

She couldn’t be weak.

Setting her down was a bit tough, the man grunting clumsily and emitting many “oh”s and “Uwah”s. He stared at her arm, a fresh wound welling into existence as the owner of the body didn’t feel a thing.

Kyung Mi’s soul and body were two different beings. No, that was not right. It was not that the soul had separated, it had diminished into a wisp of a flame that had no intention of  whispering back into a roaring fire.

“Yah, where did your shoes go? Were you wearing any?”

The man looked around, confused and disgruntled. He was mumbling to himself, tapping his fingers against his thigh as he thought of what to do.

Kyung Mi had enough conscience to point in the direction of where she was. It was not like there was a great distance that she had travelled, the Han River was still besides them.

The man stared at her arm and at the direction she was pointing at.

“Is that where your shoes are?”

It took a small nod for him to understand, beginning to walk towards the lost shoes before pausing. He looked back at the frail girl, noticing how she shivered from the cold evening air and the lack of nutrients in her body.

“Oh!” The boy covered his mouth with his long fingers, eyes wide before fumbling with the coat he was wearing.

Slipping it off, a grey sweater was seen under it. He carefully wrapped it around Kyung Mi, like a blanket, patting her head and smiling reassuringly at her.

“I’ll go get your shoes, okay? Don’t leave this bench.”

It was not like she could even if she wanted to.

He ran, not wanting to leave the girl alone for too long.

There were only one pair of shoes that were laying on the grass, it didn’t take a lot for the man to find them and establish that it was the girl’s.

He hurried back, only stopping at a vending machine to buy a hot drink for the lost human0l he had unexpectedly bumped into.

There was not much of an age difference between them, the man had observed, if it was not for her weakened state than she would look around a year younger.

She was still there, still in the same position as he had left her.

“Here you go, miss.” He placed the sandals near the girl’s feet, noticing how blank her eyes were as if the life in her had diminished.

It was alarming but he didn’t want to give up on her.

“Shall I put it on for you?” The man had crouched down, smiling softly at the nod.

He knew she couldn’t register what the words were, but the kind man would always ask before doing anything.

His hands went to the sandals before they twitched, the man let out another “oh!” before taking the hot beverage and placing it tightly into her hands.

“Hold this for me please, it’ll help warm your hands.”

Carefully putting on the sandals, the man peeked up from time to time to make sure the girl was okay. She was still in a state of dissociation, not realising why the man in front of her was so familiar.

Especially his voice….

The man analysed her face, narrowing at the bags under her eyes and the sharpness of her jaw that did not look natural.

“When was the last time you ate?”

This caught Kyung Mi off guard, she began blinking a lot as a way to return to the real world.

“Uh...um…” The cogs in her brain began to turn, trying to clear the fog that rested heavily on her mind.

“Yesterday….” The man’s eyebrows arched and then they went even higher when she finished her statement.

“Afternoon.”

Shaking his head, the man asked why she would do that to herself.

“Busy. Work.”

Was all that she said, feeling like her limbs were tied down and restrained.

It was so strange for the man to care for someone he had just met, it was always something Yoongi had found concern over. The rapper would often warn his dongsaeng to be careful of trusting and helping people who he knew nothing about.

The man didn’t even think of his Hyung’s words, looking around and thinking of a solution.

His hands had been cupped around Kyung Mi’s, the drink still tightly against her hold.

“I know a restaurant near here, wanna go and have something?” The girl recoiled in her seat, turning into an even tinier ball.

The thought of moving or being around many people in a small place was terrifying and suffocating.

She wanted none of that, she didn’t even want to go home because of how damaged and alone she felt.

The man shushed the dishevelled girl, calming her down from her rigid form.

“I get it, I get it. Um….there’s a convenience store close by but I don’t want to leave you again.”

Kyung Mi didn’t want a stranger helping her, she didn’t want anyone to help her. All she wanted to do was sleep and never wake up, she just wanted to be gone and away.

The man, however, was never going to give up on any human. He never did.

Opening the hot beverage for her, the man kindly asked Kyung Mi to drink it so she could be a bit more warm because the temperature was dropping rather quickly.

He tightened the coat around her so it was snug and gave her more warmth, the man reassured her with a smile before walking off.

His head would turn every few feet to check on her, worry digging its claws deep into his chest.

Her arms shook as she brought the can to her lips, sipping and feeling the elixir go down her throat and to her heart as she started to feel again.

The curtains in her mind were being pulled up, eyes blinking frequently as she noticed her surroundings. The coat was large and warm around her, her sandals were put back into place and there was a drink in her hand.

And that man, that man was so familiar. His voice was like hot chocolate and the ocean, beautiful and deep. However, she couldn’t even remember his face and that bothered her because why couldn’t she remember the face of the kind man who helped her?

The only thing that came to mind were dimples and a beautiful smile.

Kyung Mi continued to sip on her drink, a smile on her face because of how well she was being taken care of. The guilt of it hadn’t settled in yet, to rely on a person who you didn’t even know.

Of course she couldn’t just get up and leave, no matter how much she wanted to.

Her legs weren’t working anyway.

The man kept coming into her mind, his smile and his voice and his dimples. She tried to remember who he was or if she even knew him.

Maybe an old friend? Someone in her university?

Her phone was still in her pocket, the earphones plugged in. To pass the time, Kyung Mi decided to play songs.

She went through two before playing ‘Reflection’ by a very well known artist called RM. Kyung Mi had the highest respect for him, his words gave her strength every day and she could listen to him talk for hours and hours on end.

The man came running back, breathing heavily as he stood a few steps away from the bench. Kyung Mi’s head was low, her eyes making contact with his legs.

With RM’s voice still singing in her ears, the girl looked up at him.

It was almost dramatic, her head moving in slow motion as she saw the bag of food in his hand. She saw his broad chest in a thin sweater and then, she saw his face.

A gasp escaped her mouth, body pressing further into the wood of the bench, the coat feeling hotter and more priceless.

The song ended and she pulled the earphones out, mouth agape and her whole body in shock.

The man tilted his head, the kind smile never leaving him as his dimples deepened into his cheeks.

“Kim Namjoon.”

Kyung Mi muttered out loud, eyes watering and mind going numb once again before her body exploded with adrenaline.

“Uwah, you know me? Aish...why are you surprised Namjoonie? Ah, wait. Ar-are you crying?” The man panicked, it looking funny on his face.

Kyung Mi let the tears roll of her cheeks, they were born from the passion that the man in front of her had ignited after all.

Sniffling, the girl looked away because it was so embarrassing but mostly because he was so beautiful in real life. And seeing him do all that for her made the tears fall down even more.

The awkward man went and sat next to her, keeping his distance, before placing the bag of food in between them.

Kyung Mi went deeper into her corner, afraid that she’ll say or do something to weird him out.

The rapper noticed and cleared his throat before speaking.

“Don’t be scared, I’m just me. I’m just a human and...well...I’m just a human who’s concerned about another human.”

Rummaging through the food, the man mumbled out and looked through a variety of foods.

“I don’t know what you like so I got some options.” He pushed the bag closer to her, offering a reassuring look.

The guilt only grew in Kyung Mi, wanting to refuse her role model’s kindness but not being able to say a word because he was so...so amazing.

She then remembered that the coat wrapped around her was his.

And he was probably freezing.

“Cold.” Kyung Mi whispered, taking the garment off because it felt wrong around her.

Namjoon stopped her, putting a soft hand on her arm.

“It’s okay, don’t take it off. I’m okay, I promise.”

The man then proceeded to pat his stomach.

“I put on some hot packs, I’m all warm and cosy so don’t worry about me. Worry about yourself because you look really pale and weak, miss.”

Kyung Mi’s body relaxed, nodding slowly and not emitting a word because Kim Namjoon had touched her.

The man urged her to take something from the bag and eat, he himself doing the same thing so that she would be more comfortable.

Taking a sandwich, Kyung Mi stared at it and felt her stomach twist in want.

A part of her really didn’t want to eat because she felt smaller and smaller was good. She would be turned back into her big, fat, ugly self if she ate.

“Want me to unwrap it for you, miss?”

She shook her head, giving a weary look to the man who ate chips in peace and looked content.

Deciding that it would be rude to not have the things that he bought with his own money, Kyung Mi unwrapped it and stared before remembering a very important detail she had forgotten to mention.

“Lee Kyung Mi...my name is…” Her voice was so quiet and hard to hear, Namjoon having to lean in closer.

“Pardon?”

With a soft blush, she said her name again and felt her heart squeeze when the man smiled so brightly that his eyes disappeared.

“What a pretty name, Kyung Mi~ I love it. I’m Kim Namjoon, I know you already know that but it’s rude not to introduce myself.”

Kyung Mi knew she loved the rapper even more now.

It felt so unreal, like a dream or a fantasy but it wasn’t.

Mi Mi’s heart grew bigger as she bit into the sandwich her idol bought her.

There was a few minutes of silence before Namjoon began a conversation.

“Say, miss? How old are you? Am I your oppa or not?”

It was a conversation that changed Kyung Mi.

A conversation that may have even changed her whole life.

<3

Chapter Text

“Can I ask you something personal?”

Kyung Mi didn’t flinch at this, she simply nodded while gulping her juice. The timid girl had become more comfortable around the celebrity.

Their talks were small at first, asking trivial things about each other and the feeling of inferiority that came with being next to a famous artist had slowly diminished.

“Did you really forget to eat or was it because you didn’t want to?” It was a question Kyung Mi often asked herself as well, sometimes doubting her reasons and motives.

“I’m not sure. My teenage years were mostly me not eating because I hated my body but I got better at taking care of myself. Now….I don’t know if I use work as an excuse to not eat.”

Namjoon hummed, understanding to some level. Often times, he would be so caught up in work that he would forget basic necessities.

Sometimes he wondered if his mind would purposely forget as punishment for simply existing.

“What type of work do you do?”

Those words made Kyung Mi cringe, realising that she should have clarified.

“I just recently became unemployed. I’m on the search for a job, along with assignments and my thesis and practising for a dance thing.”

The man inhaled, giving her a sympathetic look.

“Being a Uni student is hard, especially in this day and age. It must be a lot of stress.”

Kyung Mi chuckled dryly, agreeing to his statement before shaking her head out of sadness.

“I just...don’t wanna let others down but I am. I’m even letting myself down, in the worst way.”

Namjoon looked at her in an adoring yet empathetic manner. From the little conversation that they had, he had realised how pure and scared the girl besides him was.

He had a desire to protect her.

“Can I ask you something?” Kyung Mi spoke up.

The man snickered, realising that they were playing a very loose version of 20 questions.

“You don’t need to ask me that everytime but yeah, sure.”

It was hard to form the words, the timid girl showing her face once again.

“Um...why did you help me so much? I’m sure you had things to do and I’m a stranger to you.”

The rapper had been munching on some jelly, offering some to Kyung Mi.

They both ate it as Namjoon thought of a way to answer such a question.

“It’s funny, honestly. Yoongi Hyu-” when that name was spoken, Kyung Mi pressed herself further into the bench before letting out an ‘eep’.

The man burst into laughter, his body leaning forward to the point where he could easily topple off. It continued and Mi Mi could feel her cheeks redden.

Brushing away the tears, the man let out another chuckle. “I’m guessing you’ve heard of him?”

The loud and excited baby girl popped out within seconds, eyes glimmering in pure love.

“I love him! I-he-you guys did a lot for me. So….I just….” Blushing profusely, Kyung Mi went back into her shell.

Namjoon’s dimples became even more prominent as his smile widened.

“Yoongi Hyung would scold me for always being too kind to people because they could take advantage of me. I agree with him but I don’t regret helping you. Maybe that’s why I do what I do, being kind leads me to meet kinder human beings.”

Her blush grew, fidgeting in her spot when she realised what she had said before.

She had exposed a very vulnerable part of herself.

“I’m a kind person because of you. Or well..a kinder person, especially to myself. So it’s kinda hard for me to not be excited.”

Her voice was tiny and sheepish which made the man want to curl up into a ball and squeal because of how cute she was.

“I-” with teary eyes, the girl’s smile became brighter as she spoke, “I ate because of you, your songs helped me through panic attacks, you comforted me when no one else could. I’m alive because of you.”

This made her fidget even more, not comfortable with being so open but knowing that she would regret it if she never said anything.

“Are you glad that you’re alive?”

There was a nod, it had no hesitance in it.

“I’m glad you’re alive too. I’m glad I’m alive because I get to meet people like you.”

This made her go still, it made her throat close and her lips shiver because how can such a beautiful man exist?

Pushing her sleeve up, Kyung Mi stared at the faintest of scars that were left on her blemished arm. They used to be burning red a few years ago. They used to be prominent and ugly and her whole world.

They used to be her alternate to tears.

They were the one secret Jimin knew about.

His lips often traced the faded cracks of her past, caressing it with his thumb and smiling sweetly at his precious beloved. Jimin would never judge her for it, never think of her as lesser than the strong woman he knew she was.

It was only 6 months later of her becoming clean that they had met and become a couple. Those six months were difficult but after Jimin, her urges had slowly dissipated.

And the cause of her wanting to be clean had come from the three rappers that had changed her perception on life.

“It was my two year anniversary a few days ago. Of me being clean. And it was because of you. So….I just wanted to let you know how much you’ve done for me.”

The scars did not make her sad anymore, they were not marks of shame. They held no hate in them, they were just a part of a past that was difficult but existent in her life.

No point in hiding it or denying what was done because in between those cold cracks, grew flowers.

She had turned the pain into beauty, her bad experiences into hope and kindness and acceptance.

Namjoon held her arms gently, staring at what seemed like nothing and understanding very quickly.

His thumbs brushed her wrists and hands. There was still a few visible scars on her palm, looking pretty.

“‘Your hands are the most precious. It should create, not destroy.’ Yoongi Hyung told me this a long time ago. It meant even more, knowing what he’s been through.”

The man simply stared at her hands and arms, a soft smile on his lips as if a good thought had breezed past him.

“Your hands hold history so I hope they help you to write the future.” He bent forward to place a kiss on her palm, they were soft and kind.

Kyung Mi was completely in shock, her body frozen and her heart blissful and cheery.

Kim Namjoon had kissed her. He had kissed the scars that had been allowed to fade because of him.

Namjoon realised what he was doing, letting go of her hand as if it was on fire before stuttering and covering his face.

“I’m so sorry. I don’t even….why am I like this? What are you doing, Kim Namjoon?” He had turned into a little ball, face deep in his knees as cute sounds of mortification came out of his lips.

Kyung Mi giggled.

Giggled and giggled till she was bending over and practically crying from laughter.

“You’re really the same in real life, ya know? Clumsy Joonie.”

Silence.

Horror struck her as she covered her mouth, embarrassment hitting her as well.

Both of them were very clumsily stupid.

“I’m so sorry! I shouldn’t have said that, you’re older and I barely know you.”

Her laughs had made him crawl out of his hole and her being flustered made him ease.

“I am really clumsy though.”

He scratched his head, “I think it’s cute that you’re so dorky and friendly with me.”

Kyung Mi concluded with a simple sentence, “we’re both dorks, I guess.”

An agreed snort was heard, the atmosphere finally calming down.

Silence.

Then the dorkier of the two dorks had to go and make it even more uncomfortable.

“Oh! I wasn’t flirting with you, if you thought that….”

The theme of that night was mortification, it seemed.

Kyung Mi shook her head violently, “I was not thinking that! I swear….”

Namjoon face palmed himself, feeling like an idiot for bringing an irrelevant and uncomfortable concept up.

“I didn’t even think. God…”

Kyung Mi decided to add, “ I have a boyfriend, anyway s-”

“Oh cool, me too!”

A pause. The calm before a storm.

And then the storm hit full force.

The realisation dawning on poor Namjoon’s face.

Kyung Mi was taken aback by what her role model had said, but she wasn’t really that surprised.

The rapper slapped his cheek hard, mumbling to himself on how stupid he was.

“You weren’t supposed to come out for a long time, you Nimrod! Why would you just say that? You have a high IQ but still say the most dumbest shit ever.”

Kyung Mi wondered if Namjoon thought she would judge him, her heart cracking at the thought.

Coughing softly, the girl answered in a reassuring tone.

“I’m okay with it, you know that right? Besides….Yoongi Oppa already came out as Bisexual so I don’t know why you haven’t.”

Namjoon smiled with a sheepish grin, ruffling his hair before answering.

“Yoongi was the strongest one out of the three of us to come out. The company felt like he would be able to handle the hate better than Hobi and I….”

It was certainly not Namjoon’s day.

The man slapped his face with both hands, squishing his cheeks in the process.

“Fuck! Why did I mention Hoseok?!”

A pout was formed from him squishing his face, his eyes criss crossed and shut tight.

“Are he and Yoongi Oppa together?”

Stillness.

The rapper hesitating for a second before outing his brothers.

With a defeated sigh, Namjoon nodded.

“How did you guess?”

That made Kyung Mi nervously chuckle, “well….they don’t hide it that well? But I never assumed, just hoped...”

It was definitely not Kyung Mi’s day either.

“Aish...I don’t wanna go through that cycle of mortification again. It’s okay, I can understand why people would ship them, I ship em too. Fans ship me with them too, and it’s fine with me. My boyfriend found it cute and hilarious. He literally said ‘neither of those dimwits could ever match up to me, anyway.’”

Namjoon’s eye roll was sweet and affectionate, his exhale more blissful than annoyed.

“If I do come out, I feel like Armys would become hyper aware of my interactions and dig into who I’m dating. They’re detectives after all….and my boyfriend is pretty well known but very closeted so I don’t want to ruin this for him.”

There was sadness in Kyung Mi’s heart but none in Namjoon’s tone, as if he loved his fans too much to feel bothered by how they were.

“I hope everything works out, I promise I won’t tell a soul.” Kyung Mi did the cute action of zipping her lips and locking the corner of it before throwing away the key.

Namjoon couldn’t help but give Kyung Mi another adoring look, already infatuated with her.

“I’m glad you feel better now, you looked like a zombie before. I was really worried bout you, kiddo.”

She smiled brightly at him, her Little side resurfacing and saying a very unexpected thing.

“Oh by the way! I’m pansexual! And...and Meow Meow Oppa helped me accept myself. He’s so cool and I love him~~”

Namjoon’s eyes widened, stunned at how she called his stone cold rapper friend ‘Meow Meow Oppa’. Her eyes were shimmering, legs beginning to swing before instantly stopping because Kyung Mi was incapable of staying in Little Space for long.

It was a force of habit not to.

“Oh Fu-”

Namjoon covered her mouth, realising how much of a mess both of them actually were.

Also realising that his new found friend might be what he was.

A Little.

“I won’t say anything if you don’t, deal?”

Kyung Mi still couldn’t help but blush, her whole soul crumbling because why the fuck would she say that?

“I’m glad Yoongi Hyung could help you like that.”

Kyung Mi vigorously nodded, placing his hand from her mouth to her heart.

“You did a lot too, listening to you talk is my favourite thing ever. Your words are what I live by, you’ve made me think and love this world even more. You’re the reason why I started to write poems and they’ve helped me cope with so much. You’ve soothed me when I was in chaos. Thank you for that.”

Kyung Mi’s eyes were filled with tears once again, but she didn’t mind it. And as they slid down her cheek, Namjoon saw the impact he made from the trails that were left behind.

Using the other hand to brush away the droplets of appreciation, the man could feel his eyes water as well.

A drop of happiness fell from them.

This was what he wanted.

He wanted to do this for the world.

He wanted someone to look at him like she was.

As if he had done something that touched her heart.

And the man had done far more than that, Kim Namjoon had touched her soul and healed the cracks within it.

“Aish, why are you crying? You’re gonna make me cry even more.”  Kyung Mi sniffled, brushing away his tears.

“I’m normally not this emotional, it’s been a while.” She murmured, wiping away the straying rivers that poured from her eyes.

Namjoon blinked rapidly, inhaling sharply before taking a second to gather his thoughts.

One of those thoughts was rather loud.

“If you don’t mind, can I see your poetry? You said you wrote, right?”

It would have been a tough question to answer if she hadn’t felt so close to Namjoon.

Nodding softly, Kyung Mi took her phone out from her pocket.

“I’ve written a lot.”

And she had, many on top of many. None had ever come under the eyes of her boyfriend.

Some were too telling of her anguish, whether past or present, and she did not want him to worry for her.

She showed Namjoon her memos, a very long list of notes displayed on the screen. Kyung Mi chose her most recent one, a poem about the three rappers that portrayed the comfort she felt with them. It spoke of her guilt too, how she felt like her doing this meant that Jimin wasn’t enough.

Which was not true. He was more than enough, too good for her.

And that was part of the problem. Kyung Mi felt like she didn’t deserve a person like Jimin, she didn’t want to give him her burdens and preferred that he relied on her instead.

Kyung Mi stayed silent as Namjoon read, fiddling with her thumb and humming a low melody.

“It’s beautiful.”

She felt too shy to thank him for such a compliment.

Kim Namjoon found her poetry beautiful.

How was she not internally combusting?

“I write a lot of these, some are for my boyfriend and some are for you three.”

“And you write them in English too?”

Namjoon’s eyebrows were arched, impressed and curious. He didn’t open any of the notes out of respect, so Kyung Mi picked a rather random and well written one so he could read it if he wanted to.

“Yeah...I know english. I’m half korean, half Pakistani and I grew up in America for the first 10 years of my life before my family decided to move. My mom wrote a lot of books in english and I developed her love for reading and writing.”

It had been a while since Kyung Mi had to tell people about her origin. It was one that she was proud of but because of it, she grew up with darker skin and a bigger body that was used as a subject of ridicule in her school.

She was bullied from the age ten to eighteen, just because she was different in shade and weight. And it took everything in her heart not to hate the colour of beauty her mother had given her.

Her problems with weight and body issues grew out of control by the age of fifteen.

It was a year later that she met a person who was the reason for the disconnect and the hatred of asking for help.

And another year later that Kyung Mi had done so much damage to herself that her family noticed and sent her to therapy.

It took two years for her to become healthy enough to enter a university, blessing herself with good friends and a beautiful beloved.

Kyung Mi had not realised she was lost in thought and Namjoon had not either as he read the intricate words that were sewn with love and heart.

He was so very grateful for understanding english, feeling like he put all of that time and effort into learning it, just to come to that moment. Just to read a poem that was written by a sweet human.

It was like destiny, their strings of fate intertwining before birth.

“You said you didn’t have a job, do you want to work for me and my company?” Namjoon mumbled absentmindedly while reading her poem.

Kyung Mi choked on nothing, her mind screaming in surprise while she tried to figure out whether his words were an illusion or not.

She’s definitely dreaming.

Looking up, Joonie grinned.

“It’s just that I’ve been lacking a lot of motivation lately and meeting you was the first time I felt anything in a long time. It’ll be freelance, most of it. You might help with lyrics or just inspiration and if you don’t mind..maybe even a few coffee runs.”

He was being serious.

Completely serious.

“I-I’m a uni-”

Namjoon nodded his head vigorously, looking even more excited and childlike.

“It’ll be part time and have a good pay.”

Kyung Mi was brimming with happiness. It was the perfect job.

And she couldn’t help but want to see the cute rapper more often, he somehow felt more like a friend to her.

But there was guilt and the thought of how he must’ve pitied her and how she was not deserving of such kindness.

“You don’t have to do this for me, really. I-you already did so much and I don’t want to be selfish.”

The man tilted his head, confused and conflicted.

“I’m the selfish one here, I want to keep you around because of how much you inspire me. I wanna do this so we can hang out and be closer friends.”

It was so sweet.

He was so sweet and precious.

What did the world do to deserve him?

“I-”

“You said you had a dance thingy coming up right?”

With a nod, Kyung Mi couldn’t help but grimace at the fact that she actually forgot about something so important while she was with Namjoon.

“You can decide whether you wanna work after it, it’s no pressure.”

Her whole body relaxed, mind actually contemplating such an endeavour.

“Really? You can’t just do so much for a person you barely know, Namjoonie Oppa. It’s a bad habit.” It was the smirk that caught her off guard.

“I feel like we got pretty close if you’re calling me ‘Namjoonie Oppa’.”

Groaning, Kyung Mi let out a soft chuckle at the man’s words.

Maybe they had gotten closer over a period of a mere few hours.

And maybe this newfound friendship would last for years and years, a bond so strong that the world couldn’t crush it.

“Okay then, I’ll think about it.”

Shaking his head, Namjoon’s smirk stayed. “You’re a complex one, Lee Kyung Mi. Your expression and attitude change so much that it felt like you were a different person each time.”

With a sarcastically sweet smile, the girl stretched like a cat and spoke words that would inspire the creation of a great song:

“Every person is complex, I’m just someone who shows it.”

The next twenty minutes were spent talking about random topics.

There was only one street light that loomed over them, the lights of the city behind them as the icy cold of the night made the two huddle closer to each other.

“Oh! It’s getting so late, I promised I would be back in the studio soon.” Namjoon bit his tongue and looked at Kyung Mi with a wicked glint in his eyes.

“My boyfriend’s gonna be home soon too. I should leave.” The girl felt sad, loving the inner warmth that the man had planted in her heart.

Before anymore words could be set, Namjoon gave Kyung Mi a very serious expression.

“You know that you have to eat properly no matter how busy you are , right?”

Kyung Mi nodded as if she was being scolded by a parent.

Namjoon opened his phone and handed it to her.

“Give me your number, please.” He was stern but polite enough to add a ‘please’.

Kyung Mi handed him her phone so that she could reach him when she came to a decision.

Once the numbers were given, Namjoon gave her a sterner look before taking his pinky finger out.

“Pinky promise me that you’ll eat properly? And that at the end of the day, you’re gonna message me that you took care of yourself. I’m keeping an eye on you, young lady.”

Though it would have seemed overbearing to Kyung Mi in the past, she herself realised that it was important that there was someone to scold her when she did something stupid.

And there was enough trust and familiarity in Namjoon for him to be that someone.

As she wrapped her tiny pinky around his long one, the ribbon that tethered around them grew tighter. Their bond was secured by the most sacred act a Little could do.

Namjoon had offered to walk her back home, Kyung Mi refusing because people could notice and rumours would start flying.

After much debate, they had compromised and the rapper was allowed to walk her till a certain distance. The walk was not awkward at all, the talk pleasant and the silence in between comfortable.

The only stop they made was in front an arcade that had a working claw machine. Namjoon saw a cute Ryan plushie that he absolutely needed, jumping around as he began to slip into Little space.

The girl had just sighed like a true caregiver and let the older man try at it. He failed two times and looked so defeated and upset that Kyung Mi decided to give it a go.

She was able to get two stuffies instead of one.

Namjoon was looking at her as if she was some divine being that had just saved his life.

“Kyaah~” The baby rapper squealed while rubbing his face against the softness of the Ryan plushie. When Kyung Mi tried to give him the other one, a tigger toy, the man refused and insisted that the girl had it.

“They help a lot! Make you all warm and fuzzy.”

She stared at it for a few seconds, not even processing that it was her very first plushie that was bought solely for her.

What passed her mind was how it reminded her of Namjoon.

Hugging Tigger tight, Kyung Mi smiled brightly until it was time for the two to part.

Namjoon had a frown on his face as well, gripping Ryan childishly for comfort.

“I don’t wanna say bye bye.”

Kyung Mi sighed deeply, smiling after a second. “We’ll keep in touch and meet soon, okay? Now be a good rapper and go back to your studio.” She hadn’t even realised her Mommy side had slipped out in a very small manner.

He gave her a quick hug, not wanting to draw attention.  He did have a mask and glasses on and it was pretty dimly lit but they both knew that any fan would know who he was in seconds.

Not many people were around, the main street in front of them.

Kyung Mi took his jacket off and no matter how much the man refused to take it back, she still forced him to put it on.

“I’m only a few minutes away from my house and it’s your jacket.” Kyung Mi gave Namjoon her Mommy glare which shut him up.

Whimpering at the thought of his new friend freezing, Namjoon had to part with her. He did not leave without giving her his heat packs though, running away and sticking his tongue out before she could force it back into his hand.

“That boy.” She shook her head, smiling widely before beginning her trek home.

She lied about it being close, running at a great speed because of how cold she was.

The heat packs and plushie did help a lot, she had only Namjoon to thank for it.

Entering her apartment was the best feeling in the world, the warmth thawing the ice that clung to her joints.

Kyung Mi checked the time, knowing that Jimin would come home within the next hour or so. He would have been done with his shift earlier but the boy had mentioned that he had some other errands to run.

She sat comfortably on the sofa, holding Tigger tightly while reading a webtoon on her phone.

It was surreal and so strange to have something cuddly to hold. She felt closer to her heart, closer to the Little girl that cried gently out of happiness.

Happiness that she met someone who meant the world.

Happiness that she had something comforting to put against her soul.

It was only ten minutes later that Jimin came stumbling into the house.

Kyung Mi stood up, worried about the loud sound the door made when it slammed open. The boy was leaning against the doorframe, breathing heavily.

Running to her boyfriend, Mi Mi noticed the paleness of his skin and the dark circles underneath his eyes.

With watering orbs, Jiminie hugged his lovely. Hugged his warmth and home and life .

Calming him down was a difficult feat, the most she could do was bring him to the couch where he lay his cheek on her lap. He whimpered and twitched, his beanie falling off his hair.

Patting his head, Kyung Mi spoke in a soft voice that made Jimin cry even harder.

“What’s wrong, bub? Why is my baby crying so much?”

He shook his head, not wanting to talk.

Continuing to speak in a soothing tone, Kyung Mi took her Tigger and smooshed its lips against Jimin’s plump cheek.

“Look here, it’s Tiggie! He wants to play with you, sweetheart.”

Jiminie stared at the plushie for a few seconds, eyes dilating and arms wrapping around the small, furry toy.

Cooing softly, Kyung Mi continued to card her fingers through his soft hair.

“You look really frail, hun. Have you not been eating?”

There was no answer.

Guilt settled on Kyung Mi’s heart, realising how she couldn’t keep a close eye on her baby boy because of the workload she had. She couldn’t be there for him, be there to feed him when there where times where he hated to eat.

“Why aren’t you eating, baby? You know you have to.”

Jimin’s words were a trigger to her, something so strong and crumbling that it made her stomach twist and scream.

“I wanted to look pretty for the showcase.”

How could she respond to something like that? How could it not weigh heavy on her mind and body?

“Baby, you’re so so pretty already.” Before Jimin could even argue with the fact, Kyung Mi decided to be strict with him.

“And we need to energy to perform, yeah? You can’t be mad at yourself for not dancing to the best of your ability if you aren’t even giving your body the proper nutrients for it.”

A pout formed on the Little’s lips, a very cute habit of his.

“I know, Momma. I’m sorry, I’ll be a good boy.”

It didn’t seem like he meant it and Kyung Mi’s mind was muddled and trying to find the energy to comfort the insecurities out of her baby.

“I’ve been doing a bad job feeding myself too.”

Head whipping up to look at her, Jimin’s eyes widened.

“Why, Mommy? You’re beyond perfect, I’m the one who….”

Placing a palm over his mouth, Kyung Mi couldn’t bear hearing Jimin talk bad about himself.

“Mommy’s been super super busy, Hun. She forgets sometimes and that’s a very bad habit. Very very bad habit, we have dances to perform and we’re being mean to ourselves.”

The Little’s eyes looked away, out of shame, finally understanding the weight of the situation.

“You shouldn’t be mean to yourself, Momma.”

Kyung Mi smiled, tapping the Little’s nose affectionately.

“You shouldn’t be mean to yourself either, you don’t deserve it no matter how much you think you do.”

Patting his arm gently, the caregiver couldn’t help but flinch at how fragile Jimin looked. It was her fault for not looking after him.

She should’ve known he would do something like this but was too caught up with herself.

An idea popped up in her head, something that would motivate both of them to eat.

Taking out a pinky, Kyung Mi nudged Jimin to look at her.

“How about this, we eat together and make sure we take care of ourselves. Because we’re worried about each other and not ourselves, which we’ll start working on later. So if you eat then I eat or else I won’t.”

His mouth opened to protest, body stiffening in panic. With one stern stare, the boy calmed down and once again pouted.

“That’s not fair.”

Placing a kiss on her beloved’s forehead, Kyung Mi whispered, “I need a reminder to eat, hun. So you’ll be helping me out too.”

Biting his lips, the small boy pushed Tigger deeper against his chest before wrapping his smaller pinky around his Mommy’s long one.

“Okay~”

Kyung Mi was satisfied with that.

However, it was at that time that the exhaustion took full force, Jiminie’s eyes becoming droopy, lips soft and plushy.

“Aish, you can’t sleep yet Bub. We have to eat first, remember. How’s ramen?”

Groaning childishly, Jiminie turned to wrap his arms around Mommy’s stomach. It was an uncomfortable position for him but it was better than getting up.

“Me tired~”

Straightening her lips into a line, Kyung Mi was ready to chide her baby boy for his laziness before realising that she didn’t exactly know what kind of errands he had to run after work.

“What did you do all day, hmm?” Her voice was soft, careful to not disturbs Jimin’s sensitive ears.

“Extra shift at the thingy.”

With arched eyebrows, Kyung Mi couldn’t understand what he meant before realising that the ‘thingy’ was probably his job.

“Why did you take an extra shift, Jiminie?” Her mind reeled back to the times when he would come home late or the times Kyung Mi wouldn’t even noticed he was gone until the front door opened and an extremely tired Jimin came in.

Had he been doing extra shifts for a few weeks?

“Savin up for thingy. Also so that Big Jiminie can take the load off Mommy. Even if it’s just a bit.”

Kyung Mi’s heart melted, feeling an overwhelming wave of love for her precious boyfriend.

But something did bother her.

What was he saving up for?

“What’s this thingy you’re talking bout?”

She was once again combing through his hair, lulling the boy into slumber.

Her hands stopped as he shared his secret with her.

“Jiminie was saving up money so that we could go somewhere nice together. Like Japan. Baby wanna take Mommy there. Also...also….sparkly thingy.”

Whipping out his phone, Jimin fiddled with it before haphazardly showing his girlfriend what he was talking about.

A bracelet, silver and sparkling with blue gems embedded into it. It was breathtakingly beautiful and looked expensive.

“Jimin.” Kyung Mi gasped, looking at the logo in the picture. “It’s a Louis Vuitton bracelet, why would you try to get me something like this?”

The Little’s eyes watered, feeling as if he was being scolded with the raised tone his Mommy was using on him.

“You’re birthday is coming up….and TaeTae got pretty jewelry for Kookie. Jiminie wanted Mommy to know how much he loves her.”

Before the tears could well and spill, Kyung Mi hushed the troubled boy before kissing his nose softly.

“Hun, you know you don’t have to spend a lot of money for me to know you love me. Mommy doesn’t need sparkly thingies, only hugs and a healthy Jiminie.”

The boy blushed, looking away before taking his caregiver’s hand and pressing his lips against it.

“You’re not mad?”

Shaking her head, Kyung Mi chuckled at the sentiment as she pinched her baby’s cheek.

“You’re too precious to be mad at. But know that you’re not taking any more extra shifts, young man.”

Jimin’s legs moved around in refusal, ready to throw a tantrum.

Mi Mi squished his cheeks together, making her laugh at his puckerfish face.

“You already have a lot on your plate. And if you’re planning on saving up for a big trip like Japan then ask me to help, silly. We’re a team, remember. Just like how we’re partners in dance, we’re partners in life too. We lift each other up and support one another, no ifs, ands or buts.”

With shimmering eyes, the boy giggled and fussed.

“You really wanna go to Japan with me?”

Rolling her eyes, Kyung Mi nodded and moved away before she could get smacked in the face with Jimin’s excited limbs.

“But we’re not gonna overwork ourselves, vacations don’t always have to be earned with even more hard work and sleepless nights. We have all the time in the world so let’s be efficient with our health and be good to our bodies.”

He hummed absentmindedly, mind elsewhere as he began to daydream about the adventures they’ll have in the future.

Going to DisneyLand was his biggest want and need.

It was the place he wanted to go to for their honeymoon.

Deciding it was time to make something for her starving boyfriend and herself, Kyung Mi tried to get out of Jimin’s evil clutches.

“Nu.” He said, with no reason at all.

Huffing and groaning, she distracted Jiminie with the new stuffie that lay on his chest.

“How about you introduce yourself to Tigger and I’ll make some Ramen.” Poking his stomach was the only way he moved. Doing it multiple times made him squirm till he wiggled onto the ground.

Kyung Mi stood up from the sofa, patted her baby’s head and left to go to the kitchen.

Jiminie stared at the reflective black eyes of the striped toy.

“Hi.” He spoke shyly, always being timid around strangers.

“You’re Tigger? I’m gonna call you Tiggie. Do you like cake? I love cake. What’s your favourite colour? Mine is Rainbow. I like you.”

And the one way conversation began, the Little forming a bond with the sweet plushie that was supposed to be his Mommy’s.

But he didn’t need to know that.

He just needed to be happy.

Kyung Mi boiled the water as she took out the packets of Ramen, her mind forming a plan.

There was only one thing she could do.

The one thing that was right.

Taking her phone out, the girl messaged the one person who could help her.

‘Hey, can we talk? I want to take that job you offered me.’

‘Already?’

‘Yeah...I need it. Please give me a chance.’

‘As long as you’re not overworking yourself.’

‘I’m not.’

‘Okay then. I trust you, Kyung Mi.’

‘Thanks, Namjoonie Oppa.’

‘Anytime.’

“Yah! You’ve been working on that secret project of yours for hours!” Taehyung complained, not really bothered as he scrolled through his phone.

“I’m making art! Art takes time.”

“The ‘art’ you make when you’re in Littlespace looks like poop.”

Gasp.

“Wasn’t a curse word, drama queen.”

“So was.”

“Nuh Uh.”

“Uh Huh.”

“Nuh Uh.”

“Uh Huh.”

 "Nuh Uh."

“Uh Huh.”

“Nuh Uh.”

“uH hUh.”

“nUH hUh, little brat.”

“You’re meaannn...I’m gonna tell Daddy.”

“Snitch.”

“Nuh Uh.”

“Uh Huh.”

“Nuh Uh.”

“Uh Huh.”

A small and tiny Namjoon came through the door, eyes wide and innocent with a paci in his mouth. He wore overalls and had bunny slippers on, his new Ryan friend was in his arms. The boy had to heroically protect the lion from his evil Daddy, who was trying to take it away from him because ‘You already have 20 Ryan stuffies, Joonie.’

Nuh Uh, he did not .

He had thirteen.

And now a fourteenth member was added.

Its name being, Ryung. Like his new friend’s name. Cause his new friend got it.

Waving a hand, the boy walked towards the two boys who were busy saying the same phrases over and over again.

Kookie was splayed on the floor, legs in the air with crayons and paper littered everywhere around him.

The maknae shielded his art from the prying eyes of his Hyung, pouting and asking the man to move away.

Tae, sitting on his soft bed, opened his arms and invited the oldest Little into them.

Joonie smiled widely, his dimples deep and delight filled.

Going into Taehyung’s arms and snuggling his head into the crook of the younger’s neck was the best feeling ever.

“I thought you would be at work.”

Tae whispered into his ear, grinning widely when the man squirmed from the tickles he felt when hot breath hit his neck.

“Joonie went too deep into Little space and Daddy made him come home.”

Namjoon pouted, not really upset about it because he got a lot of cuddles whenever he was home.

“Lucky for us, we get to spend time with you.”

Namjoon giggled cutely at his words, feeling shy and tired.

“Why don’t you become a Little too, TaeTae?” Joonie asked softly.

The boy stiffened, afraid that someone would ask him this.

“TaeTae’s been tryna fight being a Little. He hasn’t been one in weeks.”

Throwing a pillow at the youngest, Taehyung didn’t feel any remorse when a tiny squeak was heard.

“You almost ruined my work!” The boy’s voice had cracked, but he was more angry than sad.

“Why don’t you curse at me, then.”

“Nu Uh. I’m a good boy.”

“Stop lying.”

“I’m not!”

“You are.”

“Nu Uh.”

“Uh Huh.”

Namjoon stopped the repetition of their older arguments by looking at Taehyung with big, fuzzy eyes.

“It’s okay if you wanna be Little, TaeTae.”

The boy shook his head and gave his Hyung a kind smile.

“I’m okay, Joonie.”

“You’re just saying that. You don’ wanna be Little cause of Mi Mi, right?”

Why is he still so clever when his mind is literally made out of pudding and puppies?

“Who’s gonna take care of you guys if I slip?”

“Excujess~~”

“Learn how to speak before saying anything, Kook.”

“Meanie.”

“You’re the mean one.”

“Nuh Uh.”

“Uh Huh.”

Namjoon put his paci back into his lips. Sucking on it, the man squeezed the lion in his arms before closing his eyes shut as a way to filter out the endless squabbling the two maknaes were doing.

After a while, as the baby boy started to nod off to sleep and the ceaseless cycle of “Nuh Uh”’s and “Uh Huh”’s had died, Kookie sprang from his seat and let out a shout of victory.

This jostled the rapper awake, eyes welling up in tears out of shock.

Guilt instantly overtook Jungkook, rushing over to the other Little.

“Sowwi, NamNam.”

He used his pikachu paws to pat Joon’s face as a way of apology. The Little burst into giggles a second later, finding joy in seeing his friend in a yellow pikachu onesie.

Releasing a breath of relief, the bunny sat down next to his two friends.

Taehyung couldn’t help but adore how sweet the boy was towards their Hyung.

“What’s up, Kook?”

With bunny teeth out, Jungkook ran to get the piece of paper he had worked so hard on.

“Look, look!”

Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Namjoon leaned forward to look at what was written.

‘Mi Mi’s Protecting Bunny Knights.’

“Who’s Mi Mi and why’s she protecting Bunny knights?”

Joonie asked, Taehyung wondering the same thing as well.

“A friend.” Both the boys answered, not going into detail.

“And she’s not protecting the bunny knights, they’re protecting her!”

Five seconds passed.

Then ten.

A thought sprang into Taehyung’s mind that caused him to groan and pinch the bridge of his nose.

“Is that why it took you an hour and a half to make this? You kept spelling the title wrong.”

Kookie was ready to protest. He was a smart Little, he knew how to spell.

He would just get distracted each and every time and mess up.

Smiling sheepishly, the boy urged his confused friends to focus on the drawing he made.

A ‘ferocious’ beast, which looked like a dragon, was taking over one corner of the paper. On the other side, was a long haired princess with a crown and triangle shaped dress.

It was obviously Kyung Mi, of course it was.

In front of her, were three brave figures.

One was Kookie, with bunny ears and bulky muscles. The other was Taehyung, tall and slender with a fluffy tail attached to him.

“Cause you’re like a puppy.” Jungkook had muttered to Tae.

The last figure was one third the size of the other drawings.

It was quite obvious who that was.

“I thought we could make a team of people who could protect Mi Mi. I know we can’t do much but I just….thought…” The maknae looked at his feet, unsure of whether he should have done this.

“I think it’s a great idea, Kook.” Taehyung comforted the boy, loving how much his beloved cared for such a close friend.

The boy instantly began to jump up and down.

An idea struck him and he became frozen, eyes wide and mouth open.

Staring at the Little who was sucking on his thumb, who somehow ditched the pacifier.

“You wanna join the Bunny Knights, Joonie?”

Without even thinking of how he had no idea who the princess was, the man nodded enthusiastically.

Jungkook dropped down to the floor and added Namjoon’s figure as well.

This one was twice the size of the other figures, Kookie adding a wand and pointy hat with sparkles surrounding the giant to indicate that the man was a witch.

Adding hearts on the hat was the finishing touch, showing it off to his Hyungs when he was done. Both of them clapped, Namjoon more excitedly than the pup.

Taking a black crayon, because black was serious, Jungkook asked for the two to add their signatures at the bottom of the page.

Not even questioning it, they did.

Namjoon’s was more childish and messy than his actual sign but it still qualified.

With Kookie adding his own colourful signature, the pact was made.

Pasting it on a wall, Kookie stared at it and felt oddly proud.

Turning around, the boy stuck his hand out and urged the two to huddle and put their hands on top of each other.

“Let’s protect our princess, Bunny knights!”

Taehyung did his best not to laugh from the ridiculousness of the situation, realising that it was hard for Jungkook to not be there for his Noona.

He needed this.

And maybe she did too.

With loud yells and shouts, the boys threw their arms up in the air.

“Yaaahhh.” Namjoon and Jungkook screamed for a longer period of time, bursting out into giggles by the end of it.

Then.

Kookie’s facial expression changed from excited and goofy to drop dead serious within seconds.

“Now...we have to decide who the leader of the knights will be, and how will we decide that?”

Taehyung really wanted to point out that Kookie was the one who came up the idea, so he should be the one to lead them.

But the boy was already pacing back and forth, his hands rubbing his chin as if he had a beard.

The Switch could almost imagine cute, squeaky sounds being created each time the Pikachu wearing bunny took a step.

It was so endearing and soft for Tae, him trying so hard not to squeal.

With a pause and another dramatic yet sharp turn, Kookie’s smile widened as he thought of the solution for their difficult problem.

“Let’s decide who the leader will be by challenging each other to……”

He paused for dramatic effect, eyes moving fervently between the two men in front of him.

Jungkook finished the sentence with the snapping of his fingers and pointing, with no real need, at Tae.

“Rock, paper, scissors.”

Taehyung groaned, happy that it wouldn’t take long but also exasperated at the way his partner dramatised everything.

“It’s perfect.” Little Joonie was clapping his hands furiously, all sleepiness leaving the building.

Kookie nodded proudly at himself, feeling like a Genius God that could rule over the world.

“Yes, it is perfect. Now….we must be very serious…..like adults. We are not babies anymore, we are knights.”

Jin had come into the room at that moment, standing at the doorway in a lazy posture.

“Joonie, Tae, Kookie. I made nuggets and milkshakes for you guys, come and have some.”

His duties as a loyal knight had completely left his mind as Namjoon saw his caregiver. With dilated eyes, the excited and clumsy Little ran towards the model.

“Daddy~”

A grown man crashing into another grown man never went well. However, it was for that precise reason that Jinnie Hyung did a lot of exercise.

Well….it was a theory that Kookie had.

Jin was still rooted to the spot as Namjoon held him in a suffocating grip.

“Aish, Joonie baby, be careful.” The eldest cooed, placing a kiss on his Little’s forehead.

The younger only yawned, mumbling about food and cuddles.

Chuckling at his Little, Jin smiled at the youngest boys and beckoned them to come and eat.

The moment Seokjin had mentioned nuggets and milkshakes, Jungkook’s commander stance had deflated as his eyes became big and doe like.

He was bouncing in his spot, ready to be filled with the most delicious thing on the planet.

Well….Third to his Daddies’ cooking and Jinnie’s cooking.

Third best delicious thing was still big.

“Meeting abhorjed, we shall have nuggies and shakes first. Yayyyy.” Adjourned, that was the word Kookie was trying to say.

The boy’s butt wiggles had begun, him pulling at Taehyung’s arm so that the Switch could hurry along.

Tae took a final look at the drawing that was pasted on his wall. It was so silly, something small on the large, turquoise coloured walls.

Even among the many posters, pictures and fairy lights decorated on the wall, it stood out.

And for a very strange reason.

It was like an oath, a Little’s version of an oath.

It had meaning and depth, even if it was silly and childish.

Because to a child, a knight meant loyalty and heroism and doing righteous deeds.

It meant helping people who couldn’t help themselves, it meant lending strength and providing stability in a chaotic world.

And to them, or to Kookie at least, Kyung Mi was a princess that was worth his complete loyalty and protection.

Kyung Mi was a princess that didn’t want or needed to be saved, she was too busy saving her prince charming. She didn’t have time to save herself.

And perhaps that’s why The Bunny Knights were so important.

To be there for her when she needed the help to save herself.

Chapter Text

"Sorry it’s so abstract for you,” Namjoon apologised softly as he skimmed through his notebook full of lyrics.

“It keeps me on my toes at least, and I get a lot experience.” Kyung Mi spoke timidly, still very shy over the new environment. Her nerves had been eating the life out of her because of it being her first day at work.

Bighit was a very huge company, one of the finest, and she got to work there. It was nothing but nerve racking.

Such a small uni girl working for such a large, well known rapper was like a dream. A bit too unreal.

It was happening, however, and the uni girl had grown quite close with the rapper which was an even bigger fantasy.

The man had taken upon himself to go through her schedule for classes and dance practice before giving her timings and making sure she had enough space in between for her to sleep and live a young person’s life.

Which was a very difficult deed however Kyung Mi had finished all of her assignments beforehand and did not have to stress over them.

Even her thesis was going quite nicely, a well rested mind truly did work ten times more efficiently than a drained, sleepless one.

“You’re like a paid intern,” Joonie smirked to himself, cringing at some of his older work.

Kyung Mi had another notebook in hand, also full of lyrics and melodies.

It was oddly admirable of him, to have the passion to continuously write.

Normally, if a song had been produced the rapper would open a fresh page and write new words. But the man had hit a big slump, something he had been trying to overcome for a few months. It had negatively affected his way of living, he often went into a depressive mood.

“Oooh, this lyric is really pretty.”

Kyung Mi’s cheeks were red, her heart beating with excitement because she was reading the artist’s words and thoughts that no other fan had ever even seen. Though she couldn’t consider herself a fan anymore, she was an employee.

A very professional and calm employee that had not been feeling jittery over the fact that she might meet one of the other two rappers.

She was totally not fangirling from the inside.

“What is it?”

Namjoon asked, curious to see if it’ll be worth his while.

“I need you, girl. Why am I in love alone, why am I hurting alone.”

It was sad but sounded so strangely pretty, the rest of the lyrics were equally as perfect and depicted sadness.

“It’s a surprise you wrote about a girl, though.”

Was what she mumbled, giggling to herself before bursting out into laughter when Namjoon sheepishly said,

“It was originally, ‘I need you boy.’”

The rapper pushed his chair towards his computer, previously being closer to Kyung Mi who had been sitting on the couch.

He clicked the mouse, tapping away on his keyboard until a beautiful melody thrummed from his speakers.

Within a few seconds, Kyung Mi’s eyes were large and shimmering, her hands bunching up the fabric of her shirt with tiny fists as she swayed at the pretty sounds.

The piano was so lovely, her eyes closing to pay closer attention to it.

Joonie stopped it after a minute, staring at the girl who looked like she was in paradise.

It made him love her even more, made him want to create even more songs for her.

When Mi Mi snapped out of it, her eyes were even more sparkly than before.

“It’s….is it?”

Namjoon nodded, “It’s the song that goes with the lyrics.” Sighing sadly, the rapper ran a hand through his hair.

“But it’s a song meant for singers and rappers both. Hoseokie can sing well but not well enough so it’s probably gonna go to another group which kinda sucks.”

Slumping her shoulders, the girl bit her lip in thought.

“It would be a new adventure for the audience though, refreshing and different from what you’ve previously wrote.”

Namjoon was left in thought, wondering if it was a good idea to mention a small secret the company was keeping from fans.

Kyung Mi was a part of the company now, another edition to the ever growing family.

And the rapper used that as an excuse to spill the exciting news.

“BTS was never supposed to exist, all three of us were supposed to be soloists.” He started, showing a dimpled smile, “We were only gonna stay for one or even two albums but all of our fans loved us being together so we decided to stick. Of course, we do a lot of solo songs but BTS always lived on.”

Kyung Mi knew that, he knew she knew that but the man loved to build up tension before dropping a bomb.

“There are so many songs that we wanted to do but singers were always required for it. We felt incomplete and limited so….”

Pausing, Namjoon jumped in his seat like a little child.

“BTS will soon have singers, we’re gonna become a proper idol group.”

Kyung Mi being shocked was an understatement.

The thought shook her to the core.

BTS being more than just three rappers, BTS having more diversity in their songs.

Why did she feel like crying?

Why was the idea so perfect to her?

Why did it feel like destiny?

Her mouth was ajar, she was frozen.

Completely and utterly frozen, like a doll.

Snickering, the rapper scooted his chair to come closer to her before he shut her mouth closed.

“I know.”

“Wha-”

“I know.”

“When?”

“For a while now, we already have three positions filled. One is a definite and the other two are still in progress.”

She was startled and very shook.

Kyung Mi has known each rapper ever since they had debuted, she cried from happiness when the news of BTS’s formation was released.

Those were the best days of her life….other than the days she’s spent with Jimin, of course.

“Three people? Really? What?”

Was all she could say, so many questions in her mind.

“Wanna know another surprising thing?”

Namjoon coyly placed his chin on his palm, an eyebrow arched rather teasingly.

Without even giving her time to answer it, the man broke out into a shy smile.

“My boyfriend will be one of the members, he’s the definite to my life and to the group.”

Surely, Kyung Mi died.

How can a rapper be so cute?

How did she become friends with him?

Was this real life or a fanfiction?

Clapping his hands, Namjoon explained. “Yeah, the company wanted someone really pretty as the visual and wanted it to be a model so I suggested Jin. But since we’re dating, PD nim thought it wouldn’t be appropriate. Jin actually really liked the idea, so he took a lot of vocal lessons and sat everyone down and forced them into submission. He’s now a singer, always working hard on his voice and he’s super good.”

The only thing that processed in Kyung Mi’s mind was that Namjoon’s boyfriend was a badass model.

“Wow, that’s…..a lot. Wow.”

Namjoon nodded in excitement, wiggling around in his seat.

“It was a bit hard to get you this job, convincing my boss was not easy but when I talked to Jinnie Hyung, he burst into a meeting and made them.”

Instant respect was made for Jin.

But then she realised what Namjoon had said.

Bowing deeply, the girl apologised for the trouble she caused.

Lightly thumping her on the head, Joonie retorted her apology by saying:

“If you ever apologise for me doing something that I wholeheartedly wanted to do, I’m going to tell my Hyung that you referred to him as ‘Meow Meow Oppa.”

He wouldn’t dare….

Sitting up straight, Kyung Mi glared at her friend before pouting and blushing at her stupid words.

“I’m such a dumb dumb for saying that.”

The rapper did not disagree.

The rest of the hour was spent going through lyrics and Kyung Mi giving him suggestions that he actually really liked.

Namjoon would often press random keys of his keyboard as an attempt to spark some form of inspiration. But it never really worked.

At one point, Kyung Mi had the urge to play. She missed the feeling of the cool surface of the keys under her fingertips and the pretty sounds she could create.

“Can I….play?” There was hesitance, not wanting to overstep any boundaries that were set between an artist and the ones who worked for him.

Namjoon did not seem bothered at all, smiling and moving back to give her room.

Stepping forward in an awkward manner, Kyung Mi felt as if she was meeting an old friend.

She stared at the ivory whiteness that contrasted so perfectly with the raven blackness.

It had been so long since she’d last played. Work and studies had gotten in the way of doing something that had made her smile, made her feel free and content.

There was only one song she longed to play.

A song she had sung from her fingertips for years, ever since she was four. A song she had heard since birth, imprinted into her soul and heart as a spell of protection.

She would normally be very rusty while playing a piano after a long period of time, but this song came to her as naturally as breathing.

It was time for Namjoon to be in a trance, eyes wide and mouth ajar as the softness of the notes hit him hard.

It was the sweetest of melodies, the kindest of harmonies. It was like a waterfall, the wind against the shaking trees and warm hugs.

It was gentle sunlight peering through the curtains and pressing kisses against your skin. It was like a dance so elegant that only a fairy could perform it. It was like doves flying up into the free sky, or the colour blue of the vast, calm sea.

It’s like a cat cuddled against your side, licking your hand softly. Like forehead kisses and cuddling under the stars that held promises and dreams.

There was no need to look at the keys, Kyung Mi’s eyes closed as her fingers danced like feathers against the gentle wind.

All of her stresses, her pain and mental chaos were gone as she played a song that only held good memories. Memories of being a child and having someone to take care of her, someone to hold her. The times when she could cry and smile and laugh as loudly as she wanted to. A time where she would get lost in books as she read them on her mother’s lap. A time where her father would hum her lullabies until she fell asleep.

A time where she was an actual child. A time she wanted to visit again.

It was like a potion that could heal sorrow and take pain away.

And in some ways, Jimin was like the song she’s loved for years.

He was like sunlight and a cat against you and a potion that heals you. He was like dreams and a sky full of stars and a fairy dancing elegantly. He was like warm hugs and waterfalls.

And there were some days when Kyung Mi would think of how he was the one. How the song was made for the two of them. How their souls had fallen in love with each other before they were even born.

Her finding him was like destiny.

A destiny so perfect that the Gods themselves shivered.

Once the song had ended, there was nothing but silence. Kyung Mi began to press the keys gently, loving the tinkles of sound that vibrated in the air.

Namjoon just stared, still hearing the ghost of a melody that was left.

“My father made this song, right after I was born. He sung it to me everyday and when I finally started learning how to play the piano, this was the first song he taught me. It’s beautiful isn’t it?”

Namjoon only nodded, looking at Kyung Mi and thinking of how much she looked like an angel at that moment.

“He would make a song every few years, for my birthday. I know each and every one but...this never stopped being my favourite.” It was a fond memory, a fond thought that made her feel loved.

Grinning brightly, Kyung Mi remembered her second favourite song. With only one hand, the girl played it rather leisurely but with great elegance.

“This particular song….” She got immersed in the music, smiling even wider as she remembered the significance of the song.

“Was made for my last birthday, my father wrote the melody and my boyfriend wrote the lyrics and sang it to me. His voice….it was the first time that I heard it and it was so angelic.” Her voice had gotten softer and softer Namjoon still being able to hear every word.

“He must love you a lot, huh?”

That was an understatement, something Kyung Mi had yet to realise.

“And I love him like the galaxy loves its stars.”

“You should write a book.”

“I should. I’m so good at this.”

Joonie was still listening to the tinkles of sounds that Kyung Mi played with the edge of her fingers, finding them beautiful.

“Does your birth song have a name?”

Snorting at ‘birth song’, Kyung Mi pressed one last key before answering with one, fairy like name that fit the melody perfectly.

“Serendipity.”

************************

During the half hour that passed, Namjoon was left jotting down lyrics and making some tunes with his keyboard.

“You inspired me.” The rapper had answered when he saw the girl’s curious look.

“Well I’m glad I’m of help.”

“Of course you are, my little poet.”

“Is that a cute nickname I hear?”

“Maybe ~”

When the man looked at the time, his palm connected with his forehead.

“I forgot I had to meet some of the producers.” Looking around, Joonie also noticed a stack of files that were meant to be given to a specific someone’s manager.

“Hey, lil’ poet?”

“That name better not stick.”

Showing her his tongue, the rapper picked up the heavy pile of files and asked in a very polite tone.

“Could you do me a favour and give these files to a manager?”

Without a complaint, Kyung Mi took the weight from him.

“This isn’t me doing you a favour, it’s me doing my job.”

“Save your pretty words for later, lil’ poet.”

The man explained how there was a door that was at the end of the hallway they were in. There would be a man by the name of Hyo Bin and he was to be given the files.

“You could do whatever you think is right after that, if you want to help around then you can. You’re actually mostly supposed to help out Jin and I.”

With furrowed eyebrows and a tilted head, Kyung Mi tried to think why the name was so familiar.

With a dimpled smile, Joonie answered with a simple, “He’s my model boyfriend, remember? The one who works here and who’s gonna be a future bts member?”

There was awe and then excitement and then anxiety.

She would love to meet the man who was the sole reason for her to get such a job. Also he was a Bighit model, a popular one at that. She remembered his name because of it but couldn’t recall the face

She felt anxiety because what if he found her unworthy or weird? What if she messes up, somehow?

Kyung Mi couldn’t really focus on such a thing, having a task to fulfill.

Moving towards the door, the girl made a mental note to make sure she checked the internet for his face.

It was not hard to locate the door. There were nerves that made her hesitate. It was all an unfamiliar environment where she knew no one but one person. And all of these people were professional and older than she was.

It was a bit scary, but Kyung Mi still had a job to do.

Knocking on the door gently, Kyung Mi waited a second or two before hearing a “Come in!” She did just that, turning the doorknob and expecting to see some professional work being done.

What she saw instead was a very pretty man, with big eyes and pouty lips, with noodles in his chopsticks and food stuffed into his mouth till his cheeks looked like that of a chipmunk’s.

Blinking slowly, Kyung Mi tried to process the sight in front of her.

The man took a minute to chew and swallow the food, “Can I help you?”

Nodding slowly, Kyung Mi came inside and tried not to drop the heavy files she was carrying.

“I had to give these to Manager Hyo Bin-ssi?”

Wiping his mouth and ruffling his hair, the pretty human smiled brightly and got up to take the cargo from her.

“Well…..he’s my manager so I suppose I could take these from your hands. Uwah, these are really heavy.” He huffed, placing them down on the table.

Looking back, with his hands on his hips, the man tilted his head curiously.

“You must be Kyung Mi, yeah?”

This made her jump, not expecting anyone to know her name.

Chuckling at her reaction, the man wiped his hands with a tissue before offering it to her.

“You’re someone I don’t recognise and I know everyone here. I’m Kim Seokjin, Namjoon must have mentioned me, I hope? You can call me Jin Oppa, if you want.”

With her mouth ajar, Kyung Mi nervously took the hand of the model who was to become a Bts member .

“You-!-” Giggling at her expression, Jin took a seat in his chair, offering her some of his food.

“This Jjanjangmyun is really good, want some? I have fried chicken as well.” He spoke while grabbing one with his chopsticks and putting the whole thing in his mouth.

Gulping, Kyung Mi politely shook her head, not knowing what to do in such a situation.

But then she realised, he was the reason she even had this job.

Bowing deeply, Kyung Mi showed her gratitude.

“Thank you for giving me this chance and I apologise for any trouble that I caused.”

Jin himself had jumped in his seat, almost choking on the chicken.

He realised a moment later on what she meant.

“Yah, it’s nothing. You don’t need to be so respectful, I’m not that old yet.” Snickering at his own joke, the man stretched and took a file from the pile.

“I trusted Joonie to make the right decision and I know he did with how cute you’re being right now.” Jin spoke softly, giving her another grin before scanning the work before him.

“This is for a later shoot that I have, I’m supposed to talk to our stylist team and decide what to wear. I think you’d help a lot, wanna join?”

Kyung Mi was all for it, ready to take on such a different task that was out of her comfort zone.

Jin ate a bit more, forcing her to sit down and eat a few chicken pieces because of how frail she looked. Kyung Mi couldn’t really say “no” to that and munched on it gratefully.

When they left the room, Jin holding half of the files and her holding the other half, the girl noticed how he walked. It was full of finesse and purpose, large strides with his back straight and broad. He walked as if he was the CEO, someone who owned everything in that building.

And by the way Namjoon had described his boyfriend, Kyung Mi had no doubt that he may as well have owned everything.

He was very polite however, whenever people walked past he would say hello and bow. Kyung Mi would do the same, but with less elegance.

When they finally met the stylists and the planning began, she noticed how involved he was with every little detail of the photoshoot.

It was very endearing and the girl couldn’t help but have respect for him.

What she mostly did was offer to bring things from certain places, wanting to take the smallest of loads off the workers.

Everyone smiled kindly and even introduced themselves to her, welcoming Kyung Mi into their family.

There were only a few times that she gave them her opinion on a particular topic, each time getting great feedback and thumb ups.

“You’re better at this than us, Kyung Mi-yah!” Ra Ni, a makeup artist, had commented causing Kyung Mi to blush and shake her head profusely.

Jin smiled proudly at her fitting in so well with the rest of the staff, a plan winding in his mind as he whipped his phone out.

After ten minutes, Jin gave her a sickenly sweet smile.

“So, I heard you were a big fan of two particular rappers.”

Everyone heard him, heads turning curiously.

Blushing heavily, all Kyung Mi did was timidly shake her head. “I just respect them a lot, sir.” Jin wanted to laugh evilly at her change in behaviour, loving to torture others the most.

“Well these two rappers are good friends of mine and I had just texted them to say that I wanted to have coffee and it turns out, they do too. If it’s not a lot of trouble, could you buy some and personally hand it to them?”

Kyung Mi nodded shyly, too starstruck and ambitious to actually say no to such a daunting task.

Scribbling their orders on a piece of paper, Jin pressed it into Kyung Mi’s shivering hands.

“Ask someone where the Genius lab is and they’ll guide you to it. There’s a coffee shop a street down from here, it’s like a five minute walk.” Giving her money, Jin sweetly asked Kyung Mi to get whatever she wanted as well.

Looking at the piece of paper, the girl noticed how there were only two orders.

“Aren’t you going to get anything?”

Jin turned around to pick up a half full cup of iced coffee.

“Already got mine.”

With a shocked face, Kyung Mi tried to say words.

“Bu-but you said…..”

Jin put his index finger over her mouth before shooing her off.

“Have fun~” Jin sang as Kyung Mi left the room with a horror struck face.

“You’re evil.” One of the staff mumbled, finally understanding Jin’s plan.

The model only nodded, as if agreeing with this statement.

Clapping his hands together, the man turned around to resume work.

Iced Americano for Yoongi and a Camomile tea for Hoseok.

Kyung Mi felt like she could’ve easily guessed what each of them had wanted without even asking.

It’s not like she’s a stalker or anything like that, not at all.

Tapping her foot as she waited in line, Kyung Mi thought of the million possible things that could happen where she could escape. Two of them were the most appealing to her, either she would run away or there would be a zombie apocalypse.

But she hated running so the zombie idea was the preferred choice.

She had finally gotten the beverages, not bothering to get anything for herself because she was too petrified to digest anything.

She was going to mess up big time and in front of the two men who she loved the most….right after Jimin, of course.

Walking back was a dilemma, did she go at a normal pace and deal with the inevitable head on or go slowly? If she went slowly then the ice would melt and the hard working rappers would have to deal with below average beverages.

She cared too much about them to slow her feet, trying to not think about the fact that she would probably explode the second she came in contact with them.

Her anxiety grew the moment she stepped inside the building again, so much so that asking someone where Suga’s studio was took up a lot of courage.

When she did, the man thankfully gave easy to understand instructions. Unfortunately, she was closer to the studio than she thought she was.

“Hoseok and Yoongi are most likely together right now. They don’t bite so don’t look so worried.” The man chuckled at the girl’s shivering form.  Kyung Mi had not realised how much of her anxiety was visible.

Bowing deeply, Mi Mi walked stiffly towards her destination while shaking more than she had ever shaken before in her life.

“Eep.”

The girl pressed herself against a wall when the door came into view, it looking scarier to her than any other door did.

Her knees were ready to buck, legs almost giving out under her.

I can’t do this. I can not do this. What the fuck? I am not ready. Ahhhhh.

Slapping herself hard was the only way for her mind to stop reeling. Straightening her back and willing her legs to have some life in them again, Kyung Mi took several deep breaths.

She would normally listen to a BTS song when she was panicking.

But they were the cause of her panic and she wanted to scream because she was so close to them but she couldn’t because now she’s an employee .

Do your fucking job or I swear to God I’m taking away your crayons.

I am not Jimin, your Mommy threats don’t work on me.

Do your fucking job, young lady.

You’re so bossy.

At this point she had begun to pace in front of the blurred glass door, that had a keypad, a doorbell and a Go Away doormat.

Trust me dude, I would’ve gone away even if you weren’t flipping me off.

Her mind plunged into chaos as Kyung Mi thought of possible reactions she would have.

Be completely normal and chill? Not in a million years.

Forgetting how to breathe? Fainting? Dying? Exploding? Most likely.

Oh no, she knew what would happen and it was the worse one.

Crying her eyes out in front of the two men who were the reason she was alive, the reason she could love again, the reason why she was surviving and getting back up everytime she would fall.

This was too much for her.

Oh God, where were those zombies?

Another thought came past her.

She was very sensitive these days, it was more easier for her to slip into Little Space even if it was for a few seconds.

What if that happened to her? What would she even say to them? Or call them?

Her pacing truly did make her look like a lunatic but the only people in her world were her and those that were behind the door, the door that would open and cause her end.

“Are you okay, Miss?”

Her heart jumped and breathing stopped. She was frozen, body shaking violently to the point that the drinks in her hand were in danger.

She did not dare look up, only seeing a broad chest in front of her.

Unluckily for her, the man peered down to stare at her face and this was when, again, she let out an inhumane sound before pushing herself against a wall so much that it was practically swallowing her up.

She was sure she saw heaven for a moment.

“Oh, be careful you’ll get hurt.”

His voice. His voice was what made her weak and melt, body blazing as she blushed harshly.

“Are those for us?” He asked politely, cutely making his voice higher than usual as he pointed at himself.

There was only one stiff nod.

And the girl dared to trudge into the jungle as her eyes moved upwards, to his lips.

They really were heart shaped and the mole on his upper lip was so much more adorable in real life.

Her heart had stopped a long time ago, body slowly losing all feeling.

Making grabby hands for it, Hoseok took the tray of drinks away from her, eyebrows furrowed in worry.

“You’re really pale right now,” He once again peered down and tilted his head to look at her face. When their eyes met, it was an automatic reaction for Kyung Mi’s Little to come out.

No, please no.

Smiling softly at her, the rapper offered Kyung Mi his drink.

“Tea might calm you down, want some?”

She shook her head vigorously, pointing her finger at his chest.

“Yours.”

It was as baby like as she felt.

Oh God, she wanted to die.

The man only snickered at her awkwardness, the cutest noise emitting from his mouth.

“Okay then, Love.”

This surprised them both.

Eyes widening, Kyung Mi felt her eyes glazing over while the man in front of her silently scolded himself for slipping into his Caregiver headspace.

Eyes falling on her hands, Hobi noticed how hard her palms were being hurt with the way Kyung Mi’s nails were dug into them.

“Hey, don’t do that.” Speaking softly, the man gently parted her nails from the skin. Caressing her palm, Hoseok did his best to not look surprised at the faded scars on her hand.

Kyung Mi was not even breathing, because Jung Hoseok had touched her and it was so warm and lovely and she could die happily now.

“What’s your name? I’ve never seen you here before.”

It took her ten seconds to process the words, head snapping up before  she turned jittery and went back to staring at the ground.

“Kyu-Kyu-”

“Hmm?” The man tilted his head again, lowering himself to Kyung Mi so he could hear properly. But, alas, it was no use as she was speaking as softly as a mouse, barely under her breath.

“Yu Hee?” He thought for a second, listening to her stutter.

“Eun Hi? Is that it?”

Her stuttering had stopped, her soul had left its vessel as she felt a hand being placed right next to her, palm against the wall.

He had stood up straighter and once again, the only thing Kyung Mi could see was his chest and collarbone.

Which was enough to kill her.

His collarbone.

Hoseok took her silence as a “yes.”

“Eun Hi is a really pretty name and you’re a really cute girl.” It was a mumble but she heard it and felt the hot breath against her forehead.

Jung Hoseok called her cute. He caller her cute. HE CALLED HER CUTE.

He called me cute.

Mi Mi’s voice was super childish inside her head, the little girl in her was in awe.

Me cute.

“Don’t hurt yourself like that, okay? You have very precious hands.” He took her smaller hand into his large one, giving it a small squeeze before patting her head out of very reasonless affection.

Moving away, Hoseok pressed in the password and went inside after giving “Eun Hi” a tiny bye and wave.

Oh. God.

Her paralysis was cured ten minutes later, after which she stiffly turned around and just ran. She ran and ran till, somehow, Kyung Mi reached the room where Jin was still working on his project.

The model gave her a warm welcome, an evil glint in his eyes.

“So, did you do a good job?”

She, again, became paralysed as she sat down on a chair because her legs had finally given out.

Holding the hand that Hoseok had squeezed and pried open, the girl closed her eyes to feel his warmth and firmness. The reminder that the man had patted her head like a caregiver would to his Little when he was proud of them was enough to make her squeal and giggle.

The staff were kind enough not to judge, Jin holding in his snickers.

“That well, huh?”

She wiggled around in her chair, turning into a tiny ball.

Sitting up straight, as firm as a board, Kyung Mi spoke in a dead serious voice.

“I’m going to change my name to Eun Hi.”

“....what?”

Chapter Text

(important note..pls read: I was first planning on making Kyung Mi half pakistani because I wanted her to be able to call Jimin Jaan which is my favourite term of endearment but i did not because....internalised racism....but then I was like...fuck it and changed her to half pakistani because My culture is cool and should be represented and shit. This is for all you other desi people out thereeeee.)

“Why are you smiling like that?” That was the first thing Yoongi mumbled when he turned his chair around, seeing a heart shaped grin on his beloved’s face.

Hoseok shook his head, still in a happy daze as he giggled and handed his partner the dark and bitter coffee. “There was this adorable girl, Hyung. You should’ve seen her, she made me want to pinch her cheeks.”

“That’s great Hoseokie, now about the second ver-”

“She had such a cute little nose, she was like a little kitten that needed to be cuddled all the time.”

Freezing with his mouth open, the older rapper just nodded along before sipping his coffee and looking back at the monitor.

“Good for her, darling, now-”

“I mean, she looked so frail and maybe even a bit scared. I wanted to comfort her and just….be there for her.”

Blinking rapidly, the raven headed producer tried not to get too frustrated. His partner was never this weird….

Unless..

Yoongi pinched the bridge of his nose, realising what the man wanted to do.

“You can’t adopt every cute person you meet, Hobi.”

The red head snapped out of his daydream, blushing harshly before laughing his embarrassment away.

“I’m not like th-” The oldest’s face was enough for him to stammer and come to a stop.

“You were like this when your eyes landed on Kookie and Tae for the first time.”

Before he could defend himself, Yoongi added “and also when you were with Jimin. You know...the same Jimin who has a Mommy already?”

Both remembered the boy’s situation and grimaced.

Hobi sighed, realising that he had a habit of being too invested in cute things.

“It’s not like I do it with every cute person I meet, it’s only been this girl since Jiminie.” Slurping on his tea, Hoseok sat besides his partner and stared at the computer screen both of the producers had been glaring at for an hour.

“Is this your way of dealing with being away from the Littles?”

Hoseok didn’t say anything, wondering if that was true. And maybe it was, he couldn’t deny that the terrified small girl was cute but that shouldn’t have been enough for him to go into his caregiver headspace.

Yoongi sighed at the silence, partly understanding the hollowness of his beloved’s personality. It was hard for them to be whole when they’ve been away from the two boys for so long.

Putting down the coffee and taking his large hand in Hobi’s slightly smaller one, the man tried to give some reassurance through touch. And it did calm the rapper down to some extent but he wanted more, he wanted to cuddle with his two favourite boys and shower them with kisses and see their smiles.

Yoongi wanted nothing but that as well.

As if it was destiny, Hoseok’s phone buzzed with excited messages from the same Littles they were missing. They had given their caregiver’s big news, saying how they were coming over to the studio to celebrate.

The hyper sunshine’s screams of excitement would have been heard throughout the BigHit building if it wasn’t for the sound proof walls of the Genius Lab. Suga heard it, loud and clear, in full volume that almost caused his ears to explode.

However, the frown on his sweet lips instantly turned into a gummy grin when he saw the texts his babies sent in.

“They made it.”

Hoseok let out another shriek of happiness, already up from his seat and ready to storm out of the room so that he could welcome his two favourite brats.

The older grinned fondly after the excited caregiver, shutting his computer off and getting his wallet so that he could pay for whatever celebratory food his pups were gonna feast on.

He also took their beverages on the way out, following behind a skipping Hoseok.

“Can you tell me who this girl is and where did she come from?” The red head had calmed down a bit, arm slung over his boyfriend’s shoulder as he hummed a happy tune.

“Her name was Eun Hi and she was shaking in front of your studio door, Hyung. She was the one to deliver these.”

Yoongi murmured her name, finding it rather pretty. He wondered if she was as cute as Hobi was making her out to be and if she was, then he had the urge to meet her.

“She had big sweet puppy eyes, and I could barely hear the sweet angel when she spoke. Oh and there were those little squeaks she made and her pouty lips were cute enough to kiss.”

The older knew that there was no chance in hell of stopping Hobi when he was infatuated with sweet things so he didn’t even bother to stop the man’s excessive rambling.

Once out of the building, they were just in time to see Tae and Kookie smiling with arms around each other as excitement rolled off of them.

Hoseok broke away from Yoongi first, running to the boys and picking up Jungkook before yelling out in happiness. He did the same to Taehyung, Yoongi greeting and congratulating the Littles normally yet with equal warmth and euphoria.

The Littles were just happy and grinning brightly at their caregivers.

They all agreed to go to their favourite restaurant that served the best lamb skewers and Black Noodles.

Tae stared at the BigHit building in wonder, forgetting his success for a second as he kept on wondering and worrying.

Yoongi was the one to snap him out of his daze, holding onto the younger’s hand carefully as if he didn’t want to admit the fact that he clearly loved holding people’s hands.

He really didn’t, Taehyung’s hand was just very warm and it was chilly.

Kyung Mi stared into his eyes, all sparkly and loving and beautiful. All she felt was comfort and maybe even some form of guilt.

A table between them and people chattering in the background. With their fingers interlocked and the way the two smiled at each other, to anyone looking from the outside, it would seem as if the two were in love and enjoying a pleasant date.

The date was about to get uncomfortable.

“Jungkook…” She began, having so much to tell and ask him.

The boy took a deep breath, a smile spreading across his lips.

“It’s been awhile since we’ve properly hung out and we just….I have a lot to tell you.” He spoke softly.

He wanted to start with the smallest thing and work his way up to the whole “Suga and J hope are my caregivers.” part.

But there was one thing that interested him beyond that, it was the fact that Kyung Mi got a job at BigHit and he got to know through Taehyung.

The girl spoke first, deciding to clear the air with what was going on between her and Tae.

“So...I bet Tae told you that I’m working at Bighit now and that I wasn’t going to tell him how until we met in person.”

Kookie nodded, Taehyung had been running late and was on his way to join the two.

The two boys had spent most of the day coming up with theories on how she could have gotten such a job.

“Did you blackmail them?”

Furrowing her eyebrows, Kyung Mi scolded him with a look before shaking her head in denial. The accusation had lightened the mood though, as she giggled softly.

However, the tension had only grown when she realised what was supposed to happen.

Rubbing her thighs nervously, the girl spoke in a soft tone.

“Well...I know you might have some questions as to what happened to my last job and stuff like that so I wanted to begin with it.”

Relief relaxed the boy’s body, finally feeling at peace because now, he wouldn’t have to hide that he already knew and he could actually be there for his Noona.

“Tae told me that you’re a Little and you know that Jimin is one and that...I’m his…” Not being able to say it for some reason, Kyung Mi cleared her throat and sat up straighter.

“And there’s things related to that which might make me sound like a bad person bu-”

In an instant, Jungkook’s grip on her tightened as he leaned forward and spoke in a cracked voice, “you’re a nice person, Noona. Don’t ever think I’ll see you as anything but human cause you are one. A lot of the times, we think we’re bad humans but we’re just being humans, remember?”

Him quoting something she had said a long time ago really made her calm down and appreciate the kind boy that was in front of her.

Sometimes, she would forget the things she believed in and it was nice to have someone else remind her of them.

“Okay so….I’m kind of struggling to be his caregiver and that’s because I’m a Little too and I never told him and I never told anyone because I thought it was something that wouldn’t matter because I thought that Little Me didn’t matter but she does and I...can’t get used to the idea that she exists and that she should be happy too.”

It started off as rambling, Kookie making her drink some water as a way to calm her down and once she was, Kyung Mi told him everything that she told Taehyung.

“And I just...can’t be with him sometimes because he drains me and it’s so hard to put up a front for him but I have to because I can’t imagine being a cause of his distress.”

The boy already knew everything she had told him, her losing the job because of Jiminie and her mental breakdown, but his heart had still grown heavy in his chest. Seeing her tell him, her voice becoming thick with emotion and her adding about how she felt in those moments were what made Jungkook’s eyes fill with tears.

“Kook? You okay?”

The boy nodded and rubbed away the glistening of his orbs.

He could endure any type of challenge, pain, stress and insecurity he had but never when it was of someone else’s.

Seeing the people he loves in pain hurt more than when he was.

Kyung Mi cooed under her breath, caressing his hand with her thumb and feeling comfort from the soft warmth.

The food and drinks had arrived in between her story.

Kyung Mi picked at her food, grimacing slightly because of the lack of appetite she had.

Every once in a while, her mind would go through the process of rejecting all food and even getting nauseous at the sight of some.

Jungkook gave her a look, urging her to eat because she really did look too frail and thin for a dancer who had to burden her body so much.

Kyung Mi huffed, taking a bite and not completely enjoying the taste of it but still chewing because it was about time she understood the importance of nutrition and a healthy upkeep of a very human and hardworking body.

Jungkook had his mouth stuffed, realising mid chew that he still had things to ask and feelings to share. He swallowed quickly and stretched his neck as a way to prepare for something he wasn’t very used to. Being open and honest.

“I’m kind of upset that you didn’t tell me this before and you were hurting alone. You know I’ll always be here for you right?”

This made her smile, knowing full well how hard it is for Jungkook to admit that he’s upset about something.

“It just never felt like something others should know, it was my own battle to fight. Though, I guess Jimin should be the one to know all this but he’s under so much stress.”

The look on JK’s face made it clear that he also wanted his Hyung to know and she knew that it was the right thing to do but not yet.

A part of her was still scared.

“Taehyung only got to know so that he wouldn’t tell Minnie that I was crying.” The girl added, stirring the straw of her drink.

He was planning on bringing that up, feeling slightly bothered by it because a side of him really wanted to be the one she depended on.

“I’m glad that you at least told me now. I mean, it’s better if Jimin Hyung knew all of this but I know you’ll be able to tell him sooner or later.”

Rubbing his hands together, Jungkook stared at his noodles before opening up further.

“I’ve only know that I was a Little for a year now. I didn’t even know what it meant until I stumbled across some websites and fell into the wormhole. It took me awhile to realise why I was so interested and why I could relate.”

Kookie and TaeTae had been the rapper’s Little’s for 7 months and it was a part of their contract to not let anyone know of such a relationship.

Jimin had found out by accident and even became oddly close to the artists. Him knowing of such a relationship was, however, hidden from their managers.

The amount of times that the boys wanted Kyung Mi to know about their caregivers was endless, but it was never a good time and the meeting had kept being delayed.

But it was finally time to let her know.

….Right after he hears how she got into Bighit.

Brushing her hair away from her face, Kyung Mi smiled brightly and decided to rip the band aid and say the very simplest form of her story.

Jungkook, right at the moment she was saying it, had taken a large sip from his cola.

“RM got me the job.”

The boy spluttered and coughed violently, eyes pricking up with tears as he tried to breathe. Kyung Mi covered her mouth, eyes wide as a waitress came running in alarm. It took him getting a good thump and 2 minutes of coughs to stop.

He was sweating, exhausted from the whole ordeal. Heaving and panting, the boy rubbed his chest to soothe the ache.

But then Kyung Mi’s words came into his mind.

Smiling so widely that his muscles stretched, Jungkook leaned forward in anticipation as a way to show her that he was ready to listen to such a story.

Grinning as widely as he, Kyung Mi started to tell the magical yet simple tale of hope and dreams.

The boy’s grin had decreased when he heard that Namjoon had found her in a very weak state but Kyung Mi assured him that she was well taken care of and that her body was getting the love that it deserved.

“And he just….gave me a job.” She finished her story.

There was a frown marring Jungkook’s face, “You took the job because of Jimin and not because you were ready? Is that….you need less work, Noona.”

Kyung Mi smiled timidly, “I’m okay, Kook. I needed a job and now I have one, I would’ve made the decision sooner or later anyway.”

JK bit his lips, thinking through everything and suddenly feeling the urge to tell Jimin so that he could be there for his girlfriend.

But he couldn’t, it wasn’t his place.

“Are you really not gonna tell Hyung any of this? Not even about the job? It is a big deal, you know.” The girl had been planning on doing it but it wasn’t as if they ever had any time to have a normal talk anymore so it was difficult to bring up.

“I will, soon.” Rolling her eyes at Jungkook’s scrutinising stare. “I promise okay? Trust me, I might have been an idiot of a human to myself but I’m doing my best to change.”

Nodding in satisfaction, Kookie asked about her first day of work. He was about to take food into his mouth when Kyung Mi’s hand went around his wrist.

She gave him a look and he lowered his chopsticks, knowing that he was not ready to almost die a second time that day.

“Actually,” The girl blushed, “I met...J Hope.”

The noodles fell back into the bowl, mouth hanging open.

Giggling shyly, Kyung Mi stared at her drink as she spoke in a very small voice.

“He’s very nice.”

Grabbing both of her hands once again, Kookie’s eyes were bigger than usual as he asked for the details.

And so she told, his eyes shining and their food growing even colder.

Shaking his head softly and chuckling, all that the boy could think of was how infatuated his caregiver was for his very cute friend.

Now that he thought about it, Hoseok Hyung had talked about a cute girl but Jungkook hadn’t even paid attention because of the lamb skewers.

It was just then that Taehyung came, the youngest sliding into the booth so that his boyfriend could sit next to him.

Giving out a quick hello, the boy began to bounce in his seat as the question of the day was about to be answered.

“You better tell me now, woman, I’ve been making up theories left and right. I wanna know.”

Smirking, Kyung Mi became curious over these theories.

“Tell me one.”

Tae was more than eager to tell his most plausible explanation as how Kyung Mi could possibly get such a job.

“You used aegyo and disgusted them into giving you the job.”

He clapped his hands together, laughing at the way his friend face palmed at the theory. She had to agree though, her aegyo was not a pretty sight. The only one who could possibly disagree for Jimin because he thought everything his girlfriend did was cute.

Jungkook sighed, nodding at the fact that if he hadn’t already known then there would have been a chance that he would have believed that.

“Nope, she didn’t go through that embarrassment. Thank God for BigHit, they weren’t scarred for life.”

The boys began to protest and apologise when Kyung Mi got up to leave.

“I need to know, right now. Tell me, tell me.”

The boy had run to get the information he was dying to know. Sweat was trickling down his neck and he was panting, out of breath,

As Kyung Mi straightened her back, a small shy smile plastered on her face, Jungkook picked up his glass of cola and put it in front of Tae without breaking eye contact with Kyung Mi.

She and Tae both did not think much of it, Tae finding it oddly sweet.

Looking down at her small hands, Kyung Mi didn’t see the handsome male take a sip of the ice cold drink as she spoke.

“I met RM a few weeks ago an-”

It was the second time that the waitress had to rush over as a poor soul coughed his heart out. She had an exasperated look on her, not understanding why the innocent boy next to the dying man was laughing so hard.

Kyung Mi let out a guilty squeak, trying to help her friend as Jungkook snickered under his breath. There were a lot of “sorry”s and “You okay?” thrown around for the minute it took for Tae to catch his breath. A tear or two streamed down his plump cheeks as his eyes stared widely at the girl, dumbfounded into silence.

Jungkook asked Kyung Mi to continue, giggling softly when Tae returned the drink without taking his round as saucers eyes off the worried girl in front of him.

Kyung Mi continued with her story, snorting at Taehyung’s facial expressions. At the end of it, however, he only looked concerned.

“Did you only take the job for Jimin?”

Sighing, the girl reminded herself of how she promised that if she was going to paint the picture, she would paint it whole because trying to hide anything seemed futile now,

With her crumbling state of mind, everything was futile and terrifying for her.

“I’ll actually be fine, Tae. Namjoon takes care of me and the only real work other than my job is the showcase and my thesis. I’m better now, I promise.”

Both boys crossed their arms, eyebrows raised as a way to show her that they didn’t believe it. Tae’s eyes then darkened, realising that the Jimin and Kyung Mi situation was getting out of hand and he couldn’t do anything about it because it was supposed to be none of his business.

“Will you tell him tonight? About the job at least, you didn’t tell him about you not having one even though you promised.” A promise was a promise. And Kyung Mi hated breaking promises.

She shook her head softly, “If I tell him about me having this job, he’ll ask about my old one and I’ll have to tell him that i got fired and then I’ll have to tell him about why I got fired and all of my secrets will be out.”

Before he could say that it was better for her to not keep any secrets from her boyfriend, Kyung Mi mentioned the amount of stress he’s under and the hurting he’s going through. She didn’t want to be a burden to him.

“You can’t be the one to decide whether you’re a burden or not. That’s never your decision because a human is never fair to themselves. Trust me, Jiminie Hyung would feel better if he knew your worries than not. You’re the love of his life, of course he knows something is wrong and it must be killing him to not know what the problem is.”

Jungkook had spoke with determination in his eyes, finally giving some advice to his Noona.

Tae understood that this was Jungkook’s way of explaining how he felt when the older had kept his mouth shut, not wanting to worry his baby even more even though his baby knew something was wrong.

The thought of Jimin having any clue of her pain was what caught Kyung Mi off guard because she’s always been so careful around him.

But she knew her boyfriend, she knew his keen eyes and worried beating heart.

“How about this,” Tae tried to come up with a solution, “you tell him you work for BigHit but you don’t tell him that you got fired from the last job. A lot of people leave theirs when they have a better one to go to. He’ll believe it.”

The thing was, Kyung Mi hated the idea of lying to Jimin but at the same time she really did not want to tell him everything she had been keeping from him in one go.

And it wasn’t as if she hadn’t been lying before, at least this time her words will hold some truth.

Nodding, the girl agreed to do what Taehyung asked.

“Tonight.”

Kyung Mi tried not to flinch, knowing that the only reason the boy wanted it happen so quickly was because it had been delayed for too long and there was no more room for silence.

She nodded again, wanting it to be over and done with.

The boy would start to notice soon enough anyway, why her schedule had changed so much.

After a few minutes of chatter, Jungkook cleared his throat and gave his Noona a look. And it had just occurred to the girl that there was still one thing left to tell the boy.

She waited till Tae was done sipping on his water, the lanky human realising that both his boyfriend and friend were staring at him (almost evilly).

He placed his glass a bit away from himself, staring at the two as JK began to chuckle in a rather terrifying way.

“You wanna know who she met at her first day of work?”

Eyes widening, Taehyung looked back at the girl who had flushed cheeks and a cheesy grin as if she was remembering a sweet memory.

“So…” Wringing her wrist, the girl giggled before telling both of them in full detail. Tae’s face was frozen throughout, his mouth looking like a black hole.

However by the end of it, the boyfriends were holding their sides as they sobbed with laughter. Kyung Mi just rolled her eyes, a small smile continuously plastered on her face.

“Did you really go ‘eep’ in front of a renowned rapper? Oh God, what are you? A chipmunk?” Tae spoke in between laughters, Jungkook throwing himself against his Hyung as tears began streaming down his face.

Scratching the back of her neck, Kyung Mi mumbled out curse words that the boys heard and had caused Tae to almost fall down the side of the table.

After they calmed down, the boys looked at each other for a second before bursting out into giggles again.

Things calmed down after five minutes, Jungkook acquiring the hiccups.

Kyung Mi went to pick up her chopsticks but both Taehyung and Jungkook stopped her. They gave her a look, a look that meant that they still had something to talk about.

They were still snickering under their breath and maybe it was about something else or maybe it was the still over the fact that Kyung Mi embarrassed herself in front of a celebrity.

Either way, Kyung Mi understood what was going to happen.

“Am I gonna die if I eat this right now?”

Taehyung was the one to nod as Jungkook took her plate and glass away, as if they were ready to explode.

When Kyung Mi gave the youngest an exasperated look, Taehyung asked “ Would you rather take a bite as we tell you the big news?”

With her hands up in mock surrender, the girl shook her head. “I don’t wanna choke right now, thank you very much.”

It was highly unnecessary but Taehyung mumbled out , “Do you prefer choking on something every other time then?”

JK ended up laughing his head off again (and just when he had calmed down), full on leaning against Tae as Kyung Mi’s cheeks turned three different shades of red as she sputtered and fumbled on her words.

With a hard smack on both the boy’s shoulders, she felt very satisfied with the pained groans that they let out.

“Are you gonna tell me or not?”

She sent a glare to Jungkook who had stuffed his mouth with her food. He didn’t even blink twice, grinning widely before clearing his throat as both the boys sat straight. They were ready to tell their friend one of the biggest things that had ever happened to them.

“So, Kyung Mi….” Jungkook looked at his boyfriend, letting the older take the lead.

And so he did.

“We passed an audition. We’re trainees now.”

Two seconds later, after processing the information, Kyung Mi’s mouth was an “o” as her eyes were filled with dancing happiness. Her arms moved around in various direction, not being able to control the excitement.

“Oh my God!” She squealed. Her mouth was covered by her hands, not out of embarrassment but out of shock.

Taking one of their hands in each of hers, Kyung Mi let them know how happy she was.

“I kind of suspected Jungkook to be interested in being an idol but I just….never thought either of you would actually even try it out and you did! And you got in!”

She got up from her seat and gave both the boys a kiss on the forehead, ruffling their hair which inevitably caused them to grumble.

“You’re acting like a mother right now.” Taehyung said in a teasing tone, feeling his heart warm anyway because he made his friend look so happy and that’s all he wanted for her. He wanted her to be happy and maybe even a bit proud of calling him her friend.

Plopping back into her seat, Kyung Mi squealed again.

“I am a mother. A very proud mother.”

She was beaming with happiness, once again taking their hands as she stared into both of their eyes.

“I mean it, I’m very very proud of you two.”

And for a few seconds, both the boys felt their Little’s peak out, loving the affection they were receiving as if they were good children being praised.

Snapping out of it after a while, Tae’s rectangular grin finally turned mischievous.

“Don’t you wanna know what company?”

In a second, Kyung Mi’s hands were off of theirs and on her chest as she turned into a little ball of euphoria and waited for her friends to drop the big bomb on her.

Clapping rapidly, the girl leaned forward just as the boys leaned forward but before Tae could reveal it, Jungkook placed Kyung Mi’s juice in front of her.

“We’ll tell you only if you drink this while we say it.” Both Taehyung and Kyung Mi gave him a deadpanned look, Jungkook being the one to pout and raise his hands up in mock surrender.

“Just tell me you dorks!” The girl hit Taehyung repeatedly out of excitement.

“I won’t be able to tell you if I have to be rushed to the hospital!” Tae held his bruising arm, scowling for a second before giving Kyung Mi the happiest rectangular smile to ever exist.

.”Don’t scream, okay?” He added before inhaling and saying the words too fast, “BigHit.”

There was a pause, there was a lot of blinking and as if it was in slow motion, Kyung Mi’s mouth opened to mouth out the word “no”.

She shook her head, completely shocked and feeling as if it was a dream. Of course it was.

But it wasn’t and that’s what made her all the more happy.

Shaking her hands around was what made the two boys lose it again, this time their laughter was more fond and affectionate. JK copied her hands, his bunny teeth showing so prettily.

Once things settled, Kyung Mi’s face contorted into a concerned expression. She, once again, took both of their hands into hers.

“I love you both so much,” She started off. “And I really am so proud of you and the fact that we’re under the same company is wonderful and it’s even more wonderful that you’re realising your dreams and chasing after them but…”

She paused, Taehyung and Jungkook seeing pure worry and so much fondness in her eyes, “it’s a lot for a person. Being a trainee and an idol, it’s a lot of work and stress. I don’t want you two to go through the process of working your asses off till you fall to the ground or to go on strict diets and stuff like that because it’s….”

She sighed, looking a lot older at that moment, “I know I’m the last one to be doing this but can you both promise me that you’ll try to be kind to yourselves and take care of your health?”

Both boys used their other hands to put over hers, JK squeezing it softly while Tae gave it a small kiss.

“Of course, we know how it is. You don’t have to worry.”

Kyung Mi relaxed at Jungkook’s words, smiling brightly and squealing in excitement.

“This is...wow. I’m really really happy for both of you.”

Taehyung was very tempted to tell her how there was a chance that they would be a part of BTS. But that was a very small chance and both of them didn’t want to get their hopes high yet.

Both of the boys were perfect for it but it was the dynamic that they had with their caregivers that was making the company a bit hesitant.

Of course Jin got in but that was because he scared the managers into giving what he wanted. Another problem was that there were already two trainees who had a chance of being part of the group.

However, one decided to leave the company and the other had been into drugs and petty crimes and BIgHIt had to let him go.

So, there was an opening for the Littles, even more so when Yoongi mentioned how fans loved it when there was good chemistry between the members and each and every person in their group had a very strong bond and connection with each other.

So the CEO was still making the decision, hesitant only because they would have more of a chance of having their relationship revealed if they were in a group. Other than that, Bang PD nim loved Taehyung and Jungkook and thought they were the best trainees he’d ever had.

Just then, Kyung Mi got a text from Jimin. It was short, asking her to come home. The most she knew was the fact that he had to work on his own thesis and had been at it for three to four hours.

“I have to head home now, guys.” Kyung Mi told them, waving her hand at their worried expressions. “I’ll finish eating and leave, okay?”

And so she did, eating a bit faster.

Getting her coat and paying for her meal, the girl got up to leave before giving the boys a kiss on the head.

“Take care and be good.” She told them, the two waving and shouting their farewells.

Jungkook continued to eat, Taehyung getting his food just then. He ate it gratefully, having forgotten how hungry he was.

“Ah!” Kookie spoke with chubby cheeks, chewing hurriedly so that he could swallow. Taking a sip of his cola, he turned to his Hyung before asking.

“We were supposed to tell her about Hobi and Yoongi Hyung right?”

Tae only chuckled, almost evilly, while smirking at his boyfriend.

“Doesn’t this seem like too much of a coincidence? Destiny?”

Now that Jungkook thought about, it did seem awfully like that.

“It’s weird right?”

“Yeah and near to impossible. It’s like a movie or a story.”

“Well….since our Hyungs are celebrities, it might even be a fanfiction!”

Tae clapped his hands together, feeling his mind open up.

“Again...this doesn’t happen often, we’ll probably never go through this ever again.”

“If this is a fanfiction, something actually might happen again.”Jungkook added his own comment, perching his elbow against the table.

“Yeah and I think we should be good side characters an-”

“I hardly doubt we’re side characters though.”

“Do you see us making out with Kyung Mi?”

“I mean….”

“Don’t answer that,” Tae turned and trained his eyes on the singer in front of him.

“This is destiny and since it is, it’ll work out on its own so we shouldn’t interfere with the universe-”

“By that you mean the girl in the BTS shirt and pajamas writing on her bed, who’s acting like our God and fucking everything up because she has no love life.”

“Why do I get that?”

“Ask the chick who’s breaking the fourth wall way too many times and extending this conversation because it’s the most fun she’s had in ages.”

“Anyway,” Tae shook his head and went back to talking about his evil plan, “let’s just not say anything and see what happens. I mean….Kyung Mi and Jimin will work their thing ou-”

“Or not if the author sees another cute couple being all lovey dovey.”

“Yeah, yeah, that too. But, come on. She’ll meet the Hyungs soon anyway and if we tell anyone then they’ll get awkward with each other and they seem to get along nicely.”

“Yeah that ‘eep’ shows us that so clearly. Hoseokie Hyung and Noona are so close already! I mean we can’t tell cause of all of the cowering in fear she did but still.”

“You really are acting like a Chandler right now.”

“I mean, wouldn’t you start writing your characters like that if you’d just watched three seasons of Friends in one week?”

“Wow she doesn’t need a love life, just a life. Also….mood.”

Jungkook snickered, agreeing with his boyfriend. Also finding it slightly annoying that the writer’s platonic soulmate had impacted her so much that she’s actually putting “mood” into her decently written story.

But considering the platonic soulmate had the chicken pox and the writer was currently dying of loneliness and missing her other half, he hoped the readers wouldn’t mind her crackheadedness.

Thinking about his boyfriend’s proposition for a second, the boy nodded.

“Okay, I’ll go with your plan, only because this writer really needs a way to complicate the plot further.”

“She must sleep well at night.”

“She’s normally too stupid to sleep early and is always sleep deprived now.”

“She needs to learn how to take care of herself or else we’re gonna have to do something bout it.”

“Oh, don’t worry. She missed school and slept for 12 hours straight last night.”

“Am I supposed to feel bad for her now or…?”

Jungkook shrugged his shoulders, knowing he would do the same.

The boys went back to eating, Jungkook adding about how Hoseok and Yoongi would not be happy with their decision.

“I mean, they love us and I’ve always been a good boy.”

“You’ve been a brat. A kinky ass brat.”

“Woah, woah buddy. I mean, you’re not lying but where’s that coming from?”

“The writer said that to her soulmate the other day so she decided to recycle it.”

“What kind of a soulmate does she have?!”

“A Kinky soulmate, just like her.”

After having the weirdest conversations of their lives, the boy stayed silent. Tae couldn’t help but go through their life events through the eyes of a writer.

“I hope the writer’s future plans include us getting into BTS. Which would be a fun fanfiction idea, huh? I mean, it’ll be like a “what would happen if BTS were more than three members” kind of deal. You think that’s the plan for us?”

Jungkook only shrugged, thinking over the fact that he probably didn’t exist in any other universe because he must be an original character.

“Or maybe,” Taehyung whispered, not really taking any of this seriously because he knew that Kookie always had a very wild imagination, “we’re in BTS in the writer’s world and she’s slowly bringing all of us together.”

This caused the bunny boy to gasp, putting his chopsticks down as he had an epiphany.

“That could be it! We might actually exist outside of this world! We could be a part of BTS! That...and people probably ship the both of us the most.”

Tae shook his head, chuckling at the eccentricity of his boyfriend but actually thinking of what would it be like to be a star. To be rich and famous. He could practically see himself clad in Gucci with a beret on his head.

“Do you think I’m loved in that universe? As a celebrity?”

Placing his head on Taehyung’s shoulder, the younger kissed the side of his boyfriend’s neck.

“I bet everyone goes crazy when they see how beautiful you are. And they worry about you a lot and only ever want you to be happy. And I bet, you give them so much happiness that they cry sometimes from how much you mean to them. And they probably love the seven of us unconditionally and we’re probably like brothers who always have each other no matter what.”

Tae loved the thought, loved the thought of being something to other people and to have people who will be there for him, always. Though, he already had that. He already had people who loved him so much and had his back.

“Did you just say seven? We don’t know how many members they’re gonna be.”

Wrinkling his nose, Kookie thought of a reason to explain it.

“Seven is a lucky number.”

“And do you know who the seventh member will be if we got in? One person would be left, right?”

Jungkook’s slipped out from the corner of his mouth as he thought it through, using his deduction skills to solve the case. He realised very quickly that there were two common factors at play. One was Kyung Mi since she met almost all of the members. And Kook was pretty sure she would meet Yoongi soon at one point as well.

And the other factor would be the bond. Each person who was already in the group or had a chance of going into the group at that point has a connection with everyone else.

So it was quite easy. Of course it was, that person was also a common factor of their lives.

“Jimin. It’s going to be Jimin.”

To this, Tae scrunched up his face.

“Kookie, Jiminie is studying engineering in Uni. He’s only mentioned the idea of him being an idol once and we were all pretty drunk. He has a pretty voice and is an amazing dancer but who’s to say that he’ll even end up in BigHit if he does give it a shot?”

“Come on, Hyung. Do you really think Jiminie Hyung will go into a career he doesn’t love? Sure, we were all pretty drunk but he seemed to genuinely want to be a singer. And let’s be honest, if anything, he’ll at least be a dancer.”

Tae understood all of that. He’s heard his soulmate talk about him not wanting to pursue his dream because to the boy, having a stable job and a family with Kyung Mi seemed like a happier and more fulfilling dream.

And for the longest time, Taehyung had wanted to make Jimin understand that he could have all of that but still be miserable if he didn’t do what made him happy.

But he knew, that the only source of happiness for his friend was the one who he loved so selflessly.

It still agitated him, though.

“Okay,” Tae sighed, thinking about it seriously, “even if somehow he does go into that profession. He becomes a dancer and maybe even an idol, you can’t say it’ll be in BigHit and that it’ll be BTS. That would be amazing, it honestly would be, but the company isnt’ going to wait around for him. So if he has a chance to be a part of a group with us, he better realise what he wants and take it quick.”

Jungkook nodded with determination and pure belief in his eyes. His soul was burning with passion and all he could think about was the fact that he had to be right.

He had to.

“Wanna make a bet then?” His mischievous side peaked out, a grin plastering itself onto his face.

“A bet to see if Jimin’ll become a performer?”

“If he’ll be a part of BTS.”

“Dude, we’re not even sure if we’ll be a part of BTS.”

“Do you want to make a bet or not? 100,000 won.”

With raised eyebrows, Tae gave his boyfriend an exasperated look. “Kook, you’re a uni student. I don’t think you’ll have that kind of cash.”

Jungkook giggled, “we have caregivers for a reason, Tae Tae.”

The man didn’t even try to argue with that.

“Raise it to 200,000 or no deal.”

Shaking each other’s hand, Jungkook became serious for a second as he said “Deal.” in a deep voice before going back into his happy go lucky, childish state.

As they finished up their meal, Taehyung couldn’t help but chuckle at his boyfriend.

Jungkook gave him a curious glance, to which he replied with:

“I’m just imagining you sitting there and making this all up. The writer and us being a group. It’s so cute, Bun, you’re so cute.”

JK opened his mouth to speak and tell his Hyung how he hadn’t come up with anything but then he shut it, knowing that the man wouldn’t believe it until a miracle (hehe) happened.

And the boy was ready to film his boyfriend’s reaction and receive 200,000 won from him.

He could buy so many snacks with it.

The boy snapped out of his revery and chuckled nervously, agreeing along.

“Yeah, Hyung, you’re right.”

The boy took a long sip from his drink, shifting his eyes away.

They left the restaurant, paying for the meal and happily holding hands as they walked.

Something plopped into Tae’s mind.

“Hey, didn’t Hoseok Hyung talk about some girl? You know, when we went to that barbeque place to celebrate?”

Kookie shrugged, “I was too busy eating.”

“......Same.”

Kyung Mi entered the apartment, taking her sneakers off and silently giggling at the pretty knee high rainbow socks that were adorn on her feet that day. It brought joy whenever they were on her, something so small yet bright and lovely.

She began to run and slide around on the wooden floor, the socks making it even more slippier for her. The girl felt giddy, small baby like sounds leaving her lips as she continued to shriek and squeal and be herself.

“Kyung Mi?” Jimin’s voice snapped her out of the Little bubble she was in, the air no longer sparkly and filled with sunshine. It was because of him that she instantly fell on her butt, letting out a small “ouchie” as she rubbed her hurting bum.

The boy came out of their room, hair messy and sticking out from various directions. His reddened eyes was what caught the girl’s attention, the littlespace she had slipped into shattering and dissolving into the tensed air of the apartment.

“Love, were you crying?” Kyung Mi was up on her feet in seconds, rushing to him and checking for any signs of injury. Jimin just stepped away, shaking his head and waving her off as he crashed onto the couch.

Her heart cracked, carefully trekking towards him. She didn’t want to pressurize him into opening up, though he normally did on his own without any prompting whatsoever.

Kyung Mi was distressed but only thought of ways she could help her sweetheart, planning on getting him some water. Her walking away caused the boy to whine and she paused in her steps and went back to the couch.

Crouching down, the caregiver stared at the boy who had turned into a tiny ball, eyes tightly squeezed shut. Kyung Mi gently used her thumb to soothe the furrow between his eyebrows, placing soft kisses on his forehead and nose.

“What’s wrong, Jaan?” Her voice was loving and kind and so so warm that Jimin couldn’t help but shiver as his eyes glistened with fresh new tears. He loved it so much, the way she carded her hand through his already dishevelled hair, the way she spoke a word of endearment in a language he didn’t even speak yet it holding such a raw and heavy kind of affection.

He loved it so much. Jimin loved her so much.

“What does it mean?” Jimin had asked a year prior, him being very sleepy with his chubby cheeks against her chest. They were cuddling that calm and leisure afternoon.

“Hmm?” Kyung Mi hummed, smiling lazily as her boyfriend placed kisses on the softness of her breasts.

“What does what mean, Jaan?” She asked, loving how his warm, bare body was against her own.

“That.” His voice had turned small and shy. Even though he didn’t even know what it meant, Jimin still loved the way she said it, how sweet it sounded and it always made his cheeks turn pink.

“Well, it means life and strength. I’m calling you someone who gives me strength and someone who’s as precious to me as life itself.”

The sound emitted past Jimin’s lips was very peculiar, something between squeals and babbles. He tilted his head upwards, eyes sparkling and swirling with stars and pools of liquid sunlight.

And he did not know it, but at that moment, Kyung Mi had so harshly fallen for the boy cuddled against her that it actually hurt.

Her heartbeat had increased and grown in size, it growing even more when his beautiful eyes had turned into crescents, a toothy smile showing the euphoria in his soul.

She had melted into a puddle, finding his chipped tooth and crinkled lines even more of a reason to love who he was.

“Am I really all that to you?”

The girl had nodded, pressing a small kiss on his nose.

Giggling sweetly, the boy spoke three words that Kyung Mi had never heard him say.

“I love you.”

Both of them had stopped breathing, Jimin’s eyes shimmering in anticipation and fear. But that fear broke away the second Kyung Mi shrieked and rolled them over so that she was atop of him.

His face was showered with kisses, sweet “I loves you”S said after every second. The boy had to hold her by the waist so she wouldn’t fall but he himself was squealing in delight as giddiness filled him and overflowed into the world.

They stared into each other’s eyes, Kyung Mi hovering over him as hers filled with tears. Some escaped and landed on Jimin’s cheek.

“You mean it, right? You mean it when you say you love me? You aren’t joking, are you?”

It was Jimin’s turn to roll her over so that she was under him.

“How can I not love someone like you?” He whispered out, peppering her face with love while brushing away her tears with his lips.

Kyung Mi wrapped her legs around his waist, pushing him down so that they were flushed against each other as she clung to him like a Koala.

“I love you.” She said it again. And she would say it everyday after that and would continue to say it for the rest of her life until the wisps of her candle would flicker away. The three words would never lose their meaning, they would always hold truth and importance even when they were said to her other precious humans. The three words would be said so many times that they would be ingrained into their souls. So deeply and sweetly that even if they're separated in the next life, they would still feel the warmth of each other's affection.

A year later, and the couple did not have the happy glow they had before. Their love was still there, it never ever faded but it had grown quiet.

A year later and the girl kept her distance as she stayed in her crouched position and stared at her boyfriend’s dulled expression.

He didn’t talk for a long while, Kyung Mi not bothering to get up or stray her eyes away from him out of worry.

She didn’t know what to say or do, except to look at him and wonder what could’ve gone wrong.

Another ten minutes passed, her legs had grown tired and so she set herself down on the ground with her knees tucked under her chin.

Jimin finally opened his eyes, sadness pouring out of them.

She was quick to brush them away, being gentle and soft to the unnerved boy in front of her. Kyung Mi waited for him to speak, waited for him to be comfortable enough to be able to tell her about his worries.

He’d opened his mouth and then closed it again, feeling a tightness in his throat and a lack of words going through his head.

“Take your time, Bub. No rush.” Kyung Mi whispered, combing her hands through his hair again.

Jimin sat up abruptly, causing her to jump. He went to the far corner of the couch, turning himself into a ball as he tugged at his hair harshly.

Getting up, Kyung Mi was sitting besides him to stop his self abuse.

Her gentleness and worry had elicited a loud sob.

Shaking his head violently, the boy covered his face with his fists and whimpered.

“I can’t. I can’t study something I don’t want to anymore. I hate it so much, it’s not what I want anymore and I-I feel like shit because I wasted four years of my life and my parent’s money. I just- I can’t look in the mirror anymore, it’s not me. I don’t even know who I am but I can’t...I can’t.”

She remained silent, his words not being able to portray everything he felt but his voice was so broken that she understood.

Of course the boy loved the subjects he did, he was always so smart and hard working that it was never a problem for him to pursue science as a field. But he had been taught since a young age that it was better to have a stable job that gave you good money than to chase after a dream that wouldn’t pay at all.

To his parents, having the money to be able to support his future family was what they thought was best for him.

No matter how much Jimin loved to dance and sing, that area of his life was always seen as a hobby and never a priority for him.

And it never occurred to him that he could actually make a career out of something that he loves.

Kyung Mi was quick to sit on the couch, folding her legs as she took her boyfriend’s hand and put it against her chest.

“Jiminie. What are you talking about? University is more than just subjects and grades, it’s never a waste of time. You meet new people and experience new things. You experience having different friends and different problems and different perspectives in life. You meet people you’ll love for the rest of your life and you experience happiness with them. And…. hey,” the girl put a hand on Jimin’s cheek and turned his head towards her, “we met here. We got to experience us here and that’s all that matters. You can study something new whenever you want. You can change yourself and be someone else whenever you want and it will never too late. Don’t worry about it.”

Jimin’s eyes glassed over, sighing in frustration while rocking in his seat.

“I’ve wanted to stop studying for so long but…” He stared at her, yearning taking over his expression, “The only thing I could think about was how I would be able to provide for you. How I could get enough money to go everywhere you ever wanted to go and buy you all of the prettiest clothes. I wanted to buy you so many things that you would know how much I love you because I do, I love you so much. And I started to think about how I could get a big house for us and our children….”

Kyung Mi flinched, eyes filled with guilt as her hands went and placed itself on her stomach. The girl’s heart cracked even more.

And Jimin noticed instantly, grabbing her face with his palms as he placed tiny pecks on her lips.

“Love, I-I can’t-” The boy hushed her with another kiss.

“I know,” he caressed her cheek, forehead placed on hers, “we could adopt. One boy and one girl. An-and take them to amazing places and send them to great schools and spoil them to no end. Don’t you want that? Because I do and I know that….if I don’t do the responsible thing then I can never be a good boyfriend or a husband. I-I wanted to quit a year ago, to just drop everything and do things that make me feel alive but I saw you and all I could think about was giving you these things.”

That was enough.

It was too much for her as she angrily broke away from him, weakly punching his shoulder and not stopping as she tried to gather her words but they were substituted for tears that collected in her eyes and fell out.

“That-that’s…..no. I don’t need expensive clothes or places to go to know that you love me. And do you actually think I would ever be happy with you doing something that doesn’t make you happy? That I would let you be miserable?”

He tried to speak, only being able to wipe away her tears.

“There’s no one way to be a good lover. There is no one path we all have to follow. It’s never the same for anyone, no matter how many times people tell you it is. It’s not just a study, graduate, get a stable job, have a house with a white picket fence and then grow old with three children to take care of. It seems so perfect but we’re not perfect and I don’t want it to be.”

Placing her hand on her chest, Kyung Mi did her best to explain everything to her boyfriend. “We’re so young right now, I have dreams and so do you. We can’t just stop desiring things that make us happy for a future that’s predetermined for us. I-”

The disappointment on Jimin’s face was what she had dreaded.

“It’s not like I don’t want to marry you and live the rest of my life with our own little family, Jiminie. I do, I’ve thought about it too. And you wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve thought of a tiny human that looked like you and how hurt I get when I know I can’t give that to you. But, we don’t need to do things that make us unhappy to get these things. You should know that.”

Kyung Mi lightly smacked him on the head, eliciting a chuckled from her precious boyfriend.

“And what’s this about you wanting to provide? You do realise that I can make money too, right? How many times do I have to remind you that we’re a team.” She chided him, seeing his tears dry up.

He still looked so small, his sweater clad hands looking like paws as he ran them through his messy and damaged hair.

Placing kisses on his button nose and pouty lips, Kyung Mi mumbled soft “I love you”s and words of endearment till he was shyly smiling and happier than he was before.

“You can be whatever you want, Jiminie. I will support you, no matter what, as long as it makes you happy.”

Jimin sniffled softly, nodding and grasping her hand tight as if to say “thank you.”

Laying his head against her chest, the boy sighed happily at the sound of her heartbeat as if his own life lay within the rhythm itself. Kyung Mi continued to pat his head, Jimin opting for her thigh as he stroked it lovingly before squeezing it.

His had begun to massage her leg, moving upwards and upwards until he reached a point where Kyung Mi had to bring her thighs closer to each other. She had squeaked softly, having forgotten that Jimin was a very well built and hot dancer.

And dancers were always her weakness.

Jimin looked at her with innocent eyes, tilting his head upwards with his lower lip under his teeth. A hooded look was partially hidden behind thick eyelashes as he stared at her. Simply stared. And it didn’t necessarily make her uncomfortable but it did form a blush on her cheeks.

It was always so strange to see the innocent eyes fill with lust, to see his soft self become a powerful, raw presence that made everyone look.

And people got to see that side of him too, whenever he performed. But Kyung Mi was the only one to dance with that side of him outside of the performances he did, to feel the passion behind his darkened eyes.

His hands continued to massage that particular area, causing Kyung Mi to squirm and bite her lips in fear of any unconventional sounds leaving them.

“Jiminie-” The man hushed her, placing his fingers closer and closer to a vulnerable part of her.

“I really don’t want you to call me that right now. I can’t always be your precious little prince, darling. I’m your king too.”

He tugged on her legs, using both of his hands to guide her thighs around his waist.

It was an automatic thing for Kyung Mi to seat herself on top of her boyfriend’s lap, feeling the roughness of his denim jeans through the thinness of her shorts.

“You,” He pressed a supple and warm kiss against her lips, “have no idea,” another kiss on her nose, “how happy” another one on her cheek, “you make me.” His pupils were dilated now, a firmness to his lips as he pressed them against hers.

Kyung Mi was the one to pull away, breathing heavily and this had caused him to push her against his chest.

“Jiminie, I-” A moan vibrated through them as the boy trapped her lower lip with his teeth, sucking on it harshly.

Her body was melting, arms around him and hands in his hair as she tugged it gently. It always enticed a groan out of him, dark and raspy, making made her bones shiver.

They played with each other’s lips, both feeling content as their bodies grew excited.

Gasping when they separated, Kyung Mi placed her forehead against his shoulder as her body burned from want and need.

The boy kissed her cheek lovingly, kneading the plushness of her ass while doing so.

“Kyung Mi~”

The girl gently nipped his shoulder, feeling the tension in his overworked and stressed muscles.

“Let me take care of you, baby.”

Jimin blinked owlishly in confusion.

Kyung Mi looked at him with darkened eyes as she kissed him chastely.

And Jimin wanted that, he wanted to sit back and watch his girlfriend ride him but it wasn’t as if he hadn’t noticed her own tensed muscles and the paleness of her skin.

He wanted to make her feel good. He wanted to take care of her too.

And the man knew she would argue and whine over it so he simply got up with her in his arms. Her legs tightened around Jimin’s waist as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Letting out a shriek, Kyung Mi pressed her face against the crook of her boyfriend’s neck.

She became worried, her weight wasn’t the lightest and Jimin had looked weak but he had done it with such ease as he carried her to their bedroom.

He kissed her on the neck and collarbone as they went, giggling and mumbling “I love you”s into her ear.

He kicked the bedroom door open and placed his beloved onto the silk sheets. Kyung Mi looked at him with passion flickering in her eyes.

The man only ran a hand through his hair, the showcasing of his forehead making him look hotter than he already was in his tight black tee and ripped jeans.

Jimin’s ring covered fingers began to unbuckle his belt, the dominance in his presence increasing tenfold.

And though his next words should have contradicted his aura, they didn’t because of how low and rough his voice was.

“Why don’t we let Baby take care of you, hmm Mommy?

Chapter Text

The sun had filtered through the baby blue curtains of the couple’s room, the air chilly and crisp. It was well over nine in the morning, Kyung Mi having a class in four hours.

It had been a while since the two had laid around leisurely, basking in each other’s warmth. It was nice to cuddle, even nicer to do it after an activity that had melted their stresses away from their bodies.
The girl’s hand were on her boyfriend’s hip, fingers softly caressing it. Jimin wriggled around and let out giggles, his sweet voice causing her to smile.

“Can you not?” His voice was still raspy, lips cherry red and pretty with his hair a complete chaotic mess. Kyung Mi loved staring at him at that moment but it did not distract her from stroking the sharpness of his hip bone.

“But you know how much I love it.” She murmured, kissing him lazily as she smirked at his fidgeting.

Jimin gave her a pout, “I love it too, hun, but I’m very ticklish.”

His girlfriend snickered as she replayed a certain memory in her head. “You were so nervous that day, you literally ran away and shrieked twice. I wasn’t even gonna force you to do it but you and your pride-”

“And my love for you~” Jiminie added, smiling happily as he also remembered the day he left a room five times and broke down twice.

“And you were clutching my hand so tightly that I was probably in more pain than you were.”

This caused Jimin to pout, nudging his nose into his princess’s hair. They were so close, bodies bare and comfortable. Their legs tangled and they were snuggled under a blanket that made it seem as if they were in another dimension. They couldn’t really see each other but they didn’t have to.

“It hurt a lot.”

“And you didn’t have to do it if you didn’t want to.”

“But I did.” She could practically hear the smile, “and I’m very proud of myself.”

She went to kiss his lips but hers ended up on his nose instead.

“I’m proud of you too, Bub.”

There was another giggle, his hands sliding up her thighs until it reached her own hip bone. He couldn’t see but Jimin knew exactly where it was because of much of a habit it was..

That part of their bodies was the most precious to them. It held a sign of their love.

“You whined about it a lot afterwards though, it was adorable.” She mumbled, remembering her boyfriend’s big watery eyes and deepened voice as he complained in Satoori.

“Yeah well it still hurt a lot, even though I was a pretty big boy to go and do it, yeah?” Jimin’s voice was tinged in child like glee.
And Kyung Mi loved it so much.

“You were….but was that the only reason you were scared? Cause it would hurt?” The boy nodded, his movement being felt by her.

“What else could it have been?” His voice held confusion.

And of course, Kyung Mi could have easily not said anything but she had wondered it countless times before and really wanted an answer.

“A lot of people are scared to get anything permanent on their skin because...well...it is permanent.” She started it off easy and simple, afraid to go deeper.

She could practically see Jimin’s eyebrow raise.

“You got it too and when you were eighteen.”

Kyung Mi swallowed, taking a deep breath so that she could trek even further.

“Yeah but...weren’t you scared of maybe, one day, it holding bad memories for you. I mean, a lot of people regret their tattoos and some don’t wanna get one that’s a reminder of their relationship in fear that the relationship doesn’t work out.”

Jimin’s breath hitched, thick silence between them.

“Is this your way of breaking up with me?” Kyung Mi instantly freaked out, fumbling with her words and shaking her head furiously as she flung herself against her boyfriend and gave him kisses all over his face, including his scrunched up eyes.

“No, baby, of course it isn’t. God, you saying that makes me want to cry. I couldn’t imagine my life without you, I love you so fucking much.”

Jimin’s body relaxed, pulling his precious girlfriend closer to him.

“Then, what is it?”

Kyung Mi didn’t know how to phrase it, she knew for sure she could never not love Jimin because he’s Jimin for God’s sakes.

She always feared that he would stop loving her, especially if she told him about her not being able to be his caregiver all the time.

“Didn’t you ever have any hesitance over it? Did you ever think that maybe you’d fall out of love one day or...or if you find out that I’m not who you think I am? Were you running away just for the pain?”

Placing his forehead on her shoulder, Kyung Mi felt her boyfriend inhale deeply. For a second, she thought he was mad at her.

“I never really thought of falling out of love with you. I mean, it’s you. My fear has always been you leaving me and even after you leave me, I would still love you and I would keep the tattoo because it holds the best memories of my life. And...well I think you’re my precious and kind girlfriend and if one day, you decide to tell me that you’re a vampire or something then I would accept it and even let you suck on my neck. I mean, you know when I told you I was an angel and not a fairy? You still accepted and loved me.”

The last line made Kyung Mi giggle, her voice thick with emotions as his words hit her hard. And she, once again, couldn’t understand why she was so afraid of him finding out about her being a Little and not loving her anymore for it.

She still decided to ask, words spoken softly.

“Would you have still loved me if I couldn’t have been your Mommy? Would….would you have minded?”

Sighing, Jimin tutted at her words as caressed the tattoo on her hip bone even more, knowing it gave her a sense of safety.

“Of course not, babygirl. You’re more than my caregiver, you’re my Heart.” Placing a kiss on her cheek, Jimin continued to stroke her back and side and felt his girlfriend relax against him.

“And don’t be afraid of telling me anything, okay? I’ll always be here to listen to you and no matter what you say, you’ll always be the most precious human being to me. I will always love you.”

It was like he knew, or partly knew. Well….it was expected of him to know something was wrong, he was very perceptive and of course, he wanted to ask her directly about it but it wasn’t his place to. He only knew that she could tell him whenever she was ready.

And Kyung Mi was ready, she was ready to spill and speak of every single secret she’d been keeping within herself.

And she could certainly start with what Tae had made her promise to say.

Taking a deep breath, Kyung Mi opened her mouth to spill it out as quickly as she could so that she wouldn’t lose a nerve.

But it was then that Jimin’s phone buzzed with messages before a call started to ring into the still air, the security of the comfortable silence gone.

He groaned in annoyance, only getting up to get it when Kyung Mi pushed him to. The cold air against his warmed skin made him shiver as the girl finally saw his sleepy, tired looking self as light seeped into their blanket.

Sitting up and reaching for his phone, Jimin turned around and gave his baby an air kiss before answering the call.

“Yeah, Hyu-what? Oh, yeah that....Oh shit I forgot! Sorry, sorry. It’s close to my house, I’ll be there in fifteen. And yeah, we’ll talk about the thing when I get there.”

Kyung Mi’s feelings were very confused at that moment, her heart dropping while at the same time her body relaxing from relief.

The boy ended the phone call, turning around guiltily, “I have to meet up with Tae and Kook and some other friend of mine right now. Um...is that okay?”

Kyung Mi nodded, laughing as Jimin tucked her into the blanket.

“You should rest some more, sweetheart, I did a number on you.” The mischievous boy winked and rushed to the bathroom as his girlfriend opened her mouth to protest.

“I love you!” He screamed before the door slammed shut.

It was five minutes after that Jimin burst out of the bathroom with an oversized sweater that was mostly worn by you and sweats. He had a red beanie on and adorable rectangular glasses that suited him well.

“Do you want breakfast? I can make you morning ramen or cereal?”

You tried to refuse but he gave you a playful glare, saying he wouldn’t leave until he saw food in your mouth.

“I’ll have some cereal, I guess.”

He smiled brightly, eyes turning into crescents, before he rushed outside.

She heard a lot of ruckus in the kitchen, not bothering to get up because that boy had done a number on you.

It was ten minutes later, him being very late at this point, that Jimin came with a tray.

There was cereal, scrambled eggs on toast, grapes and orange juice. Kyung Mi sat up, eyebrows creasing at the amount of work her boyfriend put into a “quick” breakfast.

Placing it on her lap, jimin kneeled down and placed his chin on his palm as he stared at his girlfriend expectantly.

“I’m not leaving till you take a bite.”

And so she picked up the toast and bit into it, almost choking on it when Jimin leaned forward and placed a kiss on her puckered lips with food still stuffed in her mouth.

He kissed her forehead, said an “I love you” and rushed out the door as he yelled a “good bye”, taking his jacket along the way.

“See you at practice!”

Kyung Mi sat back, staring at the food that all looked strange to her, the taste not feeling right. It was difficult, for some reason, to eat. It’s not like she didn’t want to, nothing seemed appealing to her.

She still swallowed every crumb and drop of breakfast Jimin made for her. He didn’t have to, he was running late, but he still did and it warmed her to the core.

“I’ll tell him soon, I know I should right now, I know it’s for the best if he knew. But, he still has a lot to think about and I can’t put everything on him. I just need a little more time. I promise, I’ll tell him.” She mumbled to herself, an age old habit of hers.

“You should meet Kyung Mi sometimes,” Namjoon spoke, dimples showing as he brightly smiled. He liked his friend, he liked having a friend.

Tae’s eyebrows were raised, wondering if the man never focused on Jimin’s girlfriend.

“Yeah we should, she sounds like an absolute sweetheart.” Jungkook replied coolly, internally chuckling.

Seoul was a big city, there can be more than one Kyung Mis.

Except fate just seemed to have another plan for the eight of them.

“She is! I’m sorry for talking about her so much, it’s just been awhile since I’ve found a muse. It feels amazing and I’m happy I’m here right now, work has been hectic and I really needed some hanging out with friends time.”

The two smiled lovingly at the third Little, as they waited and cursed for the fourth one to hurry up so that they could order and eat.

After a while, Jimin came barging in, having to run for ten minutes straight. He smiled happily when seeing his friends in a corner who looked not as happy but rather impatient. Namjoon was already ordering for them but Jimin didn’t mind since he trusted the rapper with his decisions.

Sitting down next to Jungkook, he let the younger wrap an arm around his neck as he pulled the boy closer and ruffled his hair around.

“Thanks for making us wait, Asshole.” Tae murmured.

Jimin stuck his tongue out, “I made breakfast for Mi Mi before leaving. Sorry for being a decent boyfriend.”

They bickered for a while, Namjoon giving Jimin a worried look. When the boy finally gave him attention, the man raised his phone.

“We should talk about what happened last night, Bub.” Jimin really didn’t want to, he already had to think everything through with his life and career. But Tae and Kookie were giving him a look, letting Jimin know that they knew.

Taking a deep breath, Jimin knowing that Namjoon would prefer to talk about the fifteen texts, that held distress and worry for the future, face to face and with others to help.

Jimin understood that, he also understood that all of his best friends knowing was also a given.

The reason he had texted Namjoon while going through a panic frenzy was confusing to him, but the man was wise and the most likely to help.

However, Namjoon had been away and busy, only seeing the texts in the morning and by then, Kyung Mi had given all of the support that the boy had needed.

It was still better to let them know, of course.

And so he explained , telling them how he felt and what he told his girlfriend and what she told him.

By the end of it, all three of his friends were concerned but relieved that the boy was finally okay with him changing his dreams and goals.

Though he barely knew what he wanted, except maybe…

“I want to dance...it makes me really happy and even though I was never open to it being anything more than a hobby, I realise that that’s the only thing I see myself doing.”

They were happy, Jimin was one of the best dancers they could meet. There was so much passion stored inside the little human when it came to dancing.

“You can be a really successful dancer at that.” Namjoon added.

And it suddenly hit Jungkook, Idols were dancers too. And they sung as well, and Jimin loved to sing.

However, it wasn’t Jungkook to bring this up.

It was Tae, the one person Kookie had least expected since they did have 200 dollars on the line.

“You could become an idol, maybe BigHit since we’re all there and can look after each other. Or the least you can do is become a trainee and have a way to get your own career going.”

It seemed like such a good idea, a perfect one, but Namjoon had some concerns.

“Being a trainee and getting into the music industry isn’t easy. You’ll be sacrificing a lot, your physical and mental health. It’s tough and really taxing and I need you to know all of this before going into it. If you do, then I’ll support you and help as much as I can.”

Namjoon glanced at the new bighit trainees, having had the same conversation with them.

Jimin didn’t mind, the pain of being in the music industry, he’d went through the torment before and it was because of him and no one else.

But, he still hesitated.

“I have a girlfriend, guys. If I become an idol, let alone a trainee...I would have to give up a lot of time and we wouldn’t see each other as much. I don’t wanna do that to her.”

Namjoon let the words process in his mind, “so, rather than you being hesitant over the fact that it would do damage to your mental and physical health, you’re more worried about not being there for your girlfriend?”

Jimin nodded earnestly, “she comes first. Always.”

Taehyung ruffled the boys hair while Jungkook patted his back.

“Talk to her about it. Communicate.” Tae murmured, really wanting the two to talk everything out and be completely honest with each other.

Self sacrifice in relationships are important, but not to the point that it’s damaging a person and their dreams.

“I will. Promise.”

Taehyung and Jungkook really hoped he kept it.

It was the next day, Kyung Mi was running late for dance practice. She was calm at that moment, having sent a text to Tae, telling him to begin without her.

She had been late the day before as well, and the day before that too. Things had kept piling up and she would always arrive fifteen minutes after everyone else did.

It was no big deal, it annoyed Jimin slightly but he let it go every single time when he saw her worried eyes and bitten lips.

On that particular afternoon, Kyung Mi had stayed back to help Jin with both a photoshoot and dance lessons since a part of being an idol was dancing.

Namjoon had said that neither Yoongi nor he himself wanted to dance because they sucked at it, but Hoseok was all in for it. It made him smile so beautifully that Suga went down instantly and was hesitant but ready to try.

Kyung Mi had stayed back to help him, Jin getting very easily impressed with her skills and making weird sounds with his mouth.

The only thing left to do was to deliver an armful of folders to the management. They were stacked on top of one another, till just below Kyung Mi’s chin.

While walking towards the offices, she decided to play some music. With earphones in, the first song that came to her mind was Agust D. And so she played it, her excitement getting the better of her as she skipped and did tiny dance moves while walking.

“A to the G to the U to the STD. i’m D boy because I’m from the D. Ya’ll get turned on by my tongue technology! A to the G to U to the STD!” Her voice was high pitched and childish, accidently going into Little Space.

She wiggled around when the fast rap hit, hopping and giggling at the man’s voice. When the “I’m sorry” part came along, she twirled around, stopping for a few seconds to do so.

She went back to singing.

“A to the G to the U to the STD! I’m Di boy cause I’m from the D.” On the last words, Kyung Mi did a cute jump. She had stopped three feet away from a man who stood there frozen.

His mouth was parted slightly, black cap hiding his hair, except for the bangs that partially covered his eyes. His black mask was down to his chin. A long pale hand held an earbud, which he had taken out as he saw an adorable girl skipping in front of him.

The black sweatered, vampire esque man and the bright, bubbly girl were the only two people in the hallway.

And his face hadn’t been processed into Kyung Mi’s mind, until a low, husky chuckle rang in the silent air, a gummy smile paired with it.

She had gone too deep in little space to get out of it, and the fact that the one man who made her Little come out was standing right in front of her did not help her case.

She began to quiver, face heating up in embarrassment.

I just danced in front of Min Yoongi.

Fuck.

Don’t say that, Mi Mi. Bad word.

Sorry...Fudge.

“Um, you didn’t hear any of it...did you, mister?”

She couldn’t see it but she knew that the rapper’s eyebrows had raised, his cap moving upwards ever so slightly.

His smile was smaller, more kinder and timid as if knowing that him laughing would make her even more embarrassed.

“You’re probably better at rapping than I am. When it comes to dancing, you’re 100% better at that than me. Teach me sometime, will you?”

He said, voice higher and sweet from the teasing tone in it.

Kyung Mi was shaking, eyes wide and doe like as she pouted softly. A folder had slipped and fallen to the floor.

The man didn’t hesitate to crouch down and pick it up.

Placing it back on the stack, Kyung Mi let out a tiny squeak because his hands were so close to her and she had an odd obsession with his pretty hands.

Also an obsession with the man who had them.

Said man had heard the squeak, the gummy smile coming back into full view as he stepped back as to not scare her anymore. It worried him how fragile she looked, not liking the fact that she seemed awfully scared.

It did raise a suspicion in him, though.

Nodding as a way of a farewell, the rapper went the opposite of where she was going. He was almost gone when Kyung Mi found the courage to call him.

“Uh...ex-excuse me!” Her voice wasn’t even loud enough to be called a shout, but it was shrill and maybe even a bit whiny.

He still turned around, though. Yoongi looked patient and kind which made Kyung Mi feel more at ease before she bowed as low as she could go.

Her next words were louder and echoed through the hall.

“Thank you so much.” Though her voice was shaky, it was still strong and full of emotion and gratitude. It was warm and heavy and held so much meaning that no more words were needed.

It took a second for Yoongi to realise that she wasn’t thanking her for picking up a folder. It was more than that, more than anyone could ever do for her. And he felt that, he understood it.

Waiting till she had straightened herself, the man gave her the warmest of smiles. It didn’t show his gums, but it was still so perfect and loving that Kyung mi couldn’t help but feel tears well up in her eyes.

“Always, whenever you need me.” His words were slurred, heavy and deep.

And it then took Kyung Mi a second to understand that he knew and what his words meant.

Whimpering softly, Kyung Mi went deeper than she had ever gone into Little space.

Her glassed eyes and quivering pout only strengthened his suspicion even more.

Chuckling breathily, Yoongi raised his hand and gave her a tiny wave.

“Take care of yourself, okay? Be good.”

And she swore to God, it was a slip of the tongue. It really was, because she couldn’t help but let out a little “eep” before saying to him, in a very sweet and baby like voice:

“O-okay, I-I will, Dadd-si-si-sir! I will, sir! I-I…” Her heart exploded then and there, face on fire as her legs clattered together.

Oh God...I didn’t ju- I did...Oh God. No, I wanna die.

The man only nodding, lips quirking a bit higher, before leaving a star struck and terrified girl all by her lonesome.

“I knew it.” He whispered to himself, his right hand clenching in the pocket of his sweater as a sign of his want to hold something or maybe even a someone.

She was really adorable.

He wondered whether the girl had a caregiver...and if he could take in another Little or not.

He really wanted to.

But before he could think any further, work rang into his mind and he grumbled but pushed the sweet darling at the back of his consciousness.

A smile remained on his lips, a skip in his steps as he hummed Agust D under his breath, letting out a chuckle while remembering the way she wiggled around and squeaked out the words so freely, looking as if she was the happiest she had ever been.

And that mattered to him, he didn’t know why but it mattered to him.

Yoongi unknowingly made her someone important, as if his soul always knew she would be there. As if a part of his heart was reserved for her.

And she was going to stay there for the rest of his life. He just didn’t know it yet.

Kyung Mi was late. Very late. Two whole hours late and it was too much for Jimin to not be mad over. A part of him was worried too, most of him was worried but it just irked him.

And Taehyung was nervous. Nervous seeing his friend so expressionless and focused only on the performances he danced.

Tae and Kook tried calling her, stopping when Jimin told them to.

"She'll be here is she wants to be. Stop worrying and practice, we have a week."

It was understandable, his impatience and tensed shoulders really were. The showcase meant everything to him, he choreographed so much of it. Dancing was only ever seen as his hobby but it was one that meant the world to him.

So it was understandable.

But Kyung Mi's situation was too.

It was hard for her to dance, her mind not coping and her body always flinching when she made a mistake.

Jimin was forgiving at first, knowing that his girlfriend had her own issues that weren't told to him but they were there.

And sometimes, she ended up coming late on purpose because it took so much of her energy to simply be okay.

And if she had just told Jimin, he would have understood that too because he was going through a similar situation. It was like he was emotionally collapsing over and over again.

It was worse for her this time, having to sit outside the BigHit building, crouched down while taking large heaving breaths.

Her whole face was red, heart frenzied as the memory of calling a man who didn't even know her name Daddy.

A man she looked up to. A man she admired and loved, who owned a large part of her heart.

And she had called him Daddy and freaked him the fuck out.

This was horrible. So so horrible. And now she had to go and smile and dance as if nothing happened. As if she didn't just ruin her chance of letting her role model know everything he had ever done for her.

Kyung Mi had just met her role model. All three of her role models. She was friends with one of them.
That was too unreal, too strange and too much.

She was happy, oh she really was but the emotions of happiness with the emotions of stress, anxiety, loneliness and mortification were overwhelming.

And it was only with the half an hour of whimpering and hyperventilating, along with the patting of her head and soft humming, was she able to pull a hold on herself.

Bursting in through the doors, Kyung Mi’s legs almost gave out as she gasped for breath.

She didn’t want to be there, she wanted to be under the covers of her bed with dreams in her head but the responsibilities would always loom over the mentally weakened girl.

Everyone stared at her and that made it worse. The place had gone quiet, with Taehyung running to check if she was okay.

And the only thought in Kyung Mi’s head was to hug someone and so her arms had tightly wound around the boy, his voice soothing as he told her to take deep breaths.

Jimin was too stubborn and angry to look at his own girlfriend, practicing his solo performance with a stoic expression. Jungkook stayed with him, eyebrows creasing at the darkness in the pupils of his Hyung’s eyes.

“She’s here now, that’s good right?”

The dancer just shook it off, running a hand through his hair before sighing.

Tae had taken Kyung Mi to a corner, wrapping her in his coat and rubbing her shivering shoulders.

“Hey, go home okay? You don’t have to do this if you’re not well. Take care of yourself.” He mumbled this, Kyung Mi’s eyes fluttering shut at how good it felt to have someone say that to her.

“But,” voice quivering, Kyung Mi tried to calm the raging heart that thrummed against her heart, “this is important to me, to Jimin. I-I have to..” whimpering, Kyung Mi felt the weight of putting her body through the intense choreography and it only made her legs shake even more.

Tae hugged the girl and kissed her forehead before smiling reassuringly.

“It’ll be okay, you’re shaking and really need the rest anyway.”

Tae wrapped the coat closer around her, peeking behind him to see Jimin’s hardened look as he stared at the two.

“I’ll go tell him, you stay here and don’t worry.”

The boy turned around, feeling uneasy at the way his best friend was behaving.

Jogging up to the dancer, Taehyung tried to explain her situation without letting Jimin know that Kyung Mi was unwell because he knew that was what she would have wanted.

“Hey man...Mi Mi looks a bit sick. And, you know how rough it’s been with her cause of Uni so I’m just gonna take her home. I’m letting you know.”

But before Tae could, Jimin had stomped towards the frail girl with his jaws clenched. When grabbing her hand, he made sure to be gentle and she let him pull her without much resistance.

He took her out of the back door and into a dimly lit hall. Walking a bit further away, Jimin stopped and dropped Kyung Mi’s hand which fell to her side.

Turning around, the man once again ran a hand through his hair out of frustration.

“If you wanted to tell me you didn’t want to practice, you should have come and said it yourself.”

Wringing her wrists, Kyung Mi tried to speak. “I want to, it’s just….”

“What?” He quirked his eyebrows, arms crossed over his chest.

It was a struggle to breath or to say any words, Kyung Mi hesitating to bring up her mental health.

But she should have, in those moments, Kyung Mi should have brought it up because of course Jimin had noticed that something was wrong. He knew but how could he ask her when she should be coming to him and saying it? Didn’t she trust him enough to tell the truth?

Staring at her shoes, Kyung Mi’s eyes quivered as she tried to think of a proper excuse. And she wanted to tell him everything, there were so many moments where she wanted to spill everything but her mind was never ready for it.

Moving closer to his girlfriend, Jimin lowered his voice as if not wanting any of the invisible people to hear.

“Look, Mi Mi, this showcase is important. It..it’s a chance for me to get scouted for big companies. I want to be more than just a guy with no dreams and even though I have barely any clue on what I want completely, at the moment all I can see as a goal is the showcase going well. Please, do this for me.”

And that broke her, with his scared eyes and gentle lip bite, him asking her to do such a simple and important task was all Kyung Mi needed to be ready for the torture that would ensue.

But it seemed her beloved’s words weren’t enough for her body to respond, for her mind to heal itself and be ready to give a hundred percent at a mentally exhausting task.

With her face down, Kyung Mi shook her head in shame as she felt her eyes water.

Lee Kyung Mi would do anything for Park Jimin, till she reached above and beyond her limits and even then she would somehow be there for him.

But her mind was left stunted, left to collapse in on itself as it suffocated her and lay rooted to the ground.

“I-” The thought of dancing, the thought of being around so many judging figures and to withstand the disappointed sighs her mistakes would cause was too much.

“I’m not gonna be mad at you if you have a good reason, love. But i really want that reason. Please trust me.”

His hands went through her hair, hot breath fanning her face. He smelt like strawberries and sweat in that moment, an odd combination that felt like home to Kyung Mi.

And every fibre of her body was ready to break and crumble under his worried stare but she still couldn’t. Because telling him everything took so much strength and she had none.
“Just….I can’t okay? I wanna go home.” Her eyes were fixed to the ground, Jimin feeling frustration at the lack of eye contact.

Kyung Mi moved past the boy, nearly shrieking as he suddenly grabs her arm and pulls her back.

“I’m not asking much, Kyung Mi. I’m really not. I don’t even need a lot, just don’t give me the impression that I’m not worth talking to when it comes to your problems.”

His grip was firm but it wasn’t too tight. Kyung Mi just stared at his thumb that was caressing her skin softly. She remained quiet, holding eye contact with him for five seconds before looking away while blinking away the tears.

Tilting his head, Jimin spoke in a low deep voice, “So only Tae gets to know about them? Hmm? Is that it? You only want him to know? Instead of your own boyfriend?”

Breathing heavily, the girl ripped herself away from the boy a little too harshly before folding her arms and being stern with him.

“I just….don’t want to okay? Can’t you just leave me the hell alone?” Her voice was firmer than she would have thought it to be.

Flinching at the words, Jimin stepped back but felt the need to reply back with:

“Do you not care about the showcase? Don’t you care about me? Why can’t you just tru-”

Before Jimin could finish, his mouth clamp shut when Kyung Mi whipped her head around and he saw the glassy eyes and quivering lip.

“Wha-what do I need to do to show you how much i love you? You want me to come on time for practice? Fine, I’ll do that. What else? What else do I have to do to show that I would die for you? Give up an arm? A leg? Both my kidneys? My heart and my soul?”

Clutching her chest tightly, Kyung Mi let the dam break and the water drowned every single image of her being okay.

“You already have that, you know? I gave you so much of my heart and soul that I’m cold if you’re not with me. But no seriously, tell me, what else?”

Jimin’s hands trembled, him trying to get a hold of his sobbing beloved.

She flinched away, continuing to speak in an unstable voice, sniffling and hiccuping.

“Do you want me to lose more sleep for you? Be even more of a caregiver? Be smaller and thinner? ‘Cause I’ve stopped eating for a person before. What? You want me to always smile and be happy and never cry? I’ve done that before too. I know no one loves me when I’m sad. I know I’m too pathetic when I cry, I know I’m just a nuisance. I know I’m a bad person!”

She took a pause to rub her eyes, tears not stopping as she sobbed even more.

Jimin took it as an opportunity to hold her, Kyung Mi instantly beginning fidget and move out of his grip.

“No! Tell me! Because you know as all hell that I’ll do anything for you. And if you don’t, then tell me what to do! I’ll hurt myself and keep it all in and be whatever you want me to be. I’ll dance till I bleed. I’ll lose another job for you if I have to!”

She was shaking, voice more stable but shrill, her fists weakly hitting his chest. He didn’t do or say anything, his body a statue with the only movement being him swaying backwards with every hit.

His eyes had tears in them until, eyebrows furrowing when he heard the last line. He gripped her shoulders but Kyung Mi was trying to push him away, tears still flowing as tiny noises of exertion were exhaled from her lips.

“What do you mean by you losing your job?”

The girl laughed dryly, shaking her head out of exhaustion.

“What? You really never noticed anything wrong with me? Come on, I’m not that good of an actor.” Her voice was hoarse and completely drained of any emotions, eyes still leaking.

Sniffling loudly, Kyung Mi stopped struggling and placed her head on Jimin’s chest.

“Of course I knew,” his cheeks were soon wet from the endless tears as they finally poured out, “I just...I thought you would have told me if it was anything serious. Because we’re a team and a team tells these things to each other, trust one another. You’re the one who said that we were a team.”

He shook her gently, a sob escaping him, “you….you said we had to rely on each other. And I rely on you. I feel safe with you. What is it about me that makes you hesitate? What did I do wrong? Why couldn’t you have just told me about the things that were bothering you? I-I know I said a lot of shit and I was mean to you but I just…”

He trailed off staring at his girlfriend who refused to look at him.

“I trust you. I do, but i was so scared that it would be too much, that it would become a burden. And I thought you would stop loving me if I did.”

Jimin scoffed, pulling away and wrapping his arms around himself.

“I would never stop loving you for something like that. How is that trust? How is this us being a team? You don’t even follow what you say, that’s unfair to yourself and me, don’t you think?”

Both of them were cold, tired and hurt.

And both of them needed some time apart.

“I-I’m gonna leave.”

Jimin spoke lightly but Kyung Mi still heard it, “you always do that. You always run away, you always leave and expect me to know what’s going on inside your mind.”

More tears spilled down her cheeks, “I know that, okay?! I know. But I really can’t handle so much, Jiminie. I’m sorry.”

She turned and went through the door, head down as she sweeped down to grab her bag and walked quickly out of the studio.

Tae asked Jungkook to take care of their other friend before he picked up his coat that had fallen to the floor when Jimin had pulled her away. He was out before Jimin returned, hair in utter chaos as he avoided all eye contact.

Jungkook rushed to his Hyung, not wanting to ask what happened just yet but simply giving the older a hug.

“I messed up..” Jimin whispered hugging his dongsaeng back.

They remained like that, realising that it was about time the dance practice continued and so they seperated.

The rest of the crew were silent mostly, some whispering to themselves and as Jimin and Jungkook passed by a group of snickering dancers, they heard the shit they were spewing about Kyung Mi.

“Thank God that cow is gone, she didn’t fit well with the rest of us. Jimin needs a better partner anyway, someone who can actually dance.” A girl snorted, having to be hushed by her guy friend as Jimin stomped angrily towards the group.

Jungkook grabbed his shoulder, trying to calm the raging bull.

“Hey man,” Ryuk spoke, “she doesn’t mean any harm, alright? Plus don’t you know that your girlfriend is a dyke? She’s playing with you, bro. Dump that god awful ass before she infects you too.”

The big muscled man who had tried to stop the smaller man had let his grip go, the veins in his neck popping out as he clenched his jaw.

Two of their friends, BamBam and Yugyeom, had come forward and were the barricade between the fuming boys who were ready to throw fists.

Jimin was practically growling, his glare so intense that Ryuk had to look away because of how uneasy it made him.

Ji Soo, a kinder soul stepped up. She pinched both the irrelevant girl and the homophobic straight male.

“Guys, come on, she’s been through enough.” It was then that the boys had remembered that Ji Soo and Kyung Mi had gone to the same high school.

“What do you mean by that?” Jungkook was the one to ask but Jimin squeezed his friend’s arm and gave the now silent and awkward group another threatening glare before pulling all three of his closest dancer friends away.

“Listen, Jimin. Just know that I never once spoke shit about her but I do wish I was just….there for her as a friend.”

Ji Soo spoke after them.

He didn’t answer, going to the corner of the studio to slide down against the cool mirror.

Pressing his palms against his eyeballs, the boy felt tears forming as he whispered out, “I wish I was there for her then too. I wish I was here for her right now but i’m not.”

Yugyeom and BamBam sat in front of their friend, the former’s hand placed on the boy’s knee as a way to show his support. Jungkook sat next to his Hyung, silent in thought before asking,

“What did she mean? What happened to Noona?”

Shaking his head, Jimin used his hands to card his hair back which caused the tears to spill.

“We’ll leave if you don’t want to talk about it in front of us.” BamBam offered, Jimin smiling weakly at the offer and nodding softly.

“It’s nothing against you, just-” Yugyeom stopped him from speaking

“We’re not close to Noona anyway, we know that so it makes sense. Just ask if you need help, we’re here for all of you.”

They left, Jimin heaving a sigh as he started to speak in a low yet dead tone.

“She….got mixed up with the wrong group, had a girlfriend who was into smoking and drugs. I don’t know the details but apparently, she lost a lot of weight and used diet pills a lot. And she got addicted to it and….”

Covering his face again, Jimin let the boy next to him press his cheek against his shoulder. Jungkook’s eyes were glassy as well, not knowing any of what his Hyung had just told him.

“Kyung Mi said,” Jimin’s voice cracked but he continued, “that it was when she collapsed and had to be rushed to the hospital did she realise that the people around her were toxic and she was hurting herself.. She was 17? Anyway...she transferred to another school and worked on becoming better for a year. It was hard for her, she….was in a bad place and sometimes did shitty things to herself. She told me that Bangtan helped her a lot through it, especially Yoongi. He was the only reason for her to live. And then she came to University and Tae was the first friend she had in a long time…”

He never really thought of thanking his best friend for simply being there for his precious beloved.

Jimin made a mental note to do that.

“It should have been me. I should have been there for her, i should have be there for her now, when she needed me the most. But no...I had to pick a fight and make her cry. I made her cry, Kookie. I made my precious angel cry. How the fuck could I do that to her? What kind of monster am I?”

Wrapping an arm around his friend, Jungkook spoke comforting words softly.

“It’s not your fault. It’s no one’s fault. You two just acted a bit idiotically but that’s okay. You guys are human. Humans are allowed to make mistakes. Now, we’ll figure this out, yeah? Both of you need some time that’s all and both Tae and I are gonna be here next to you guys. We love you and your relationship. You guys are seriously the best hetero couple out there, hell probably the best couple if Tae and I weren’t a thing. I mean...technically we aren’t part of a couple, more of a polyamorous relationship so….”

Jungkook blanked out and began thinking very deeply over it. Jimin just stared at him as he giggled appreciatively.

The youngest was really really bad with words and it was so surprising hearing him say those kinds of things. But it showed how sweet and loving he was, Yoongi must’ve been a huge influence.

Ji Soo stared at her group of friends, annoyed and disappointed at their absurdity.

“Talk to me when you’ve grown up.” And she left. Considering that the best dancers were unwilling to dance, even Yugyeom and BamBam having difficulty cause of their worry for their friends, practice was cancelled and everyone decided to go home.

The four friends stayed in the practice room, not speaking but simply existing in each other’s presence.

When Taehyung had left the studio, he didn’t have much searching to do before finding a weak Kyung Mi trudging towards the exit of the university.

The girl was shivering, the temperature had dropped and she had forgotten her own jacket inside. When Tae tried to stop her, she walked faster but it was no use as he caught up to her.

There were people around and she was still crying a lot, the need to run and hide was so strong she couldn’t help but pull away from the boy.

“Mi Mi, it’s me. You’re okay, love.” Tae whispered, heart breaking at the way she continued to struggle.

“Leave me alone, Tae. I can’t be around anyone.” Her voice cracked, shrinking away when she felt eyes on her shameful state.

The boy was quick to understand, wrapping his large coat around her before lifting the hood over her head and face, it engulfing her completely.

“I know you can’t, I get that. But I’m not leaving you out here alone in the cold. I’m taking you home, okay?”

Kyung Mi kept phasing in and out of herself, lips parting to whisper the word “home.”

Her home was in the studio, her home was the one she fought with, her home was the one she lied to.

She wants home. Her home.

She wants her Jimin.

“Bu-but” Kyung Mi tried to resist but the broad shouldered man was taller and much too strong for her as he turned her around and wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

They came to the parking lot and just as Tae was trying to figure out the quickest way to get his friend home, he saw two of his older friends that were probably there to meet their boyfriends.

“Mark Hyung! Jackson Hyung!” Tae called out, soothing the girl who flinched at the loud noise he emitted.

Kyung Mi kept her head down, pressed against her close friend as if her life depended on it.

“I was wondering if you could give us a ride home?” He looked down at Kyung Mi, giving the signal of something being wrong.

Jackson was quick to agree, Mark having to message BamBam and Yugyeom first to ask if they needed a ride.

Once Yugyeom gave a brief outline of the situation and a “go ahead”, Mark smiled brightly and led the two to his car.

Sitting in the vehicle, with the heater on and the two uni students sat close together in the back, Mark began to drive.

Kyung Mi felt the need to plunge herself into the warmth of music, looking through her playlist as she wore her earphones.

First love was the one that caught her eye, the one she normally went to when feeling defeated and lonely.

Taehyung had noticed his caregiver’s name quickly, a small smile on his lips.

“Suga, huh? He’s a great guy.”

Kyung Mi looked up at him, with her eyes shimmering with not just tears but a hint of joy and so so much love.

“The best.” Whispering softly, Kyung Mi took an earbud with her sleeve covered paw and put it into the boy’s ear.

“You love him that much?”

“He....did a lot for me. More than anyone could ever imagine.”

The piano began playing in their ears and they stayed silent, Kyung Mi resting her cheek on Tae’s shoulder as he wrapped an arm around her.

He felt her shake before hearing the soft sniffling, this spurred him to place a gentle kiss on her head.

When they reached home, Mark and Jackson waved and gave kind smiles to them both before driving off.

Kyung Mi looked so small in Tae’s large coat, the warmth and feeling of being so tiny, making her slip deeper into Little space.

They went in, hand in hand, Taehyung worrying over the shaky girl as they climbed the stairs to the third floor.

Tae had noticed the change in her behaviour, her dilated eyes and small pout as well as the way she interlaced their fingers together.

“Are you feeling Little, sweetheart?” She nodded softly, letting him take out the keys from her bag and open the door.

“Let’s get you changed, okay? And make you eat something too.” He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, seeing the girl’s shoulders slump as some of her stress was released from the small act of affection.

“What does baby wanna wear? You wanna take a bath? It’ll warm you up.” Tae asked while rubbing his own arms, the apartment was chilly.

Little Mi Mi was drained of energy and very sensitive, whimpering and shaking. When he saw it, Tae immediately went and hugged her.

“Hey, cry and be sad all you want, you’re allowed to be vulnerable.” He whispered, patting her head and humming softly his friend.

“I don’t wanna be alone.” Mi Mi confessed, tightening her grip on the boy.

“I won’t let you be, okay? Come on...let’s skip the bath and get you changed. What do you wanna wear?” He pulled her towards the bedroom, the girl trudging behind while thinking of the very important question.

“Kitty onesie.” She whispered, barely being heard by Tae.

She directed him as to where it was and he pulled the black and white fluffy clothing before laying it on the bed and was about to leave when Kyung Mi whined.

“Too small to do it by myself.” Stiffening up, Tae was very very hesitant to see his best friend’s girlfriend naked.

But of course he had to, she was too cute.

“I’ll keep my eyes closed then. Want me to help you take your clothes off?” Gulping heavily, Tae prayed that Jimin didn’t somehow hear him.

Kyung Mi apparently wasn’t all that bothered by it, nodding gently and lazily shrugging the coat off. It was really cold and she instantly began to tear up at the warmth being removed.

“Hey, sweetie. It’s okay! We’ll wrap you in blankets. Just raise your hands up for me, that’s a good girl.” Tae was calm, slipping into caregiver space as he smiled and talked soothingly to her.

Squeezing his eyes shut, Tae grabbed the hem of her shirt and pulled it off of her.

He obviously knew what came under it, not knowing what to do. He’d gone out with a girl once and had never really mastered the art of unhooking a bra.

“I’ll do it.” Mi Mi murmured, voice child like and soft.

There was a soft pained yelp and it took Tae all of his energy not to open his eyes to check if she was okay.

“I-I...the bra snapped back at me.” The voice was shaky and whiny, little grunts being heard afterwards as she struggled to take it off. After much trial and tribulation, she was finally free.

Tae then helped her take her pants off, letting her handle the underwear.

“Socks.” That was all Kyung Mi had to say before Tae crouched down onto the floor, in a very awkward position since he couldn’t squat to save his life, and took them off.

“Cold, cold, cold.” Taehyung chuckled at the tiny voice the Little had.

He stood up and moved around, confused with his eyes shut close and hands moving around in the air as he tried to find the soft fabric of the onesie.

A small giggle was heard, Tae’s smile turning rectangular because he really thought she wouldn’t even be smiling that day.

He felt the fabric after five seconds of grabby hands and let out a small thank you before feeling it and crouching down so that she could put her legs in. There was a small pressure on his shoulder as she used it to balance herself. When it was done, Tae began bringing the onsie up.

Kyung Mi did as she was told, putting her arms in the sleeves.

As Tae was tugging the fabric so that it could go over her chest, he felt something soft and plush under his hand before freezing.

Something pulled on his sleeve, tugging at him in a bratty manner.

“Baby wanna be warm. Hurry up please.”

Tae apologised softly and buttoned her up. Having a Little who only ever wanted to be in a onesie really came in handy considering he could dress anyone with his eyes closed.

He had stiffened when he reached the top, not wanting to make her feel uncomfortable, Mi Mi really didn’t mind though. She just went on her tippy toes after Taehyung was done and waited for him to open his eyes.

She was four inches away from his face and their eyes made direct contact when he opened his.

“Gah!” He jumped back, eyes wide and mouth agape. The scream had caused Kyung Mi to go into a fit of giggles, her having to crouch forward with her arms wrapped around her stomach as she did so. Tiny squeaks could be heard, making her all the more precious.

Tae was smile in widely, grabbing the little girl before picking her up and throwing her on the bed. Kyung Mi only continued to laugh, squealing and shrieking as the boy brought out his secret weapon and began tickling her.

There was a lot of squirming and playful wrestling but by the end of it he was covering her face with kisses.

Kyung Mi did not mind at all, loving the big wet kisses Tae peppered her in. It was nice and long overdue.

Once they had both calmed down, their laughter turning into tiny chuckles, Tae just hovered above the girl and stared deep into her eyes. It was like a scene from a romantic movie, except the one under him was his best friend’s girlfriend.

Deciding that something warm to drink was necessary after a long and exhausting day for the small human being.

He pulled her up, hushing the protests while covering her eyes with the hood of the onesie that had little black cat ears on them.

“We’re making you some hot chocolate and a snack. No complains.” Before she could whine, he gave her a stern look, poking her cheek with a long finger before ushering her out.

It was chilly, that was for sure and while Tae had given Kyung Mi a blanket since she was extra cold, she had wrapped it around him and said that he had to be taken care of too.

Booping her nose, Tae pressed a kiss on her head and called her a kind baby.

He helped the girl to sit on the counter, slightly worried she would topple off but if he tried to reason with her Kyung Mi would just become fussy.

“Be careful.” He warned her with wide eyes before going around the kitchen.

“Okay, what do you want to drink from? Bottle or sippy cup?”

This caused the Little to pout and cross her arms.

“I’m a big girl!” He still waited for an answer with an eyebrow raised, after a second she huffed and answered with “bottle”.

Snickering, the man rummaged through the cupboards and found one.

“Hey babe, all of these are Jimin’s right?” He paused, feeling guilty because he wasn’t quite sure if she wanted to hear her boyfriend’s name at that moment.

“Yup.” Kyung Mi said while popping the “p”, her butt was getting closer and closer to the edge. It freaked Tae out and so he ran and scooted her back.

“Sweetheart, no!”

The girl frowned, pouting before whining about being bored.

Tae looked around and saw a few stuffed animals.

“Want to play with a stuffie?” Kyung Mi was quick to agree, pointing and asking for the pink bunny that lay on sofa.

When Tae brought it to her, she instantly made grabby hands and Tae only snickered and kept it away from her.

“Say please~”

“Please`”

“Now say pretty pleaase~”

“Pretty Pleeeaaasseeeee~~”

“Pretty please with a cherry on top?”

“Pretty please with cherry and whipped cream on top.”

“Wow~ that’s a big deal, sweetie. You must really want the bunny.”

“His name is Kookie.”

“....Well then he’s mine cause the real life Kookie is mine.”

“TaeTaeee.” Mi Mi was on the verge of tears, causing him to lighten up and ruffle her hair.

“Okay, baby. Just tell me that i’m the handsomest of them all and you can have it.”

That made her pout harder as the tears gathered up.

“But Jiminie is the handsomest of them all.”

Taehyung couldn’t really say no to that and so he gave up and gave her the soft pink bunny.

She hugged him tightly, dotting little kisses all over his head.

“Hi BunBun~ It’s me! Little Mi Mi! Nice to meet you.”

Tae went back to making the hot chocolate, thinking of a particular question that had come to mind. Trying not to make a big deal of it, he continued to make the beverage.

“Hey, Mi Mi? Do you not see Jiminie as a Daddy?”

There was a long pause and he regretted asking but when he turned to see her, she was just fiddling with Kookie’s ears.

Looking up at her big brother, she shrugged.

“Jiminie is baby too.”

Tae nodded, agreeing that his best friend was mostly a Little.

But it’s not like he couldn’t be a caregiver. For as long as Taehyung has known Jimin, the man has known that his friend loved to take care of and be taken care of.

“Yeah, love, that’s true. But know that he can be a Daddy too and he can take care of you. Don’t ever feel like you can’t be small around him. You can.”

Kyung Mi continued to fiddle with the bunny ears, looking at her lap.

“Really? You think he would like Little me?”

Tae stopped what he was doing, going to her before crouching down so that he was looking up at her. He took the Little’s hand.

“He would love you. I love you. You’re the sweetest, most adorable baby I have ever met.”

A soft smile was placed on her lips but rather than going further into it, she spoke.

“Jiminie and Kookie are the most adorablest babies ever, TaeTae.” She giggled.

Tae was satisfied seeing her worries go away.

Standing up and pressing a kiss on her forehead, the man spoke in a soft silly whisper.

“Don’t tell JK I said that or he’ll whine about it while sitting on me.”

He went back to work while listening to her hysterical laughter.

When the hot chocolate was done, Taehyung had made ramen along with it, knowing she hadn’t eaten in a while.

He picked Mi Mi from the counter and set her on the ground, she instantly scampered to the table and plopped down.

“Be careful,” Tae said as he took his own beverage and sat next to her.

She had grabbed the bottle with both hands and had began to suckle on it. It wasn’t scalding hot, it was warm enough to provide some comfort from the cold, hectic day.

Her eyes had fluttered closed as she enjoyed it fully. Tae just stared at her, his heart growing.

After her quick gulping down of the warm elixor, the man got a pair of chopsticks and began feeding her.

She made a lot of protests at first, being stubborn and fussy.

“You have to get something solid in your belly, bub. And i know you wouldn’t wait that long for me to cook proper food so I just made something that was easy and quick to do.”

Sighing, Kyung Mi thought about it for a while clutching the bunny tight.

“Can Kookie have some?”

Taehyung found it so cute and he would have given into it if it wasn’t for the fact it would make a mess.

“Bunnies don’t eat ramen, babe. But hey...he can have some carrots.” The man went to the fridge and took out one baby carrot from a packet.

While Kyung Mi held the veggie against the stuffie’s mouth, she let Taehyung feed her.

“Listen...since most of these things aren’t yours, let’s go out one day and buy you some. Or the least I can do is order them. Stuffies, pacis, bottles and sippy cups, stuff like that.”

Kyung Mi just munched on her ramen, “okay~ But what about Jiminie? I can’t be small all the time.”

The man carded his fingers through her hair, “do you want to be small all the time?”

The girl hesitantly nodded her head, “Makes me feel fuzzy and safe.”

“Don’t worry sweetheart, we’ll figure something out so both of you can be happy.”

After that, it was mostly playing around and when she was done with the ramen Tae told her to finish Kookie’s leftovers which was a whole piece and Kyung Mi ate it happily.

Her eyes had begun to droop afterwards and the man took it as a sign to get her into bed. There was not much struggle there, only when he cleaned her mouth with a wet cloth but it was barely cause she was too warm and well taken care of to mind.

They both lay in bed and Mi Mi didn’t even have to ask for her big brother to start singing a lullaby. His voice was deep and like silk, breathy and honey thick.

She was asleep in five minutes but before she went into the land of dreams and darkness, she spoke softly to him.

“I love you TaeTae. Please stay with me.”

And he muttered back.

“I love you too, baby. And always. I’m never leaving your side.”

There was silence, before a broken voice spoke up.

“I miss Jiminie. He….he must hate me.”

Pulling the small human closer to him, Tae spoke in a kind tone.

“Darling I have seen no one, no one, love anyone as much as Jimin loves you. One small fight isn’t going to change that. Fights are important, we all become closer afterwards. So don’t fret over it, your brain needs a break after such a long day.”

Mi Mi whimpered and buried her face deeper into Taehyung’s shirt.

“I love Jiminie a lot. He’s my favourite human.” Tae smiled lovingly at her.

“You’re his favourite human and kitten.” Tae played with the ears before hearing a loud yawn and a soft “mhmm.”

It was thirty minutes later when the door of the apartment opened and Tae heard it. His body had tensed, wondering whether the door had been locked and if a murderer was inside the house.
But then there was a soft, barely audible knock, before a familiar voice was heard.

“Mi Mi? Love? Are you in there?”

Tae eased his way out of the bed, the girl only groaning softly before turning in her sleep.

He walked to the door and opened it gently, jimin coming forward since he had his ear against the wood.

Without making a sound, the boy slipped out of the door and closed it silently behind him.

“She fell asleep a while ago. I gave her something warm to drink and eat before putting her to bed. I was just here cause she didn’t wanna be alone.”

Taehyung said, hoping Jimin wasn’t mad at him for it.

The older really wasn’t, he just sighed and rubbed his face.

“I’m sorry. God...I made her cry and hurt her. I should’ve apologised on the spot, I should have known something was wrong but I was so selfish.”

The best friend pulled him in for a hug.

“It’s okay buddy. It’s not your fault. And hey...you came back here right? You still love her.”

The last line baffled him.

“Why would I not? She’s Kyung Mi for God’s sake. I would be stupid not to.”

Tae chuckled softly, “she was just scared you would hate her now.”

The look on Jimin’s face was as if he couldn’t ever even imagine hate and Kyung Mi being in the same sentence. Or paragraph. Or page.Or chapter. Or book.

“Don’t worry, i confessed your undying love for her which she seemed pretty happy with and then went to sleep. She told me that she loves you a lot and you’re her favourite person.”

Jimin’s face turned doubtful, “really? Even after what I did to her?” I don’t dese-” He was cut off when Tae punched him hard on the arm.

“I’m not doing this with you too. One fight does nothing, it makes your relationship stronger. And yes...that girl loves you, moron. Now go cuddle with her and sleep so that you guys can have a proper discussion about everything tomorrow.”

The smaller boy rubbed his arm and stuck his tongue out but right afterwards hugged his soulmate tight.

Tae let out a noise of surprise but returned the hug.

“Thank you for being there for her when I couldn’t be. Just...thank you for introducing her to me and for giving me the courage to ask her out. Thank you for being here for me and loving me and loving the girl who means the whole galaxy to me.”

Taehyung felt the wetness of Jimin’s tears and squeezed the boy tight.

“We’re soulmates, that’s what we do. Besides, like you said, she’s Lee Kyung Mi. How can I not love her? And you’re Park Jimin. How can I not love you? Both of you are so precious to me.”

They pulled away and the boy gave his best friend another pat on the back before leaving the apartment so that he could go check up on his own Little and talk to his caregivers about something he’d been meaning to ask of them.

Jimin opened the door and simply stared at the small form that was curled up in the blankets with a pink bunny against her chest.

He just stared and watched her move around in restlessness, feeling the lack of presence from beside her..

This was when the blonde haired boy began walking towards the bed. His eyes never left her body and pretty soon he realised that she was wearing one of his onesies. The cat one.

It would be a lie if Jimin said he didn’t melt on the spot, cooing internally at how small and adorable his girlfriend looked.

She stirred even more and the boy didn’t take his eyes off her, scared that she would wake up and both of them would have to face each other so soon.

He really had no intention to hurt her and felt the growing need to have her in his arms. But it was scary because what if she flinched and didn’t want him?

But the whimper that escaped her was enough for hm to lean down and caress his Beauty’s cheek lovingly.

“Hi, babygirl. I’m so sorry I made you cry.”The pad of his thumb ran along her cheekbone.

Kyung Mi moved around more and let out whines. She was still very much asleep.

“Shhh...it’s okay.” His words actually worked as she settled down and nuzzled deeper into his palm.

He was about to join her in bed when a word was uttered from the sleeping girl.

“Daddy.”

Chapter Text

This isn't a chapter guys
I'm so so sorry:(
My Little suffered a lot in the past two months. With her not having a caregiver and all.
She even ended up hurting herself.
And a few days ago...I stopped feeling her.
And istg it feels like I don't have a heart anymore.
I'm so broken guys.
I even wrote a poem about it ha....(I'll paste it down below if anyone wants to have a glimpse of what I'm going through)
But yeah....my little is dead essentially.
And you could say I'm mourning her loss?
I never realised how much of my heart she was. I lost my hope and happiness and dreams.
I lost myself?
I cried in my school's bathroom for a good 15 minutes today lol.
I keep crying.
Bts is helping a lot.
They'll never stop being my comfort
But yeah....my only coping mechanism is gone now.
I'm screwed.
It doesn't mean I'm not gonna write this fic. I love it.
I just need time to heal.
My dynamic with Yoongi and Hobi has changed too so I have to get used to that too.
I need to feel okay.
I need to feel less lost and heartbroken.
I promise to write a chapter soon.
I really really do.
Pinky promise.
(The most sacred thing to a Little remember?)

I love you guys.

Poem:

I know I'm asking for too much,
But can you replace the pieces of my heart that left me?
Please?
Because I cry everyday now,
My safety net is gone.
The reason of my existence has ended.
And I swear.
I've never thought that I was broken.
Not even when I carved bruises into my skin.
I've never felt broken.
But I am now.
I feel so broken.
I feel so much pain.
I'm sorry
To the people I love.
To the ones that I wanna protect.
The ones who deserve the world.
I can't be the sun anymore.
I can't smile much anymore.
I know I was never anyone's
Hope or first love or energy
I was never anyone's anything.
But I always tried so hard
To be that.
To be the one to warm
The ones who grew up cold.
Someone.
Can you please replace my heart?
Replace the hope that came with it?
The dreams and laughter?
The patience and the warmth?
The comfort?
The little girl that was nothing
But a sweetheart?
Better yet.
Tell the little girl to come home.
Make her feel safe again.
Please.
Because she took my soul
With her
The day she ran away.
The day I finally broke.
The day my heart
Stopped.

I'm gonna sleep.
Sorry again.
I can't anymore.
I just can't.

Chapter Text

I AM BACK. MY LITTLE IS BACK. THE STORY IS BACK. THIS CHAPTER IS 13K WORDS LONG.

Fun fact: Littlespace or age regression is the process of regressing into a child like state of mind. It is a coping mechanism/ Childhood trauma, a child having to grow up too fast or them not having a good childhood are some of the few causes as to why a person may be an age regressor. It is also used as a stress reliever.

Fun fact no 2: I, as a Little, have similar tendencies as Mi Mi. Like oral fixation where i need to have something in my mouth, whether a finger or the sleeve of my shirt. I have put my phone in my mouth before and tried to eat a brick as well. True story. I also tend to be very timid, it can be hard for me to talk, I am generally very small small as a Little.

Kyung Mi was warm and safe and still very much in littlespace. Her mind was in a haze, but aware that someone was  holding her. The Little's feet began to wiggle, tummy rumbling.

"Baby...baby hungry." She whined and sniffled, it wasn't clear who was holding her but it was assumed that they will take care of the hungry, cranky Little.

A groan was heard before a croaky mumble, "food? You want food, love?" Kyung Mi's eyes shot open, Jimin staring down at her with barely opened lids.

There was calmness at first, then glee, then panic. Because Jimin wasn't supposed to know about this.

So the baby began to hyperventilate, the lack of air in her lungs freaking her out even more as she began to breathe in and out even quicker. The boy stilled for five seconds before placing his hand on her back and pressing a gentle kiss on the troubled girl's forehead. He mumbled softly, telling her that she was okay, that he loved her, that he was here for her.

It took another five minutes to calm Kyung Mi down, him proceeding to kiss her face sweetly, plush lips touching the tip of her nose, the action causing her to let out a tiny tired giggle.

This urged Jimin to continue his reign of fluffy terror, covering Mi Mi with wet kisses and not stopping as she squealed and gurgled in glee.

Once he was done, the girl looked up at him with big doe eyes and scrunched her eyebrows in confusion.

Because the boy looked different, like her perception of him had changed as if she was looking at Jimin from a lower angle.

He was always small, soft and tiny to her most of the time. It was just how he was seen by her because he was her Little. He was her baby.

But he seemed...older. Older and more mature, which was rather odd. The same thing had happened with Tae, now that she thought about it.

And what happened was something that seemed like an Alice in Wonderland effect when Alice drank the potion and became miniscule as the rest of the room began to grow and tower over her.

She shrunk and everything around her became big. It was an odd feeling at first but what followed was a wave of safety and comfort. It was the most Kyung Mi had ever felt and it was so addicting.

Jimin placed a thumb in the middle of her brows and unfurled the folds, his lips in a pout as he kissed that same spot out of affection.

"Let's get you something to eat, then."

The boy began sliding out of bed and Mi Mi crawled after him, making grabby hands once he was standing.

"Baby...baby feel too small." She whimpered as her eyes went glassy. There was a lot of anxiety in her right now, the thought of slipping even further into littlespace and becoming a burden weighing on her.

Jimin didn't hesitate to pick her up, making sure she was securely wrapped around his waist before walking out the door.

" 'm sorry." The Little whispered, hating it a lot more than she would have wanted to but the boy hushed her gently.

"My baby. You're my baby. I love doin’ this with my baby." He spoke before moving her around in hyperspeed, making her squeal and bury her face into his neck as she giggled in hysteria.

(You know that scene where Jimin is holding Tannie and Tannie is wiggling around and he begins to move around really fast like an amusement park ride? Yeah...like that)

Jimin doesn't even stagger as he leaves the room and walks to the dining table which was right in front of the small yet sufficient kitchen, so he placed Kyung Mi in a chair and made sure she wouldn't slip out and that he could see her while he made something.

"What do you want, lovely?"

Kicking her feet in thought, Mi Mi thought diligently before clapping her hands.

"Milkie."

Jimin nodded slowly, ruffling his very disheveled hair before asking further.

"You need actual food in your tummy, baby bum bum. What can I make you?" He poked his girlfriend's stomach to emphasize his point, which made her squiggle around.

Lucky for him, she actually gave an answer straight away.

"Pancakeys" The boy nodded in delight, it was something filling at least.

There was one last question to ask.

"Bottle or sippy cup." There was no need to ask about a glass cause the tiny sweetheart wouldn't even be able to hold it right without spilling everywhere. It was a good thing they had both. Jimin normally used a sippy cup, sometimes wanting a bottle when he's exhausted and very small in the moment.

Kyung Mi's face turned that of a duck's as she contemplated between "I'm big enough!" and

"I'm too baby :(" before nodding her head with determination as she prepared herself to say a hard word.

"Bow-tel."

Jimin snorted for a second before pursing his lips together and showing off a semi serious expression.

"What was that, honey."

He was just fucking with her but the naive Little didn't notice.

"A..um...a bwotwel" Her words were very slurrish but still decipherable . Jimin stifled his giggle, smile in full view. He lowered himself and put a hand behind his ear.

"One more time for da- Jiminie."

If Kyung Mi noticed, she didn't seem to care as her eyes became glassy. The realisation hit that he was messing with her and it was making everything even more frustrating.

"Pyopwel." Her words were nowhere near close but that didn't matter, what mattered was that she fully believed that her pronunciation was perfect.

The boy's head fell back as he burst out laughing, the sound echoing in their warm, sun lit apartment. His giggles made their home even shinier and Kyung Mi couldn't help but marvel in it and look at him with eyes wide and mouth agape. The baby fell deeper in love for him. She saw her whole galaxy in him.

But the filter cracked and fell away as the information that he was laughing at her processed and so she pouted the biggest pout that could ever be pouted.

And out of anger, out of rebellion, out of pettiness and a tiny bit out of need and curiosity, Kyung Mi took Jimin by the wrist, brought his hand close to her and put his thumb in her mouth.

She didn't use her teeth, very careful to let her lips be placed firmly as if she had a death grip on it.

And then they stared at each other, Jimin's eyes wide with confusion but also with amusement while Kyung Mi was dead serious and looking like a puppy on a mission to destroy him and everything that he has ever loved (which was kind of stupid since he loved her the most, so was she planning on destroying herself?).

"Can I have my thumb back, love?"

Kyung Mi shook her head, keeping her steely gaze.

"I'm sorry, baby. Jiminie was being mean." The boy whined softly, not really hating their situation but wanting to play along because everything about the scenario was adorable.

The Little gave a nod, agreeing with him being a meanie. It wasn't a lie.

Jimin began pouting, eyes puppy like. The baby didn't back down, sucking on it to emphasise her resolve.

Sighing, the boy's lips twitched upwards, his eyes rolling playfully.

"I was being a bad bumbum. I promise I won't do it again. I'll put some chocolate chips in your pancakes to make it up to you." He wasn't really sure if this was good parenting or not, but it's not like he would be able to resist Mi Mi. Her eyes held every star in the universe and he was more than happy to give the baby anything and everything.

The Little contemplated the deal brought in front of her before a muffled noise left her still occupied mouth.

He was pretty sure she was just saying "Bad BumBum" which was fair and just and rather adorable.

"I'm a very bad bumbum. Yes. But you can't keep my hand forever. I need it."

Kyung Mi held onto his wrist, deciding to be even more stubborn.

Kyung Mi said another word that was too muffled for Jimin to understand. His eyebrows furrowed, trying to think of a solution to get out of the sticky situation.

He ended up staring at his baby's cute tiny nose, his other hand lifting on its own as he moved it towards Kyung Mi's nose. It turned from 5 fingers to one, the Little's eyes following it like someone in a trance until her eyes went crisscross.

She looked very silly and Jimin giggled softly as his finger tip stopped just a mere hair away from her button nose.

It was odd, he didn't really believe it would work and it was almost on instincts but he pressed his finger against her nose.

He even said a long "boooop".

Kyung Mi's mouth slowly unclenched around his thumb, dropping open and freeing him from captivity as he removed it from the wet prison.

It was five seconds of silence, the couple staring at each. This time, Kyung Mi looked confused yet utterly enamoured and mesmerized while Jimin was two seconds away from falling on the floor.

"You cheated!" Kyung Mi yelled out, pointing an accusatory finger at her boyfriend.

And that was the fall of Park Jimin, his head was thrown back and his body followed as he dropped onto his butt and turned into a tiny ball of giggles, laughter and shrieks.

His laughter further turned squeaky, almost like a toy was making the sound. He turned into himself as his stomach began to hurt.

Jimin's feet wiggled around and he was actually crying.

Kyung Mi was so precious, his baby was so tiny and too good for the world. Precious, precious and lovely. So lovely. Lovely, lovely. The weight of it all hit him hard as he giggled and squealed from the love his heart glowed from.

It was so much, his emotions were so much but it was perfect for him. That was what Kyung Mi deserved, that was what happened when you were around her and gave her your whole heart. Your emotions became like fairylights and blankets, stuffies and cuddles, hot chocolate and cake, dancing and stargazing, kisses and soft touches, the sea and a field full of millions of flowers. She was so perfect for him and he was so perfect for her. They were so perfect. It was all so perfect.

After 5 minutes of nonstop fanboying, Jimin lay on his back and stared at the ceiling, the last of his tears slipping down his cheeks. He didn't expect a hand to brush them away but his face nuzzled against it.

"What's wrong, bumbum?" The Little asked, causing the boy to snort.

Kyung Mi had crouched besides Jimin while he was still dying of happiness, head tilted and nose scrunched up in confusion. She didn't really know what to do but it was enjoyable, seeing his eyes nowhere in sight as they turned into crescents. Every now and then she would see a tiny star swimming in them and found it awfully pretty.

She found Jimin awfully pretty, even with his face all red and him being a complete mess of a person.

Her Jimin was a mess. An awfully pretty mess.

When Jimin looked at her, wiping the remaining tears in the corner of his eyes, he couldn't help but show his slightly crooked tooth as his smile took over his face once again. By now, his whole face was hurting from the happiness.

"Happy tears, baby bum, happy tears."

Kyung Mi started to pout again, wiggling around in refusal.

"I'm not a bum!"

Jimin let out another giggle before sitting up and attacking her with kisses. His hold on her was strong so she couldn't even get away, feeling very ticklish as a string of pure nonsensical joy left her lips. They were tiny gurgles and coos, mixed together with squeals and gentle shrieks.

"You're my bum." The boy murmured when he was done pouring his affection onto her.

Kyung Mi seemed to like that a lot as she nodded enthusiastically.

They sat there for another minute, both pooped out and tired from the amount of energy it took to laugh and play around.

And Jiminie remembered something.

"Before...when you took a hold of my wrist, you said something. I couldn't hear it. What were you saying?"

The baby had to think about it for a second, eyes blinking uncontrollably before they went still. She took a hold of his wrist once again and brought it close to her face, luckily for Jimin she wasn't planning on capturing him again. Nuzzling her face against it, the Little spoke a small word that fit so perfectly into their narrative.

"Mine."

And sure, Kyung Mi was just being a silly angel, she just meant that his hand was in her possession now but it still made his heart flutter.

Jimin loved his girlfriend a lot, to the point that it would overflow and consume him. But looking at her now, small and innocent, created a whole new dimension of it.

"It's yours. Anything you want is yours, lovie. I'll give it all to you."

It was then that Kyung Mi crawled onto his lap and gave him a koala hug, arms and legs wrapped around his body, it was warm and fluffy and his body relaxed against her. The baby rubbed the nose against his, letting out small coos.

"Mine."

Her grip on the boy's shirt tightened, as she whispered the one word over and over again like it was the only thing that mattered to her. Like it was a promise, like it was a secret. Their secret, for only them to hear.

Jimin buried his face into her neck, breathing in the soft, rose scent before sighing out a reply.

"Yours."

When Jimin left to get everything ready, the baby whined and yelled out, "I can help!"

Of course she was too small to even hold up a plate so there was nothing much Kyung Mi could do but Jimin had an idea to keep her occupied.

Taking out a colouring book and a whole bucket of crayons, he placed the two items on the table.

He let her flip through it, eyes turning into crescents when she gasped at a particular page. The whole book was a One Piece themed one. Both of them grew up with it, and baby Jimin begged to have the colouring book when he saw it online.

She paused when her eye caught on her three favourite characters. Sticking her pointer finger against the paper, she squealed out.

"Nami. Brookie. Choppie! Choppie Choppie is so so cute. Cute cute."

Jimin chuckled and ruffled her hair before booping her nose.

"So are you. You're the cutest."

"That's Choppie! He the cutest!"

The boy walked away, grinning brightly as Kyung Mi delicately picked up an orange crayon and began to mumble about how pretty Nami's long hair is.

He made the bottle quick, struggling for a second because this was never really his job but he got the hang of it

Jimin was someone who loved being taken care of, he loved compliments and being showered in affection. He liked being pampered and feeling small. And everyone around him loved to pamper him, even Jungkook and Namjoon who found him adorable in Littlespace.

But Jimin was also someone who loved to take care of others. He was thoughtful and kind, doing things like feeding Tae and Kookie when they were too stressed out to eat, checking up on all of his Hyungs that worked too hard to make sure they weren't overdoing it. He would card his hands through Hoseok's hair when the man couldn't sleep, straighten out Jin's clothes and hat when he was in a hurry, bring coffee for Yoongi and listen to him ramble about a particular track he was working on, clean up Namjoon's mess when he's too busy with meeting deadlines. He bandaged any minor injuries that befell on any of them, gave them hugs upon hugs upon hugs because he believed that everyone needed to feel loved.

And maybe he hadn't been doing all of that so well over the past few months, maybe he had forgotten how to function. And while he worked on taking care of a Little he didn't even know existed before, he couldn't help but feel guilt settling in because he should have known. He should have done a better job at being loving and being good to the ones he wanted to take care of.

The boy refused to have a mental breakdown in that moment so he puffed up his chest, gave his cheek a light slap and got back to work. He made sure that the milk wasn't too hot for her by dripping some of it on his arm before placing it on the table. She didn't really pay attention.

"Baby. It's time for your milkie."

Kyung Mi continued to colour, "I'm busy Daddy. Not right now."

The way Jimin's heart almost pounded out of his chest was something he had never experienced. His face was glowing as he smiled, not mentioning what she said because he's pretty sure she hadn't processed the words in her head.

But it was fine.

He was fine.

He wasn't melting.

His whole body wasn't radiating the softest of energies.

He was normal. And cool and grown up.

"Yeah." his voice was high pitched from euphoric hysteria and he couldn't help but jump around on his heels and shake his tiny fists in front of his chest.

He cleared his throat, standing straighter and doing his best to look serious and adult like.

"Honey. The milk will get cold. You don't want cold milk in your tummy now do you?"

Kyung Mi only let out a hum. Jimin didn't mind, he always had the patience and honestly the happiness and shock hadn't dissipated whatsoever so her not listening didn’t really affect him.

Sighing, the boy looked at what she was colouring.

It was Chopper, probably the cutest character he had ever laid eyes on.

And one of his and Kyung Mi's favourite characters.

"Oooh. Hey darling, you know what Chopper is right?"

Kyung Mi looked up in disbelief, giving a look that was too close to ‘I am disappointed in you’ on her face.

"Well...he's a talking reindeer. A small talking reindeer."

Jimin nodded, biting his lip to contain his coos because his girlfriend was way too serious in that moment.

"Yeah true...but what else is he?"

"A pirate."

"I- yeah. He is." It never occurred to him that whoever hadn't watched One Piece would find that whole conversation baffling.

"But what does he do for the crew? What role does he play?"

Kyung Mi didn't even need a second to answer.

"He's a doctor!"

Jimin nodded, patting her head for getting the answer right. He could practically see her tail wagging, she was beaming with pride.

"Yes he's a doctor, that means he makes sure that everyone is healthy and not hurt," the boy spoke in a soft tone as to slowly coax the baby towards the right direction, "and I bet he believes little girls like you need a lot to be big and strong yeah?"

Kyung Mi agreed with a swift movement of her head, eyes still shining as she gave no one but him attention.

"And...well," Jimin continued, " he would probably agree when I say that milk is important to make bones strong. And don't you think he would love it if baby drank her milk while it's hot so she can grow and be the bestest version of herself?"

Understanding flickered through Kyung Mi's face before she puffed out her chest, " can I be part of the Straw Hat crew when I'm big and strong? I wanna help!"

For a second, Jimin was opposed to it since that was highly dangerous and no offense, but the girl barely had any upper body strength, but then he internally face palmed himself when he realised that the crew she wanted to join was fictional.

"Yeah sure, baby. I'm gonna have to come and join too, though. Someone needs to take care of you." He said while fondly kissing the top of her head.

"Okie. Oh! You have a black belt in that fight punch kick thingy too! You'd be perfect! You can protect me! And...And I'll protect you!" The boy was well aware that that shit wasn't deep but it made his soul sing.

"I'll always protect you, hun. I know I've been a bad boyfriend lately but I'll do better to be perfect for you so that you're safe and away from the bad guys."

Before Kyung could address what he said, she squeaked out.

"Blackbeard!" Her ears probably picked up on bad guys and thought of the worst one. Jimin, once again, felt anxious cause even though he mastered taekwondo he couldn't take on someone like Blackbeard. But then he physically gave his cheek a small slap because, once again, the villain didn't exist.

Kyung Mi let out a giggle for her caregiver's silliness but then realised that her mind was going off track from what she had to say.

"You're perfect! You're my perfect boyfriend. And yeah...boys can be icky! But you're not icky. 'Cause you're perfect. No bad. Good! Good good."

Jimin couldn't help but feel vulnerable.

"You don't hate me?"

The look on her face was of pure horror.

"No! Never ever! Baby loves loves loves loves loves loves lovesssss you! Baby loves you so much that her heart does the weird boom boom thingy. Baby would give Daddy her paci if he wanted it or..or...Baby would fight and defeat Blackbeard for Daddy! Baby vuws you that much."

Jimin sniffled, laughing wetly and hugging the Little tight.

"I'm so in love with you, honey bun, that I think my heart grew ten times bigger just so it can hold all this love I have for you."

His eyes watered, feeling like it was overflowing even after increasing the space in his soul for the emotions that were only ever there because of her.

"Daddy is so dramatic sometimes " Kyung Mi sighed but held him tighter, showing her appreciation for it.

But then her breath hitched.

"I- I'm sorry. I kept calling you...that. And-” she whimpered, body becoming tense.

Jimin patted her head soothingly, giving her firm kisses on her head.

"I love it when you call me Daddy. Makes my insides all fluttery and I feel all giddy. If you think I'm not a good caregiver for you, that's okay, I don't mind but don't think I hate it. I could never hate anything you ever call me."

Kyung Mi became quiet but still kept her strong, shaky grip.

"Even bad bum bum?"

"Mhm. Even bad bum bum."

"You're a good careliver-"

"Caregiver."

"Garemiver."

“Caregiver.”

“Caterpillar.”

"I- okay. Thank you, hunny."

"You're the best hairdibper."

That was the furthest thing to the actual word but Jimin was too happy to point it out.

"And you're the best baby."

Kyung Mi let out a small gasp before looking up, chin against the softness of his stomach.

"But there's so many babies. Like a gazillion." She said in a hushed whispered, eyes wide from disbelief and glittering from awe.

Jimin bent down and sweetly kissed the tip of her nose. His lips were like warm honey and the softest of pillows, that's the best way Kyung Mi could describe it.

"You are the best baby. My favourite baby." And it was strange since the Little really was too small to initiate anything, the shyness in her blooming and sprouting up as red cheeks, but Mi Mi couldn't help but kiss Jimin on the lips. It was small, a peck, but it held so much love that he dissolved into nothing.

It was like cotton candy and caramel, that's the best way Jimin could describe it.

When they pulled apart, Kyung Mi looked at the milk with determination as if music was going to start playing and a training montage would begin,

She took a deep breath, took the bottle with both her hands and picked it up an inch from the surface of the table before putting it down and turning to Jimin with a wobbly lip.

Jimin smiled gentlly.

“Too small?”

Mi Mi nodded, looking a bit sad over it.

Jimin sat down on the chair next to her, pulled it out of the table so that his legs and lap were free. He then proceeded to pat his thighs invitingly.

Kyung Mi was hesitant at first, very insecure about her weight, but she did stand up from her spot and let Jimin turn her around from the waist and let him scoot her closer towards him before pulling her down to take a seat on his very comfortable lap.

Jimin sighed when the bottle seemed warm enough, adjusting himself under her causing the Little to bounce around and giggle.

He put the nipple against her lips and she took it in her mouth and suckled on it. She let out a muffled squeal, jumping slightly before relaxing against the boy. His chest was pressed against her back, comfort making her head fuzzy and light.

Throughout the bottle, Mi Mi would make cute tiny noises of delight and glee. Sometimes she would drink too fast and Jimin would have to press his lips against her cheeks and mumble words to urge her to slow down.

Once the bottle was finished and put away, Kyung Mi began wiggling her legs up and down in happiness.

“Magic alexir.”

“...do you mean ‘elixir’?

“Yeah! It’s….it’s like ponyo!” She let out a loud gasp and turned around to look at Jimin with stars in her eyes. “Can we watch ponyo?”

It confused Jimin that out of everything to take elixir out from, she chose ponyo.

Or what was so magical about it considering he only put honey in the milk to make it taste better.

“Yeah, hun. But after we have pancakes okay? Gotta fill you up with something solid.”

He sat there and held his baby tight, kissing her round cheeks and swiping away the milk that was dribbling down her chin. He showered her in love, chuckling at her wriggles and squeaks.

She turned and puckered her lips, eyes closed in wait and Jimin gave it a peck. Kyung Mi really had no coordination when it came to her body so her kisses were very sloppy and a mess, causing the corner of his lips,chin and the tip of his nose to be wet, but he loved it.

Mi Mi waddled off of him and he got to cooking while she returned to colouring, finding it just as important.

After a while, Kyung Mi began singing a very familiar and nostalgic phrase.

“Yo hohoho Yo hohoho. Yo hohoho Yo hohoho.”

She was bouncing around in her chair, voice loud and clear and full of a child’s hopes and dreams and it hit Jimin so deeply in the heart that he felt emotional over it. He’s never heard such kind of happiness in his girlfriend’s voice and it was so beautiful. It was so painfully beautiful.

The boy shook his head, taking a deep breath and reorganizing his head to dig up the lyrics of a memory that had been sitting under dust for too long.

(The song)

“Going to deliver Binks' Sake!

Following the sea breeze! Riding on the waves!

Far across the salty depths! The merry evening sun!

The birds sing as they draw circles in the sky!”

Jimin’s voice was thick with a heavy accent, his joy and excitement deepening and condensing his voice. He danced around,bowl in one hand and a wooden spoon in the other, skipping in place and moving his head around. His eyes were crecsents, crinkled with pretty lines and smile stretched as far as it could go.

Kyung Mi’s eyes had widened before she herself grinned brightly and clapped her hands to the beat of the song. She couldn’t say the words properly so she yelled out silhouettes of them, jumping and laughing in between because of the pure unadulterated euphoria that bubbled inside of her and exploded out in waves.

“Going to deliver Binks' Sake!

We are pirates sailing through the Sea!

The waves are our pillows, The ship our roost

Flying the proud skull on our flags and our sails”

“I’m gonna be a strawhat pirate and be the princess of the sea!” Kyung Mi shrieked out with both of her fists pumped up towards the sky.

Jimin laughed so hard that he doubled over, the bowl of dry ingredients plopping on the floor with powder going everywhere.

He stood up and straightened before going into another fit of giggles,  jumping up and down.

“Yes, you will! I’ll be your prince!”

“Yeah! Prince Minnie”

“Princess Mi Mi!”

They continued singing.

Jimin varied his voice a lot, sometimes it was as low as he could make it, sometimes high pitched from his laughter. He would giggle with the words, so full of bliss that nothing could stop him. His whole body sung with him, his soul surrounding his own body like a shroud of glittering silver so bright that it bathed the kitchen in starlight.

Kyung Mi was a baby, so small and full of wonder and no fear and only adoration in her heart. She was wrapped in a little galaxy like it was a blanket, Jimin’s starlight adding to her beauty and her freedom.

This was freedom. Freedom in the most unique sense, in the most prettiest way possible. They were free and their spirits danced and intertwined with each other as they forgot everything. Every worry, every thought, every person, every bad thing.

They had created their own bubble and it was glinting rainbow.

Jimin did an extravagant spin before walking to Kyung Mi and holding out his hand. She took it without hesitation, feeling like an actual princess and her boyfriend looking like the prince he has always been. They spun around the room, cheering out the lyrics like actual pirates out at sea, with nothing below them but the thrill of uncertainty and adventure and old wooden planks and the waves of the water.

The room flooded with fairy dust and flower petals, their voices loud and reaching every corner of their tiny apartment, a whole new world created within its boundaries. Their voices, like a melody, bounced and skipped off the tables and the couches and the walls,twirling and dancing like tiny ballerinas. Joy emanated from them, the sunshine touching everything, the walls absorbing the light and storing it as they glowed like how the sun would, storing the beauty within its bricks for storms and tough times to come. Storing it so that their house could be a tiny bit warmer when everything grew cold.

When a verse came that was supposed to be whispered, Jimin pulled Kyung Mi close to him with arms around her as he began to mutter out the words. Their bodies swayed, singing with excitement and energy, voices becoming higher and higher and louder and louder as the song continued.

“Going to deliver Binks' Sake!

Today, and tomorrow, our dreams through the night!

Waving our goodbyes, we'll never meet again!

But don't look so down, For at night the moon will rise!”

Their foreheads lay against each other, eyes half shut, as they whispered like they were telling each other secrets, as if they were making promises that were meant for only two of them. There was a feeling of sacredness in the space that was barely there between them. There was a sense of security as a red string tied them close together, their vows towards each other floating in the air between the two people who never made vows to anyone before, between two people who went through isolation and pain and betrayal and hurt. It was between two people who were alone for so long, lonely for so long, lost for so long. It was between two people who found a home in each other, who found love in each other, who shared stars with each other’s galaxy.

It was between two suns that would go from yellow and fiery, to orange and quiet. Two suns that would give the other their light so that the dark orange would become a bit brighter. They were similar, similar in a way that had hurt them. They were two suns that almost burned out because of each other. But they were there, they were small and less in hot flames but they were there, flickering and warm and ready to glow more and more everyday.

When the final verse came right after, their voices grew louder and louder, filled to the brim with spirit and gusto.

“Going to deliver Binks' Sake!

Let's all sing it with a Don! A song of the waves

Doesn't matter who you are, Someday you'll just be bones

Never-Ending, Ever-wandering, Our funny Traveling tale!”

Jimin twirled her around, Kyung Mi giggling and moving in a fluid motion while her boyfriend looked at her with so much adoration and purity that it would hurt anyone’s heart from how deep and heavy the weight of his love was.

They felt like pirates, as free and careless and clumsy as them, they could taste the salt in the air and hear the waves crash and the ship creak and the flag with a skull on it flutter in the wind. They felt lost and without direction, they were lost and without direction in the grand scheme of things, but in the moment it felt good. In that moment, it felt thrilling and like an adventure that they could overcome. Even if Jimin wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life and Kyung Mi had so many fears about herself, even when both of them were uncertain of the future, it was still okay in that moment because it felt an awful lot like freedom to them.

They were equal, in their own little world, they were equal and had their own right and were their own human beings with beautiful, audacious stories to tell. And it was them who had control over how it ended, how they lived. And they wanted to live a life without restrictions, like a person with nothing but the open sea in front of them and the big blue sky as their roof.

Doesn't matter who you are, Someday you'll just be bones.

It was rough and harsh but it was filled with so much hope and content and the need to exist and do nothing but unapologetically exist in a world where people make you feel like you’re not worth the space you are given. They were themselves and it didn’t matter who they were because they were just being them.

“Yo hohoho Yo hohoho. Yo hohoho. Yo hohoho.”

They were hugging each other as they ended the song, yelling out the words as they moved side to side against each other.

When it was done, both of them fell on their butts out of exhaustion, sweat dripping down their bodies as they panted loudly.

They then laid on the cool floor, looking at the ceiling and trying to catch their breath.

Jimin turned his head and stared at the Little, her body shaking from adrenaline and the smile on her face was wide and breathtaking.

That was the smile Jimin wanted to see for the rest of his life, that’s all he wanted. He wanted to give her that, give her everything, even if it meant travelling the world’s oceans with danger lurking in every corner.

Kyung Mi turned her head to the side and their eyes met, both of them quiet and staring at each other with sparkles in their eyes. The sound of their breathing was the only thing there, the song they sung echoing and existing as a ghost around them. The feeling didn’t leave, the bubble didn’t pop, and the walls of the house were a tiny bit brighter and had the most perfect memory trapped in them.

Kyung Mi opened her mouth and broke the silence.

“I’m out of exercise now..”

Jimin’s stomach was hurting too much, breathless chuckles leaving his lips. He leaned in and gave slow, soft kisses all over her face.

“I love you.”

Kyung Mi put her arms around his neck and pulled him down for a hug so that they were clinging to each other on the floor of their apartment.

She buried her head into his neck and spoke in a shy voice.

“I love you too.”

Jimin held her a bit tighter, relieved to hear it.

After two minutes, he realised the situation he was in.

“We’re all sticky and sweaty right now and hugging each other, ew.”

He pulled back to see Kyung Mi’s nose scrunched up in disgust.

“Ew.” Her voice was so sweet and child-like that it made it even funnier.

“You’re all stinky too. So gross.” The boy said while getting up, helping her to stand as well.

Kyung Mi gasped, offended.

“You’re the stinky! Gwoss!”

Jimin snorted, running a hand through his slightly wet hair.

“You’re a stinky baby.”

“You’re a stinky bum bum.”

The boy arched an eyebrow.

“I guess you don’t need pancakes anymore?”

The baby shook her head with vigor, looking frantic.

“I want pancakey,” she pouted, “pwease make me pancakey, daddy.”

How could he say no to that?

After sweeping away the flour that was spilt everywhere, Jimin quickly made the batter and made a batch enough for both of them. He put chocolate chips in as promised, satisfied by the end of it because of how good it looked. The cold air had cooled them down, winter not forgetting to jostle them into reality. Kyung Mi drunk water by Jimin’s hand as he gulped down a glass as well.

The eating was a bit messy, Kyung Mi getting syrup and melted chocolate everywhere, she even tried to feed Jimin once in a while but would often miss the mark and smear some of it on his face.

The boy had even taken out the whipped cream, putting some on the baby’s nose and cheeks, causing her to fuss and wriggle around.

It was calming, the boy having fun feeding his girlfriend while making airplane noises. He would sometimes bring the piece of food really close to her face and then proceed to eat it himself, she would get mad at him but even when she was angry she was adorable.

“Ponyo!” Kyung Mi squealed out once they were done, Jimin getting up to put the dishes in the sink.

“Let’s wash up and brush our teeth before doing that, honey bun.” Jimin said, knowing that disapproval was coming his way.

“But-”

“Come on, love. It won’t take long.”

Kyung Mi puffed up her cheeks, crossing her chest and very much ready to put up a fight.

The boy sighed, really not wanting a tantrum because he had no idea how to handle it.

“Don’t you feel icky right now? Probably a bit sticky. We just danced around and got all sweaty and had pancakes with syrup.”

He was hoping that being practical would work on her, holding his breath as she stared off into space in thought.

Nodding slowly, the baby shuddered to show how much she hated feeling icky.

They went into the bathroom, Jimin asking if they should take a shower (baths took too long) and Kyung Mi agreed to the idea.

Jimin started to take his shirt off, not thinking much of it since she was his girlfriend and they had seen each other’s everything already. And it was pretty normal for them to take a shower together, they did it often.

Kyung Mi fidgeted around, turning around when she saw Jimin’s lean body appear bare.

“You’re nakey!”

Chuckling, the boy ran a hand through his hair before patting his toned stomach.

“You need to be nakey to take a bath, honey. Want me to help you take your clothes off?”

He saw the baby freeze and start to shake. Cursing under his breath, Jimin realised that he hadn’t even been sure if Little Kyung Mi was comfortable with nudity in front of him. Sure, he was her boyfriend and she called him Daddy but when you regressed, you had different comfort levels for certain things.

“Oh, I’m sorry hun. I didn’t ask if you were comfy with this. Um,” Jimin didn’t dare to move closer towards her in fear of making her feel even more uneasy.

“We don’t have to take a shower? Or-Or! I can close my eyes while washing you. I’m not sure if you’re big enough to shower by yourself? If not, we can work something out!”

Kyung Mi looked at him in confusion before shaking her head.

“I’m not uncomfy! Not at all..I’m..inwegure?”

Furrowing his brows, Jimin tried to decipher what she was trying to say.

Insecure.

She was insecure.

“Why are you insecure, baby?”

Kyung Mi stared at her feet and shuffled them around.

“‘m ugly. Don’t wan’ you to shee.” Her voice slurred a lot with these words, looking vulnerable and disgruntled.

The boy took big steps to hug the small shaking angel.

“Baby, your body is beautiful-”

“That sounds pervy Daddy.”

He shushes her, placing a kiss on her forehead.

“I know the feeling of insecurity too, honey. Especially when it comes to my body.”

This genuinely surprised the Little, her mouth wide open.

“Really? But Daddy’s so so so so pretty! The prettiest.”

And it was true for her, she believed it with her whole heart and soul and would believe it until the day she died. But the fact that she said that about him while not looking at herself was practically illegal. Because to Jimin, Kyung Mi was the most beautiful human to ever exist. He only wished she could see herself through his eyes.

“We all have our flaws and our insecurities and bad thoughts, lovie. But trust me, you are amazing and gorgeous. But honestly, what you look like doesn’t even matter because your soul is shining and radiant and otherworldly. That’s what you should focus on, because I’m always left speechless from how your heart beats in such a pretty, breathtaking way.”

“That’s so cheesy.”

Kissing her cheek, Jimin grins brightly and let’s her think for a second before nodding.

“Okay. Bath time!”

They take off her clothes quick and make sure the water is not too hot and not too cold.

Throughout the whole ordeal, Kyung Mi would either stare at Jimin’s tattoo or talk animatedly as he washed both himself and her.

Poking the canary on his hip, Mi Mi giggled whenever Jimin would yelp out in surprise.

“It tickles, honey.” He said, not really minding it.

She continued anyways, switching to trace the outlines of the imprint. Her eyes were wide and mouth were open.

“It pretty. Birdie pretty.”

“You’re pretty.” Jimin mumbled as he washed his hair.

“A-alice? Um..vo-violet. Promise.” She read out the words that were above the canary.

“Alis volat propriss.” Her boyfriend easily says in one go.

“They fly with their own wings.”

Kyung Mi translated it instantly, the phrase given her goosebumps.

Jimin placed a hand on her hips, where the exact same words and bird were etched on her skin.

“You have one too. It’s really pretty. You have a few more.” He went and poked the one on her stomach and the one on her right wrist and turned the baby around swiftly to poke the one on her shoulder.

Mi Mi giggled and squealed, looking all over her body and feeling a need to add more. She always wanted to add more, the tattoos were comforting to have and it made her more beautiful.

She turned back around, got on her tippy toes and kissed his nose before letting him continue with cleaning.

“Baby loves the little birdie.”

“Mhm. You wanna tell me why you got it, honey? It was your first tattoo after all.”

Kyung Mi scrunched her nose and thought for a second, wondering herself why the canary and the phrase existed on her.

Then she decided to break the fourth wall.

“Trademark.”

Jimin, unaware of what was happening, looked confused.

“‘Cause there is story about cat people and fox people and magic and stuff, and there’s a you in there t-that’s a pretty canary. And he has the tattoo! So the lady decided that all of the yous will have the tattoos in every story!”

The boy looked to the left, as if he was in The Office and there was a camera zooming into him before looking back and asking her:

“That sounds great, love. Is that story out yet?”

The baby shook her head.

“The lady started that story first but she’s at 52k words with it and our story is at 70k, so clearly she’s bad at management. And she doesn’t wanna post the chapter ‘cause she’ll feel too much bmesure-”

“Pressure.”

“Premure to finish it all but she won’t and then she’ll get sad. So it not out yet.”

“You think she’ll post it after she’s done with the current chapter she was writing and had abandoned?”

“She should.”

“I hope whoever reads our story would read that story too.”

“Maybe they should subscribe to her and read it when it’s out.”

They both turned towards the non existent camera and stared for ten silent seconds before looking back to each other and going back to regular programming.

Jimin began washing the Little’s hair, nodding and humming to whatever Kyung Mi was talking about.

“I’m pretty sure green and blue would be best friends. But green wouldn’t like red and pink and red would be like siblings that just don’t get along well. Purple would be like the platonic queer partner of pink, she would be very protective of pink because pink is always being clumsy and constantly gives everything of herself to other people. Orange would have a crush on pink for sure.. Orange and yellow can be siblings! And they would love each other a lot. Yellow would have a crush on green.  Green would like yellow too and I feel like pink would help them get together. Black would be misunderstood but yellow would always stick by him and orange would make fun of black a lot but then yellow would get mad at her brother and he would fix his attitude because everyone should respect everyone. And- and obviously red and blue would be married and in love and the best couple to ever exist. You know why?”

Jimin shook his head, looking down at her. He took some of the lathered up shampoo and put it on the tip of her nose, her eyes went crisscross.

She blew a raspberry and swatted lightly at her nose before taking some of the white bubbles and putting it across his face.

The boy threw his head back and laughed, pulling her in for a hug.

They held each other, completely naked against one another, water streaming down them.

It was a nice, small moment but the smallness of it made it even more precious because Mi Mi was small herself. And being small didn’t make anything any less important.

The girl looked up and him and began explaining her reasons for having red and blue as a couple. It was a pretty solid explanation too.

“Because in Steven Universe, Ruby and Sapphire are a couple! The best couple! And Ruby is red and Sapphire is blue! So that’s why! They belong together.”

Jimin grin became wider, having a tickling urge to watch it but that might just be the Little in him talking.

“You haven’t watched it yet?” Mi Mi asked, eyes blown wide open. They were clear and so full of wonder and purity. They turned very dark and full of betrayal when Jimin told her he hadn’t.

She pouted, upset and kind of thrown off by this fact. Kyung Mi had already known that fact and they both had planned on watching it together a few months ago, before they had gotten insanely busy.

“Don’t make that face. We remembered to watch it together, remember? I promise we will.” Kyung Mi was still pouty, letting out a dissatisfied hum.

Jimin took the pout away with a peck. The Little smiled softly.

Her eyes moved down, gasping in surprise and catching Jimin off guard.

“What is it, honey?”

Looking up in shock, Kyung Mi pointed downwards.

“I have feet!” Her voice was high pitched and more like a squeak.

She kept her mouth open in awe, wiggling her toes in exasperation.

Jimin helped Kyung Mi out of the bath first, he came out next and had taken out the towels when Kyung Mi made a break for the door in a need to live free nakedly.

He was quick to wrap the fluffy towel around her and pull her forwards to pick her up bridal styles.

“Where you going, huh? My little brat?” His voice was thick with satoori, smile never leaving as he shook her around. Mi Mi shrieked and giggled.

“It’s cold. It cold cold. Cold cold cold!”

He attacked her neck with his mouth, blowing raspberries and gently biting at it. Kyung Mi held him tightly and let out pleading ‘no’s while letting out breathless laughs. She was kicking her legs lightly, towel loosely wrapped around her and coming off very easily.

She was put down on the counter, feet not touching the ground. Jimin properly secured the towel around her chest and had everything covered up before putting a towel around his waist.

“Let’s wash our faces and brush our teeth, yeah? Let’s do that.”

“Let’s do that!” Mi Mi said with her arms pumped up into the air, voice very child like and gleeful. He had grown so used to it, adoring the sweetness of the notes it hit.

They started with the face wash. He squirted some of the white liquid onto her hands and did the same with his own.

They lathered it up until it was foamy, the Little folding her fingers and mumbling about how sticky it was.

Jimin put it all over his face, doing it well and getting it into the tough spots. He was always very careful when it came to skincare, doing it thoroughly. Kyung Mi as a baby only rubbed the same spot on her cheeks over and over again via a circular motion. She was also muttering something under her breath, it was very familiar to a chant and it was creeping the boy out because of how ominous it sounded.

He just stared at her, scrubbing the same spot over and over again while performing some kind of satanic ritual.

When they made eye contact, Mi Mi let out a scream and pressed herself against the mirror. The boy had whiteness all over his face and he looked like something you would see in the dead of night in a haunted house.

“Ghost!” She said as she pointed.

“Huh?” The boy first turned around to see if there was anything paranormal behind him, worried that she had actually summoned something, before looking in the mirror and coming to the understanding that he was in fact the ghost.

Chuckling under his breath, Jimin raised his hands and turned them into claws before attempting to scare her. Kyung Mi shrieked and tried to move away but he held her down.

“Raaawwwwrrrr.”

“Nuuuuuu.”

“I’m gonna eat youuuu.”

“Nu uhhhh.”

“Yuh Huhhh.”

“Nu uhhh.”

“Om nom.” Jimin plunged forward and attacked her neck with fake bites. Soap got everywhere and she shrieked even louder.

Pulling away, laughing, Jimin looked at his baby with a devilish gleam in his eyes.

“Want a kiss?”

“No! You soapy! Don’t want soapy kiss!”

He planted one on her cheek anyways.

“Noooo.”

He planted another one on her other cheek.

“You soapy monster.”

“I’m soapy monster.”

“I will destroy you!”

“You destroy my heart everyday with the amount of love you make me feel for you, honey.”

Kyung Mi gave him a deadpanned look, clearly done with her caregiver, before looking forward and continuing her demonic ritual.

“Honey...what are you saying? And why are you just doing the same spot over and over again?”

Kyung Mi just stared at him without blinking, continuing the circular motions and making him feel like he was looking into the eyes of a person ready to jump him.

And not in a fun way.

The Little looked straight ahead and started to say the word louder so he could hear.

“Rub rub rub rub rub rub rub rub rub rub rub rub rub,” at one point her hands moved faster and her chanting sped up and intensified, “rubrubrubrubrubrubrubrubrubrubrubrubrubrubrubrubrubrubrubrubrubrubrurburbrub.”

It was creepy, almost in a funny way, the keyword being ‘almost’.

Taking a hold of her wrist and pulled it away from her, Jimin put more soap in his palm before properly applying it on her. He was careful not to get the product in her eyes or mouth. Though at one point, when he was running his hand on her chin, she had puckered her lips to give him a kiss and got a mouth full of soap.

She blew a raspberry once again and whined as her boyfriend laughed at her stupidity.

They rinsed after Mi Mi’s face was as foamy as Jimin’s. He had been careful with the water so that it wouldn’t splash on him, but the baby just doused herself and even got him wet from the tsunami that she had caused.

It was getting colder and colder, Mi Mi starting to shiver and her butt becoming numb.

“Let’s brush our teeth quickly and then wear some warm clothes, okay?” Jimin murmured, already taking out their toothbrushes and toothpaste.

He applied the white paste onto his girlfriend’s toothbrush and gave it to her. He brushed his teeth harshly and with quick motions, making sure it was thorough while Kyung Mi brushed the same two front teeth over and over again while muttering “brush brush brush brush brush brush brush brush.”

Jimin sighed, taking the girl’s brush to help her. He kept his in his mouth, it hanging there securely. He did it as carefully as he could, feeling the kicks of Mi Mi’s feet as she swung them happily. He would sometimes do it a bit roughly to properly clean it, causing her to whine and pout and he would get a harder kick on his leg.

“Sorry, baby. Hang on for a second.” Jimin muttered, the toothbrush between his lips causing his words to be muffled and barely audible.

Whenever he would go very softly, however, she would giggle and move back.

“Tickles!” She would squeal out.

“Tickles? Tickle, tickle.” The boy would say as he wiggles his fingers against his girlfriend’s sides.

She would squirm and giggle and give an even harder kick

“Stick your tongue out, honey.” This statement was also very inaudible but Mi Mi understood when he lightly tapped the pink muscle.

She stuck her tongue out and grimaced at the minty flavour. She then let out a few more giggles because of how weird it felt, it softly tickling her.

Once that was done, they both leaned down on the sink and rinsed their mouths.

“Good job, love. Now we’re all fresh fresh.” Jimin said as he wiped her mouth with a towel.

“Fresh, fresh!"

What to wear was solved quickly by the way Kyung Mi looked at a big, baby blue, fluffy sweater and pointed at it. Jimin was the owner of it but her wearing his clothes was nothing new so he let her wear it with a thick pants that hung low on her waist but kept her warm. The Little looked and felt as comfortable as she could possibly get and it made her wiggle and sing around the room as Jimin decided to simply put on a pair of sweats and one of his more colourful and warmer sweaters.

“Ponyo? Ponyoponyoponyoponyoponyoponyoponyoponyoponyoponyoponyo.”

Mi Mi was hopping in one place, pout out in full force. She didn’t stop her incantation even when Jimin turned her around by the shoulders and pushed her out of the room. She didn’t stop even when her butt was sat down on the couch. She ran out of breath soon, parched and in need of hydration and the caregiver was quick to give her a sippy cup full of water. She drank it in large gulps, only slowing down a little when Jimin warned her to, before wiping off the water mustache on her upper lip and then she continued where she left off.

“Ponyoponyoponyoponyoponyoponyoponyoponyoponyoponyoponyo-”

The boy looked for the movie, smiling brightly and feeling genuinely happy and warm inside., but then he felt his eyes glass over at the sight of the movie cover.

He was so close to slipping into Littlespace; he was dipping his toe in it. And there was nothing stopping him from tipping over just one degree and falling into it completely and submerging into the comfort of what was always familiar to him.

But he had a baby to take care of, his baby, and there was no room for weakness. Stepping away was hard, he wasn’t used to doing it because his environment was always something that coaxed it out even more. But the majority of what made his environment what it was, was sitting behind him with eyes filled with child-like glee and a giant smile.

Shaking his head a little, the boy was about to put on the movie when the bell rang.

Jimin hushed the baby’s fussing as he started the movie and went to answer the door.

“I think it’s Kookie, hun. I’ll bring him in and we can all watch Ponyo together.”

Mi Mi’s ears perked at the other Little’s name and she turned around fully on the couch and sat up on her knees while holding the back support of the furniture for support.

“KooKoo? KooKoo is here? Yayyyy.” She clapped with the palm of her hands and became unsteady on the plushness of the cushions against her knees. Her voice was high and so full of happiness and love that it hit Jimin in a hard way.

“Yes, honey. And I’m sure he doesn’t wanna see you get hurt so please sit properly and watch the movie. Look, fishies!”

He pointed at the screen and sighed in relief when Mi Mi’s eyes followed the direction he was aiming her towards. She plopped down on her butt once again and clapped passionionately.

“Fishies!” The Little squealed, rocking back and forth before going still and turning herself into a ball so that she can give her full attention to the film.

Jungkook looked a bit tired when the door open, a smile still plastered on his face while he held his arms wide open for a hug.

What he wore was not a surprise, a grey baggy shirt and jeans with combat boots. It suited his college student persona that, in this fic, wasn’t a persona since he was actually a college student.

Jimin went in for the hug, the younger holding him tight. It was hard for Jungkook to sleep the night prior, not even when Jin gave him cuddles and Taehyung reassured him that everything was going to be okay.

“How’s the baby?”

“Are you referring to yourself right now?”

“I can literally pick you up and fling you across the room. Don’t know what baby can do that.”

“I’ve seen you cry while drinking banana milk because of how good it tasted.”

“.....Touche.”

They kept on holding each other, shuffling inside of the house while attached, Jimin kicking the door closed with his foot.

“The baby is good. We washed up and she’s watching Ponyo right now.”

If the boy had actual bunny ears, his ears would be completely vertical when the word ‘Ponyo’ was released into the air. He looked into the direction of the tv and Jimin swore he saw Kook’s nose twitch.

“Oooh. Ponyo”

His Little peaked out so quickly that it was kind of amusing.

“Focus, bunsicles. You can be tiny later.”

“Hehe, ‘bunsicles’.”

Jungkook’s eyes turned from brightly twinkling to steadiness as he got a grip back.

“How’re you doing, hyung? Good? Okay? Have you been feeling small?”

Jimin contemplated telling his friend about what happened a few seconds before the door opened. It was either a smart move or it would mean that Jimin would be seen as someone who was unfit in taking care of his own girlfriend when his girlfriend had been in his situation a million times.

But Jungkook was one of his best friends, practically family, and it was obvious that the kind hearted boy would never think of Jimin in such a bad way. He was just asking to be of help and Jimin needed to learn how to actually ask for help rather than being stubborn about everything.

“Yeah, a bit. But, I’m okay. I pushed it down. We’re okay. I just….I texted you because I thought Kyung Mi would like to have more company. Isn’t Tae here? Was he busy?”

Jungkook stared into his Hyung’s eyes for a few seconds before speaking slowly.

“Tae went to the convenience store for something. Now, tell me what happened?”

It was hard not to just shrug and change the subject but Kookie was the type of person to literally shake it out of him.

“It was for a second. But I’m cool.”

“Hyung...you know how bad it is to repress your Little like that, right?”

“We both can’t be kids in this apartment. Mi Mi sacrificed her happiness and her mental health to take care of me, so if I have to do the same then I will. Because I put her through so much shit already and I don’t think I’ll ever stop hating myself for it, especially if I do this while she’s vulnerable and in my hands.”

Understanding went through Jungkook, his shoulders slouching a tiny bit before he gave a firm nod before proposing what he came over to propose.

“Then let Hoseokie Hyung and Yoongi Hyung take care of you guys. Let them be your caregivers, both of yours.”

Jimin instantly shook his head, jaw clenching tightly.

“You can’t just say that on their behalf. Being a caregiver is a shitload of work and it’s-”

“They’re the ones who brought it up. They’re the ones who asked me to bring back the two of you from your place to ours. They want this. They want to be there for you. Yoongi Hyung and Hoseokie Hyung have wanted you as a Little since the first time they met you. And they wanna meet Kyung Mi.”

“Did you pressurize them in any way?”

“What? Of course not. They made this decision all on their own. They’re allowed to do that, they’re adults.”

“But you know how busy they are, how hard they work. Taking care of four Littles won’t be easy.”

Jungkook gave the boy a stubborn look, speaking slowly and with a firm tone to make it clear that he wasn’t taking ‘no’ for an answer, “they know what they’re getting into. They’re adults. And it’s not like we won’t plan everything and make sure everyone is happy and comfortable. None of us are stupid here, it’s not like any of us to do something that will have a negative effect.”

Jimin tsked, dead set on not giving in so quickly.

“You think I can’t do this on my own?”

“I think you’re being stubborn and unrealistic. You’re a Little, she’s a Little. You guys need someone else. And it’s okay to have someone else. Tae and I did that. And we’re more in love with each other, we trust each other more and we have two more people to love.”

The last part irked Jimin a bit but he didn’t wanna admit it. He couldn’t help but to let insecurity cloud his judgement though.

“Well what if Kyung Mi loves two more people but doesn’t love me as much as she used to?”

Jungkook relaxed his stance, knowing what Jimin was implying.

“You know it’s not necessary to be in a romantic relationship with your caregiver right? And besides, even if she does fall for them, she won’t love you less. That’s not how polyamory works. I know it’s not something you might want and maybe it’s not what Mi Mi wants either  but you really can’t think she’ll abandon you because she feels the same emotions for other people.”

Jimin looked away, trying to make sense of his feelings and his beliefs. He’s never really been sure if he was comfortable with personally being in a polyamorous relationship. He wasn’t against it, he understood it. Monogamy was okay and polyamory was okay but he didn’t know if it was for him. He didn’t know how he would react.

But at the same time, he wouldn’t even be surprised if Kyung Mi actually romantically felt something for them because he had felt something too.

It had been followed by guilt, it felt wrong and uncomfortable against him so he pushed the thoughts away and made sure to never think of the way Yoongi’s gummy smile made his eyes crinkle or the way Hobi’s laughter filled the room with sunshine or the way they worked so well together and it was almost hot the way they were perfect for each other. He made sure he never thought of the warm and firm hugs and the sweet coos they used on their Littles or the way they held and loved their babies like nothing in the world could stop them from loving them.

“Have you never seen either of them with Tae and felt even a shred of jealousy? Weren’t you scared about that? Because I am. I don’t want to feel bad emotions for my Hyungs.”

Jimin had to think about Kyung Mi.

Kyung Mi. Kyung MI.

The love of his life.

Jungkook’s eyes softened only in a way they soften when he’s talking about his partners.

“How could I? When the person I loved the most in the world loved two people that I had started to fall for? I know how great all three of them are and all three of them deserve partners like each other. They’re perfect together. We’re perfect together.”

Jimin couldn’t help but want that, want what the boy in front of him was saying. And the part of him he had locked away out of guilt came out, even if it was a tiny bit.

“I-” he held his head low in shame, “I would be lying if I said I haven’t had some particular thoughts and feelings for...Hobi Hyung and Yoongi Hyung.”

He was afraid Jungkook would end their friendship right then and there but all the boy did was snort.

“Well, duh. I get that completely dude. Have you seen Hoseokie Hyung’s body? And heard how low and gravelly Yoongi Hyung’s voice is? I was ready to fall on my knees when I first laid eyes on them and heard them speak. And you can’t even imagine how sexy Yoongi sounds when  he’s growling or when Hobi isn’t wearing a shirt and is just sweaty. ‘Cause…”

JK whistled in exasperation, looking up at the sky and shaking his head as if to say ‘you made it very difficult for me not to go straight to hell.’

Jimin was beet red, not really used to such intimate talks about his friends’ boyfriends and really, what was painted was a nice image but it was not for him to see.

"Um, can we get back on track here please? You aren't....mad?"

Jungkook shook his head, looking relaxed and not the least bothered.

"They have a thing for you too, bro. Hell...Tae had a thing for you. I had a thing for you. You're a very pretty person, everyone is bound to have a thing for you and it's honestly understandable."

Jimin was left frozen because that was a lot of information thrown out all at once.

“Wa-wait, really?”

Jungkook now had tinted cheeks, ignoring the words exchanged mere seconds ago and changing the topic.

“If Mi Mi ends up liking them that way and you get jealous, it’s okay. You’re human. You have an issue, you talk to your partner about it. And it’s as simple as that. If something does happen and you feel negatively towards it, just communicate.

“You know...for a dumbass...you’re really smart.”

Jungkook shrugged and flipped his imaginary long hair, “I do the best that I can. My dumbassery is in other fields.”

Jimin snorted, finding it admirable that JK had no shame.

He grew serious after a moment, thinking everything over. It still felt weird to go to someone’s house and have them take care of his girlfriend and him. But it’s not like he didn’t know the men that wanted to be their caregivers. It’s not like they didn’t wanna take care of two more Littles.

But still….they worked too hard sometimes and he didn’t want to be a burden.