Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

17-year-old Jungkook was the happiest he had been in days. Finally, his pimples were gone and he was past the dreadful puberty days. Now was just the glowing phase. He was a senior and he could feel the jitters of soon leaving the school, the agony of missing his friends, albeit he did have only one, and the excitement of getting into a college.

He did not study hard, but he studied well. Enough to get him a scholarship in a decent college. He was looking forward to leaving Busan and starting his new life in Seoul. His mother was very strict and she did not allow him to leave for Seoul, alone. But Jungkook was determined. He had to leave. Seoul had better colleges than Busan.

These were winter mornings and the school was a few miles away from his home. The school bus came early to pick up students from their stops. The nearest stop from Jungkook's home was also a little far. It would take him 20 minutes to walk that long, so he would have to take a cab. A common cab which carried all same school students from around the block to the main bus stop.

"Uncle Muk, how are you today?" Jungkook asked his cab driver as he wafted vapors from his mouth due to cold. Muk has been picking and dropping him and other kids from and to the main bus stop for two years.

"It is quite cold, Son." He replied quickly, getting the windows up. The early winter mornings were dark and foggy but also peaceful. Not many people were on the road and that's what Jungkook loved.

He was really introverted and a good-looking kid. Everyone in his society tried to talk to him but he restricted himself. His sister, Momo, was 2 years younger than him and went to the same school. She had many girlfriends in the neighborhood.

Momo was not oblivious as to why these girls suddenly became interested in friendship but she was happy that she had gal pals to play with. The brothers of a few girls were also interested in Jungkook. Like this one guy, his name was Zayn. He has returned from the United States after finishing high school.

Zayn's sister Lily was Momo's friend and Zayn asked his sister to bring over her friends to a party he facilitated, just in a hope that Jungkook would show up. Being an introverted self, Jungkook did not. Only Momo went to that party and broke Zayn's hopes that he could ever talk to Jungkook.

There was another kid named, Shari. He also lived in the same neighborhood and his younger brother also went to Jungkook's school. Shari had the biggest crush on Jungkook and from time to time, he tried to express it.

How? He knew Jungkook would come to see the Baseball match which was organized by the committee members of society. Shari participated and performed really well. His one flying dive to catch the ball was still talk of the town. It was breathtaking.

Can you imagine what Shari did on catching the ball? No, not that.

He flipped one-eighty so that he could look at Jungkook, and gave him a smile. A deliberate smile amidst hundreds of people surrounding the field with cameras all around. The commentator also joked about it. But it was forgotten as the match finale went by.

Similarly, he once tried to talk to Jungkook by following Uncle Muk's cab but sadly, his younger brother, who went to the same school was also in a cab, so he could not.

Shari and Zayn were just two victims, being crushed under the slender of Jeon Jungkook. There were many more. Few, whose names were not even known to Jungkook, but he recognized them by faces.

And this was just the boys and girls from his neighborhood. Another story awaited in his school and at his tuition.

In school, he would not chirp much. He would only hang out with his best friend, Jerry.

A guy named Sandy liked him and Sandy's best friend Omi knew about it all along, but Sandy never had the courage to speak up, albeit Omi pushed him a lot. Like a lot.

He once brought Sandy's Slambook for Jungkook to fill, which he did, he gave his number in that book but Sandy still could not call the boy. Sadly, Jungkook's phone was stolen in school. Who stole it? No one knew. He could not even complain about it to the Principal, because bringing the phone to school was prohibited.

Jungkook never cared about all this. He was never interested in girls but with boys, it was a different story. He liked one guy but he turned out to be an asshole, so Jungkook thought it was good riddance and he concentrated on studies.

Jerry was intelligent and he helped Jungkook in his doubts. As exams approached, they studied all the 45 minutes during traveling back home on a school bus.

It was a sunny afternoon when Jungkook was coming back home in his cab, after getting off from school bus. He had rolled the windows down to let the sun in when he spotted a bike rushed past him with the speed of light.

"Woah!" His natural response was exclaiming the word. Few younger kids were also sitting in the cab but they were playing with each other and did not notice Jungkook jumping in his seat.

"Are you seeing this Jungkook? Spoilt brats like them break all the rules on road, and it is poor people like us who get beaten in case the accident happens." Uncle Muk spoke and Jungkook agreed.

"You are right, Uncle. Why do they not even care about their own safety, let aside others." Jungkook replied and other kids giggled, probably on the joke they were telling each other.

After a few minutes, Jungkook saw the same bike rushing towards him in the wrong lane and it whizzed past the cab. Since the boy was facing Jungkook this time, he caught a glimpse of him. He could not make out much except the black leather jacket and all-black outfit because of the bike's speed, but he definitely saw that it was a boy in his youth.

In a few minutes, Jungkook was on the main gate of society and was about to enter the house when he spotted the same bike again, the third time in a span of 10 minutes.

It was at this moment he realized that he was being followed. The bike intentionally rode past Jungkook and the boy on it, Jungkook saw him. His eyes, Jungkook could never forget. The engaging stare trickled chills down his spine as he slowly took steps towards his house gate.

He turned one last time to spare a glance at the road before entering the house, but he found no one. The boy was gone.

"I am home." He announced.

"Welcome home honey. How was your day?" Momo mimicked her mother who usually asked this.

Today, Momo did not go to school as she pretended to be sick. Jungkook walked towards the couch and plopped on it before throwing his bag on the floor, ignoring his sister.

The only running scene in his mind was of those deep eyes. He felt afraid of them.

Chapter Text

Jungkook looked forward to seeing the same boy from yesterday as he went to school the next day, but he did not. Not only one day, but many days passed and he did not come across him. Jungkook heaved a sigh of relief one night as the thought crossed his mind.

Jerry and he hired a private tutor to teach them as exams were approaching. The problem was, the tutor lived near Jerry's place so Jungkook had to go to his best friend's house for studying. He wasn't complaining because he got to spend more time with his best friend.

Jungkook's mother was edgy about the aforementioned situation because Jungkook would spend the entire day outside her home which did not settle well with her. She wanted Jungkook to stay at home, mostly. She was way too controlling. No doubt she loved her kids but her strictness choked them too.

The timing of tuition was right after kids came back from school. Jungkook would directly go there. They would goof around on the road after getting off the school bus, as they walked to Jerry's place, which wasn't very far from the bus stop. They always reached home laughing their lungs out on something or the other. Jerry's mother would daily offer the boys food. She was very fond of Jungkook.

Days were happy. Jungkook and Jerry learned a lot from their tutor Namjoon. Sundays were holidays and Jungkook would miss his friend. He was such thyme of a person. He had no other friends and felt shy to talk to anyone else. Jerry was his only savior.

It was a day after Chuseok and Jungkook were alone at home. His mother and sister went to the relative's place to greet them. The school was also closed on account of holiday for last two days.

After studying, Jungkook was tired and a little bit hungry. He got up to make himself a bowl of Ramen when he heard his phone rang.

His first phone was stolen and this was the one that he and Momo, shared. To say, it was a common phone for siblings. He cocked his brows towards the sound as his neck craned towards it. He put the chopsticks down exasperatedly and walked out of the kitchen towards the living room.

It was an unknown caller. He answered.

"Hello!"

"Hello, Jungkook." The voice spoke.

"Oh hey, What's up?" To Jungkook, it sounded like his Yoongi Hyung.

"Not much. Did you recognize me?" The voice asked.

"What are you talking about Hyung? Why would I not recognize your voice?" The boy replied.

The person laughed and it was at this moment, Jungkook realized that person wasn't Yoongi Hyung. Heat erupted from his stomach and he broke in sweat.

"H-hey? Who are you?" He asked, biting back the stutter.

"I know you Jungkook but you don't know me." The voice replied.

"I am asking you something. Who are you and how did you get this number?" Jungkook was confused because this was his new number and not many people had it, except a few of Jungkook's friends.

"I will tell you everything, answer your every question. But, you have to promise me one thing." The voice replied.

"What? Why? I won't promise anything." Jungkook sneered and heard his mother come in.

"I can't talk right now. Please don't call me." Jungkook immediately disconnected the call and heard his sister's voice. They have arrived.

But then, his phone rang again.

"Fuck!" He yelled.

If his mother saw him talking to a stranger, she would confiscate his phone and tell on him to his father, which would be disastrous.

Jungkook's hands shook as he tried to put the phone on silent. He peeked through the door and saw his mother talking to someone who caught her on the door. He picked the call again.

"Don't hang up on me when I am talking to you." The voice darkened and sent shivers to the boy.

"Please, I cannot talk right now. Please." Jungkook pleaded.

"When should I call you back?" The voice asked.

"Call me tomorrow during lunch." Jungkook hastily hung up after that.

"What's that smell?" Jungkook got startled when his mother made her way inside and smelled the burning Ramen. He ran to Kitchen and groaned in frustration, but his mind kept playing the same voice in his mind again and again. The voice will change many things entirely.

"How did you burn it? Where was your mind?" Jungkook's mother followed him but he did not answer.

**

The next morning Jungkook was afraid to get out for school in dark. He knew something would happen today. The cab left him at the stop and today he was alone because not many students joined right after the festival. Not even Momo.

He kept cautiously looking around for any suspicious movement and then he spotted it. Two people and the same bike which he had seen a few days ago.

Jungkook's fear turned into horror real quick when his phone rang again.

"Hello?" Jungkook picked up hastily and looked towards his right to see if the school bus was in sight but it was not. His heart threatened to jump out of his ears.

"Hey, Jungkook. Looking good." The voice replied.

"What do you want? Who are you?" Jungkook panicked and took two steps back.

"I just want to say that I like you and I want to be friends with you." The voice replied.

"Why?" Jungkook asked and whipped his neck again in the direction from where his bus would come.

"Because I like you." The voice remained calm.

"How did you get my number?" Jungkook asked.

"You study Computer Coding, right?" The boy asked him instead.

"I do." Jungkook immediately replied.

"Then you must know a little bit about hacking and data theft." The two boys giggled on the other side of the phone.

Even with thick fog around, Jungkook felt sweat beading on his forehead. If these people were capable of getting Jungkook's number then they could be capable of doing more. His thought broke when the voice spoke again.

"So, will you be my friend?" He asked.

"What makes you think I will be your friend when you stole my number and you practically are harassing me right now." Jungkook sneered, biting back his fear.

"I am not a bad person Jungkook." The voice said and Jungkook saw them straddling their bike through white fog.

"Oh fuck! They are coming to this side." He thought.

He heard Jerry's voice calling him from inside the bus. "Jungkook, what's up?" Jerry was looking at the fear-stricken face of his best friend cluelessly and the boy heaved a sigh as he thanked heavens for the bus to arrive right on time.

He got on, closed the door, and sat near Jerry. He did not say anything. The phone kept ringing and he put it on silent. He did not know how to deal with it.

After a while, the bus picked up another friend named Bush. All three of them started to study and Jungkook felt relief hit him in some time.

After 45 minutes, the bus was at the school and they got off. Jungkook kept looking around when Jerry patted his shoulder. "Are you waiting for someone?" He asked.

"No." Jungkook shrugged it and walked inside the school.

They studied the whole day and Jungkook sneakily kept peeking at the phone to check if he was still getting the calls after each period and sadly, he was.

//Doesn't he have anything else to do? How can he call me like this?//

Jungkook was scared, not only because he feared spotting the boy again but he also thought that school would be over soon and he would have to go back home. The phone is not used by only him but shared with Momo too. If the calls kept coming, his mother would definitely kill him.

He needed to talk to the boy and tell him that he can't do it. He got out of the class and picked up the call around 3 in the afternoon.

"About time." The boy snarked.

"What do you want? Please." Jungkook was exasperated.

"Did not I tell you already? I want to talk to you. I want you to be my friend." The boy replied.

"Can you please not be like this? You are calling for so long. My mom is very strict. If she sees this, it will be an end for me."

"But you are at school right now." The boy argued.
"You still have one hour left till you leave." He then said.

Jungkook was losing his mind. He could not fathom who is this boy? He knew about Zayn and Shari having a crush on him. He also knew four other kids who liked him but he somehow believed that this boy was neither one of them. This was someone new. Someone not from his neighborhood, yet he knew Jungkook's school timing. He knew exactly when he would be in the cab and when he would be at the bus stop.

"How do you know everything about me?" He asked as he panted a little.

"Not everything. But some things. I know your dad works at McKinney and your Mom is a teacher. Your sister's name is Momo who goes to the same school as you." The voice replied and chuckled.

Jungkook did not know what to say or do. He started to cry. "Please, I beg you. Please don't harm me. Please. I can't talk to you. My parents are very strict. They will punish me if they find out about you."

"Hey, please don't cry. I won't call you this much. Okay? But you have to talk to me at least once when you are in school. Deal?" The boy asked.

Jungkook had to know. He had to dig deep to know who these people were.
"Okay. Just once." He agreed.

"Take care Jungkook. See you." The boy disconnected the call and Jungkook's hair on his neck stood up when he understood the meaning of 'see you.'

He will find that boy at his bus stop, again.

He will find that boy at his bus stop, again

Chapter Text

Someone's POV

I have never been a morning person but after partying all night, I could not sleep. I looked outside and it was freezing. I decided to meander my way on the road that was marred with black and white fog.

I saw people coming out of their houses. Few were bringing milk and eggs back home while few were in tracksuits, getting ready for that early morning run.

I would never understand them by the way. How can you leave the warmth of your bed to sizzle your asses in such harsh weather?

I throttled the accelerator and black smoke emerged from my bike which got mixed into the white and wet fog. I love leaving my marks, it makes me feel empowered.

I whizzed past a certain boy who had a book held up in his hands near his face and I caught a glimpse of him. I had to push brakes and skewback as my head turned towards him like he was magnet and I, metal.

I turned back and looked at him. My heart did some weird flips. I did not feel like this before. Sure, I have fucked many men but with this one, I didn't immediately think to fuck him. It felt different. He looked so adorable with his knitted brows as he concentrated on the book with a blue cover, Computer Science written on the top.

He kept chewing his lower lip and I could not contain my heart which felt like it would jump right out on the street. I had to do something, but I didn't know what.

I have never seen or met anyone like him. All people I met basically threw themselves at me because of my money. My family is powerful. No one is as rich as us in the city.

We own the famous Petrol Stations and Gas Stations. This is the reason I get anything I want. I had just turned an adult and even when I was still a minor, it never stopped me from trying my hands on drugs and alcohol. I had sex at the time I was not of legal age.

Am I proud of it all? Sometimes not. But who cares? I am in my glory. I get everything that others only dream of, and I think that's power. No one can stop me. Money buys me everyone.

Sometimes I think if my friends are also with me because I have money and they actually don't like me for who I am. To be honest, even I cannot be proud of myself. But I am sure of one thing, I know my best friend is with me and accepts me for who I am.

We got sidetracked, let's try again. I was telling you about the boy at the bus stop. So, I straddled on my resting bike at the distance and looked at the boy who kept reading whilst walking back and forth. As far as I knew, I had to have him.

I have always had everyone I set my eyes upon but as I said, I have never seen someone so - pure. Yes, pure is the word for him. I didn't even know how to talk to him. How would I even get him? But again, I am not a common man. I get what I want and I will get him too.

Soon, a school bus arrived and the boy got on it. I caught the school name. St. Gracious Regiment Run School. I knew about it. It was on the outskirts of the city. It was among the top schools in the city with co-education. Many rich kids went there. Did it mean this boy was also rich? I didn't care about it.

Once the bus left, I had no control over myself. I had to go meet my best friend, I had to tell him. I picked up speed and hit a localite in the process who fell on the road, but I am sure he lived and did not die.

Anyway, I reached my friend's house and rang the bell. They were still sleeping. His mother came to the door and when she saw me, she let me in hurriedly and closed the door.

"What are you doing roaming around in such cold?" She groaned in her sleepy voice and I flashed her a cheeky grin.

She shook her head and walked back to her room. I ran towards the person whom I wanted to see. I knocked on his room and he opened the door.

"What the fuck man! It's 3 in the night." He said as usual. He always uttered those exact words whenever he woke up from sleep by my call.

"No, don't go back to sleep. I have to tell you something." I shook him and he kicked me muttering curses.

"Yah! I am serious, listen to me." I yelled and he threw the blanket to sit on the bed.

"So, I saw this boy." I excitedly told him and he remained stoic.

"That's it? That's the whole story?" He shook his head and yawned.

"I was waiting for your reaction but okay. So this boy, I have never seen anyone like him. He is so cute. You will not believe your eyes when you see him yourself. Anything that I tell you to describe him is nothing. You know I am not good with words, hence, I want to show you." I chirped the whole thing and he gawked at me like he was looking at someone he never saw before.

"Okay, go back to sleep. I will go and collect more information on him." I pushed him on the bed and he immediately went back to sleep.

I came back and googled his school timings. I had to see him again. I knew the school was about 20 kilometers away from our place and it ended at 4. The bus would approximately take 45 minutes, given the traffic and all stops it would make. I deduced everything and I could not wait to see him again in the evening.

I did not feel sleepy or tired at all, even after I had a sleepless night. I was rather excited. I took shower, got ready. I wore my expensive perfume and decided to take my grey SUV for a spin this time.

I reached his bus stop 20 minutes prior. I waited for the school bus to arrive and just as I saw it zoomed into my sight, my heartbeat picked up.

I then saw the one whom I have been going crazy for the entire day. His skin looked flawless under the shining sun at this time of day. He was the definition of perfection. His body was toned, his face so adorable and most innocent pair of eyes. I kept looking at him with my dropped jaw when I got so rudely interrupted. It was my best friend calling me on my purple flashy phone.

"What?" I exasperated.

"Where the fuck are you? We had to go shopping." He replied.

"I am busy. I will be there when I can." I told him and hurriedly disconnected the call as my eyes picked up the boy getting into a cab.

I followed him. The cab drove him through the road for few minutes and then I saw him getting off in front of a big yellow house. He walked inside and the door closed. I could not stay there for long so I drove back.

I was dying now. I had to have him. I didn't know what to do so I rushed to my best friend. I was lost without him. My best friend also thought I have gone crazy. I talked about only him the following days.

I was chasing the boy every day for the whole week but he never realized it even once. Maybe because I used a different vehicle every day. I wanted him to notice me but also not notice me, if that makes sense.

I was afraid if things would not go my way in case he noticed me but did not like me, I didn't know what would have I done? So I decided to enjoy these little sneak peeks while I could.

One day, I will meet him and make him mine.

Chapter Text

Jungkook's POV

I did not receive a call from the boy in the evening and I was happy that he heard my plea to not call me when I am at home. My mom is really strict. She allows me and Momo to play for some time and other than that, we have to study. We certainly cannot be involved or seen doing things like this.

It was the next morning and I was curious if I would find that boy again. As usual, I said bye to mom before leaving. Today, Momo was with me as we left the house in the dark. Days were colder and darker due to fog and ever-increasing cold.

I was jittery the entire time I stood at the bus stop. "What's wrong?" Momo asked.

"Nothing." I replied but my eyes kept peering through the foggy atmosphere.

"Oh hey! Give me the phone." Momo asked me.

"Uh- yeah sure. Here." I handed her the mobile and she called one of her friends. I kept looking around until I noticed a car. It stood at a distance and I could swear I saw it when I arrived at the bus stop. I just did not realize that the car could belong to the same person.

Our bus arrived. I let Momo get in first and then I climbed in. My eyes were trained on the black-tinted car but then I closed the bus door and walked up to sit with Bush.

Bush was the one who got on the bus before me. Last came Jerry. A few days ago, Jerry was with Bush so he took a bus from there.

As usual, I forgot about the car as the car sped away towards Jerry's stop. He got in and we started to study together. Sometime later, my eyes fell outside the window and I saw the same black-tinted car running alongside the bus.

"What the hell?" I thought.

"Hey, where are you lost?" Bush elbowed me.

"Oh, nothing." I tried to concentrate back on my book but I could not. Not after I saw my stalker following me. I badly wanted to get inside the school as soon as possible.

After what seemed like an eternity, we all finally arrived at school and I looked around again. The car was there, stopped a distance with its blinkers on, as if it was communicating with me.

I broke into a sweat. I did not feel safe anywhere. It felt like there were always eyes on me, no matter where I went. We finally got into the class and I forgot that I left my phone with Momo. I panicked.

What if he calls and Momo picks it? She will definitely tell mom about it. I could not leave between the class and the entire time I could not concentrate. I have no idea which subject was taught during that class.

Just as the bell rang, I ran to Momo's class and she slyly handed me the phone. Students were not allowed to carry a handphone in school, that's why I always held onto it during the day. As if on cue, I got the call. My eyes widened on the similar number.

"Hello?" I spoke.

"Hey, You were looking nice today." The boy replied.

"Uh, you said you would only call me during lunch." I argued.

"Yeah, you are right. I just could not stop myself when I am so close to you." The boy replied.

"So, it was you in the black car." I snarked.

"You have sharp eyes." He chuckled.

"Why do you follow me?" I asked the question I already knew the answer to.

"Well, I have to see you every day. I can't go about my day if I don't see you." The boy replied and it made my heart flip. Was it a good flip or bad? I had no clue.

"I can't talk right now. My class is starting." I told him and he chuckled.

"Okay, go then. I will wait for your call after your lunch." He said and disconnected.

I went back to class and tried to focus. It was a whole new experience. I was scared till my bones and also a secluded corner in my heart was feeling the exhilaration of some kind, which I did not understand.

I studied through 4 classes and then the bell rang for a lunch break. We three left and ate together. Jerry was an equally good friend of Bush but for me, it was Jerry who I liked better. Not that Bush was bad, we just never clicked. So, I asked Jerry to hang out with Bush today after lunch and I, myself, went to the backyard of the playground under the big Tulip trees.

This part of school was beautiful with flowers scattered over the ground vibing a beautiful arena. When the wind blew, it made sure to make all of us mesmerized under the cold shadow and mild fragrance. Many kids ate lunch there and many smaller kids played under the shade.

I made my way and sat under one tree as an orange flower fell on my head. I picked it up and dialed the number on my phone. He immediately picked my call.

"Hey, Jungkook.What's up?"

"Nothing. You tell me." I asked instead.

"Tell me about yourself." The boy asked.

"Well, what's left for me to say. You have already stolen my privacy. You must know everything about me by now." I sneered and sudden anger made me crumple the flower I held in my fist.

"Hey, I know you must feel that I am a monster but trust me. I am not. I just really like you. I would never harm you in any way. I agree my way was a little eerie but I promise, I mean no harm." He told me.

"Then tell me who you are? Isn't it fair for me to know a little bit about you when you already know everything about me?" I argued.

"Not everything Jungkook. Just the information in your school records." The boy replied.

"t means he managed to bug my school data." I thought.

"Never mind." I exasperated.

"Hey hey. No need to be disappointed. I want you to be happy. I will tell you about myself soon. Can you wait for some time?" He asked.

"What other option do I have?" I chuckled.

"I promise. I will show you my face very soon." He told me.

"Okay." I snorted.

"So, how were your exams?" He asked.

"Wait how did you know I..." I stopped talking, of course, he knew. He must have some connection in my school with someone. Otherwise, he would not be able to steal my data so easily and have all this information.I heard him chuckle on the line. "Those were mock tests, I did well."

"That's good. I heard you are a good student," He snickered. "How much did you score?"

"The result is not out yet but these tests don't matter. I have finals coming in two months and I am focusing on it." I rolled my tongue over the last words so he gets my message that he is being a distraction for me.

"Don't worry. I would never want you to fail. I won't trouble you during your studies." He told me.

"Thank god you understand this much." I sneered.

"Of course I do. I am also a college student." He told me. Finally, some progress. I at least know he is older than me.

"Alright. I have to go now." I told him when I spotted Jerry and Bush running towards me.

"See you." The boy replied and disconnected.

" The boy replied and disconnected

Chapter Text

A week later, more specifically on Monday, Jungkook was getting ready for school. He received a call from an unknown number and he looked around if anyone else was near his room. The number was not the same from which he was getting the calls all this while and he feared that it was Summer calling from a new number.

On finding his mother in the kitchen, he answered the call."Hello?"

"Hey, Jungkook." He heard a similar voice. the same voice which was talking to him for weeks.

"Oh hey, why are you calling me so early? And whose number is this?" Jungkook asked in a hushed voice.

"Listen to me very carefully, Jungkook," The voice said and Jungkook's heart became arrhythmic. Whatever was coming was not good. "Hello? Are you there?" The boy asked.

"Yeah-y-yeah I am here." Jungkook sat down immediately.

"I am not Summer. My name is Park Jimin. I am going to tell you the truth about few things." The boy stated with urgency in his voice.

"What are you talking about? Who was Summer then?" Jungkook asked.

"There is no Summer. I was the one who has been talking to you all this while." Jimin told Jungkook who knitted his brows and kept quiet.

"Now, listen to me. Whatever you do. Do not step out of your house for today." Jimin told Jungkook and he panicked.

"W-why?" He asked sagging down.

"Just trust me on this. You don't want to go out today. It is for your own safety." Jimin told Jungkook who had tears of fear and annoyance in his eyes.

"Jimin?" Jungkook called the boy's name.

"Yes?"

"Was the guy in yellow Gingham shirt you?" Jungkook asked, thinking about one particular day.

"Yes, that was me. Why?" Jimin asked but Jungkook engaged him in another question.

"I got a call last Tuesday. I knew from his voice that it was not you. Who was that person?" Jungkook asked, choking back his tears and stutter.

Jimin sighed and said. "That is my best friend, Kim Taehyung. He is the one who likes you. He was the one who wore..."

"Black outfit." Jungkook finished the sentence.

"Yes..." Jimin sighed again.

"I don't understand, Jimin. If he was the one who liked me then why did you talk to me?" Jungkook asked with indomitable innocence which tugged on Jimin's heart.

"I can't talk right now, Jungkook. I will explain everything to you. But you have to do as I ask. Do you trust me?"

"No."

"That's fine, I guess," Jimin chuckled."But you have to listen to me."

"I can't. I have a test today. I have to go. I have no excuse to make. My parents know about the test." Jungkook's breathing increased and he perspired. Darkness delved into his mind and he could not see or think clearly.

Jimin sighed heavily on the other end and brushed his hair up. "Okay, do one thing. Could you ask your Uncle Muk to drop you at your friend Bush's bus stop?" He suggested.

"Yeah, I can do that." Jungkook quickly replied without asking any further questions.

"Very good. You go there and make sure you leave home early today and not at your usual time." Jimin emphasized his words.

"Okay." Jungkook nodded and stood back up. He disconnected the call and hurriedly got out.

"MOMO!" Jungkook yelled and his sister ran to him with her shoes in her hands.

"What?" She asked with her wide round eyes.

"I have to leave for school now. I forgot a chapter to read and Bush is going to teach me." He told Momo.

"But what about other kids in the neighborhood? They would not be ready yet. It is still 20 minutes early." She questioned.

"You are right, you are right. I will just do one thing then. I am going to ask Uncle Muk to drop me first and he will come back for all of you." Jungkook suggested. His brain was not at full capacity.

"Okay then." Momo put down her shoes on the floor and hopped away, playing with her hair.

Jungkook immediately called Uncle Muk who arrived within two minutes, He boarded the cab. Now he could breathe freely, alone, without worrying about anyone watching him.

Jungkook's POV

I am sitting in the cab and thinking. What if this Jimin person lying again? What if there is no Summer and no Jimin. The person might still not be telling me his right name.

After the call from a different voice last week on Tuesday, I knew there were two different people. I got the call from that voice only once, and never after that.

The next day when I talked, it was the same voice again which I was hearing for over a month.

Then he told me that he would meet me on Thursday. It was not exactly the meeting. It was him, showing me his face. He told me that I would recognize him in an instant. He also confessed that it was him who once crossed me, on his bike, and he believed that I saw him.

But I did not.

I only caught a glimpse of him in the black outfit but I did remember his eyes which scared me.

So, the plan was that he would come to my bus stop and wait there for me to come back from school. It was Thursday evening. I got off the bus and I was feeling all jittery but he was not at the bus stop and I became confused.

Then I got a call from him that he moved from the main bus stop to a little farther, and towards my home where a cab used to stop to drop one kid.

I looked around just as the cab stopped for the kid and I spotted not one but two people under a tree. One was in a black outfit and one was in yellow.

I immediately recognized the one in black and I was sure those were his eyes which gave me sleepless nights. He smiled at me and I drifted my gaze from them to my hands as the cab sped off again.

Here I am now, a few days later.

Suddenly a thought crosses my mind. What if both of them are just playing with me and they want me on Bush's stop and that too, a little early, so that they do something to me.

Oh god no! It is still dark, hardly anyone comes out at this hour and I am scared to my bones. A chill trickles down my spine and I immediately call Bush.

"Hey, change in Plan. We will meet a little further. We will catch the bus before your stop." I inform him.

"Wait why?" He asks.

"Just do as I say. I am almost at your stop, hurry up and come out." I ask him and pray that there is not anyone around.

I see Bush running towards the main road and just as he enters my cab, I ask Uncle Muk to floor it. He drives ahead cluelessly and I call my school bus driver. I tell him I will take the bus from a certain place where we would go to play. There is a ground and a locker room in that playground area.

We will go hide inside that room and get out only when the bus arrives on the main road. I rush with Bush inside the room and Uncle Muk goes back.

I subtly keep looking around if there is anyone following us but thankfully there is none. When the bus arrives at the road, I hear the honk, and only then do we rush out to get inside. I survey the surroundings and I sigh when I don't see anyone there. Bus surges ahead to my usual stop. Momo and other kids get in as I peek outside to spot a car and a similar face. The face of the black outfit guy. He has something in his hand and he is looking around frantically.

He must be trying to find me but I am not there because I am already in the bus and he does not know that.

Just as the bus starts to move from my stop, my phone buzzes. I disconnect the call from shaky hands and see outside. It is him who is calling me and I sag down to hide behind the window.

When I disconnect the call, I see him kicking the tire of his car. He then keeps calling me the entire ride and I shove the phone in my bag. In few minutes, Jerry gets on the bus. We all start to study but today but I am mentally not present there.

"Are you okay Jungkook? Is there something bothering you?" Jerry asks and I nod.

"I need to tell you something." I sigh and close my eyes.

Chapter Text

Jungkook flunked the class with Jerry while Bush stayed behind to take the notes for them. They walked to the computer lab where no one came before lunch and sat there. "What is it?" Jerry asked.

"I am being stalked." Jungkook replied and Jerry's mouth hung open.

"You cannot just say that you are being stalked and stop talking. Details boy." Jerry chided.

"About two months ago, I thought I saw a biker following me on the road when I was returning home from school. It was just one incident. I did not see him again so I thought it was just a coincidence and I was just assuming things, until a few weeks ago. I saw the boy again and it confirmed my suspicion that he indeed was following me." Jungkook told Jerry who listened to him with knitted brows.

"Do you know this person? Have you ever seen him before?" He asked.

"No. That's the problem. I know everyone who kind of likes me. I told you about Shari and Zayn right?" Jungkook asked.

"Who? Oh, yeah yeah. Your neighbors." Jerry recollected.

"Yes. At first, I thought it was either one of them but no. This was totally different person. Anyway, he got my number somehow and called me on the Chuseok holiday. I told him I won't talk to him but he threatened me saying he knows where my dad works. I got scared, so I talked to him. Another reason for me to talk to him was to get to know who he actually was."

"Keep going." Jerry nodded in understanding.

"I talked to him for three weeks and he told me his name was Summer. We talked daily at least once and he came to my bus stop every day without fail. Sometimes, he would even follow me all the way to school in his car. I never saw his face except that one glimpse I caught of him two months ago. Now get this. Last week when I picked his call, there was someone else speaking. You know how I am good at recognizing voices." Jungkook told Jerry who nodded again. "This voice was different. I confronted him but he said it was due to his cold. Then from next day, it was same voice back again."

"That's strange," Jerry mumbled and Jungkook nodded.

"Mm-hmm. I saw him, I mean them. There were two people who came to see me at my bus stop one evening. I recognized one boy. He was the same boy I saw two months ago."

"Okay. So the voice could be of one of these two boys." Jerry repeated the words to make sure he understood the entire story well.

"Yes, But everything changed this morning," Jungkook told Jerry who quizzically looked at the former. "I get a call from an entirely new number, but it was the same voice of the person who has been talking to me all this while. He tells me his name is not Summer but Jimin. He also tells me that he is a friend of the person who likes me."

"Wait, let me get this straight. You saw a boy two months ago at the bus stop. The same boy had spied on you and started calling you but it was not him but Jimin. Why? why was this Jimin person talking to you if his friend liked you?" Jerry asked and Jungkook shrugged.

"No idea."

"Which one was Jimin out of two you saw?" Jerry asked.

"He was the one who wore a yellow shirt. I - I actually... Kind of... liked him. I was wishing it was yellow shirt guy who liked me too but it was his friend in black, Kim Taehyung." Jungkook told Jerry and he gasped.

"I know, I know. I should not like either of them."

"Damn right you should not. They both were blackmailing you and manipulating you into talking to them." Jerry chided angrily.

Jungkook then told Jerry about the entire conversation with Jimin this morning and Jerry huffed. "I think you should stop talking to both of them. It could be that they both are playing with you or it could also be true that Jimin knows something. But either way, you cannot trust any one of them. After all, they're friends."

"Yeah, you are right. But how can I stop them from calling me?" Jungkook asked.

"Just block their numbers. Simple." Jerry suggested and Jungkook took out his phone from his pocket. His eyes widened at the number of missed calls he received.

56 missed calls from the familiar number and 14 missed calls from a new number by which Jimin called him this morning.

"Oh my god!" He shrieked and Jerry held him.

"What?"

Jungkook showed his phone and suddenly another call buzzed. "Pick it," Jerry asked Jungkook who panicked.

"What? No." He backed off.

"Just listen to his voice and see if this is the same voice ?" Jerry argued. Jungkook pressed the green icon and put the phone on speaker.

"Hello?" A heavy voice spoke from the other end. "Hello, Jungkook?"

He immediately disconnected the call. "Yes, it is the same voice. It's him. I guess it's Kim Taehyung." Jungkook immediately told Jerry and both of them went pale.

"I also have 3 texts from Jimin." Jungkook said and they both looked at each other. He then opened them one by one.

Jungkook hey, sorry for dropping the news on you this morning. I hope you will give me one chance to explain things.

Don't receive Taehyung's call if he calls you.

Please pick up my call. I want to tell you the truth.

Taehyung's POV (Earlier referred to as Someone's POV)

When I started talking to Jimin, it was not me. I asked Jimin to talk to Jungkook. You see, the thing is I am good with dirty talks but I never was a smooth talker. I never knew how to impress someone or how to be gentle with anyone whom I liked.

In honesty, I never liked anyone. This was first. So, I turned to seek help from my childhood best friend, Mr. Park flirt Jimin. His middle name is flirt. He has been flirting with boys and girls since he learned to talk. No, it is no exaggeration.

We had fixed lunchtime to talk and I would go to Jimin's place at the same time every day, so he could talk to Jungkook for me in front of me. In Jungkook's eyes, it was me who talked to him.

Being rich is not always good. Everyone knows rich households and they could easily find us. I was afraid if I told Jungkook my real name, he would also find out my details and he could complain to my mother, the only person in my life I am scared of.

I hid my true identity. I wanted Jungkook at any cost. So I lied, technically Jimin lied, but he said everything to Jungkook which I asked him to. I asked Jimin to say certain things to scare Jungkook off, so he could talk to me aka Summer. I had to fake my identity for some time.

Jimin warned me that I was approaching Jungkook wrong. He told me that I should not blackmail Jungkook and tell him the truth. If Jungkook rejects me then I should walk it off.

Such an idiot.

I would never let Jungkook go. I get what I want.

Anyway, I decided to let Jungkook see me. Then it hit my mind, what if Jungkook called me at that moment? I could not risk for Jungkook to know that it was not my voice or me calling him all this time. So I had to ask Jimin to accompany me.

He tagged along so he could talk to Jungkook in case he called me right after he saw me, but Jungkook did not.

After going back, something happened to Jimin. He fought with me. He pestered me to tell the truth to Jungkook but I denied it. I could not let Jungkook slip from my hands when he was so close to being mine.

Contd...

Contd

Chapter Text

Cntd...

Jimin was not allowed to talk to Jungkook without me being present with him and he understood. After all, it was me who liked Jungkook.

I had a plan.

Step 1. Impress Jungkook with my smooth talks. Technically Jimin's flirting skills.
Step 2. Meet him and make him fall for my looks.
Step 3. Propose to him.
Step 4. Tell him the truth about Jimin being the one who talked to him and explain why, after he says yes.

But I made a little mistake by calling him myself. He is smart. He got me. I don't know why and how I did that, but I could not control myself.

I never repeated the mistake again though. I guess Jungkook would not even remember it now.

I planned to propose to him this morning. I arranged everything. I took out my most expensive car. I booked a restaurant for the entire day. I even bought a cell phone for Jungkook, as the first gift from my side.

I went to his bus stop and waited for him but he never came. His sister was there along with other neighbor kids but he wasn't.

It made me mad. I called him and he did not pick it. I knew I should not call him, because he must have been at home if he was not going to school, and his parents are very strict. But I didn't care if he got caught.

I kept calling him and kept roaming on the road in front of his house for hours.

I called Jimin but he did not pick my call either. I need to talk to someone. Otherwise, I don't know what would I do.

Jimin's POV

I was sleeping peacefully two months ago when Taehyung thundered as a storm at my door.

He told me he found someone, which was highly unlikely. Taehyung was never the one to like anyone but I was happy if he finally did.

I thought he would leave his old ways of one-night stands or losing control by getting half-ass drunk. I thought someone would be there to tame him now. I did not expect that someone to be who he was. Jeon Jungkook.

Taehyung brought me to his bus stop after few days and I saw the boy with my eyes. Taehyung wasn't wrong. He was someone who could not be described in words.

Only poets could do justice to how he looked by their words. My heart felt giddy after taking one look at him. The clueless eyes, he knew nothing, his infectious smile when he looked at his friend, his perfect body, it was hard to not lose control. The innocence which exuded from him, specially his eyes made me fall for him.

Had I seen him before Taehyung, I would claim him as mine. But that was not the case and I could not betray my best friend.

"Taehyung, very good job indeed! He is an angel. I hope you keep him happy." I told Tae after the school bus left, carrying the one my eyes were set upon.

"I know man. I want him at any cost. Please help me, dude. I am going crazy." He told me.

"I can see that. That boy did what no one could. Wake you up this early." I jested and we laughed but I felt a pang in my chest.

It felt like losing something before it was even mine. But I had to delve these feelings far away and be strong for my friend.

Why were we best friends? He always had my back. My father met with accident years ago. It was he and his family who supported us wholly. We were not rich since always like Kims but we are now, though not as much as Kims but still.

Taehyung never left any of his friend's side which was his best quality. He had abundant money and he wasn't afraid to squander it on friends. Many were with him for the same reason but I saw the kind side of him. I wanted to bring out the best in him.

I first talked toJungkook after Taehyung convinced me during Chuseok. He asked me to scare Jungkook a little. I was hesitant. It hurt me to stress a baby boy like him, but I had to bear it, for my best friend.

I always told Taehyung I did not like his ways but he never once listened to me.

I hated when Jungkook had to talk to me without even wanting to. It hurt me when he panicked because of me. It hurt me when got scared because of me. My heart went out for the boy. He deserved nothing but an abundance of love and care.

He deserved to be pampered like a baby he was.

I kept talking to him for weeks and I realized I was falling for him more and more. The situation was killing me.

Taehyung had also stopped his one-night stands and his daily club fights after getting drunk. I was happy for him. Jungkook was able to bring that change in him, until one day.

Taehyung told me he was going clubbing, which was a code word for drugs, girls, and booze in his farmhouse. I presented my discomfort on it, as we talked over the phone.

Well, stay away from the phone until I say so." I curtly told him.

"DO YOU HEAR ME?" I yelled.

"Yeah yeah. I do. Anyway, I am going clubbing now. Do you want to join?" He asked.

"What? I thought you have had enough of that. I am trying to save you and you are just being very insensitive to the entire situation." I was ridiculed by him.

"Come on man! I can never leave this." He chuckled.

"You disgust me." I also chuckled.

"Don't be like this. And guess what? I am planning to propose to Jungkook." He said and then my earth was lost. I could not speak for few minutes.

"Are you an idiot? It is too soon for that. You have not even sorted things about yourself. You need to figure out certain things about yourself before you get into it. I already told you he is..."

"Yeah yeah.." He cut me off.

He is an angel who deserves loyalty and love. Not adultery and a morbid infatuation - is what I wanted to say.

I thought Taehyung was changed, Jungkook changed him but no. He was not willing to let go of his old ways. Now, I decided to tell everything to Jungkook.

Sure, Taehyung would be angry at me but I was confident that we would make up soon. After all, it is the friendship of 20 years. We are together since birth.

I collected all my courage and with a very heavy heart, I called Jungkook. The very first time by my own phone. Jungkook was confused is to say the least.

He asked me who was I amongst the two boys from when we went to see him. I told him I was the one in yellow shirt. Jungkook seemed to relax on that. "Why do you ask?" I asked him.

"Just like that." He answered.

Now, I am trying to call him again and he is not picking up.

Taehyung is also calling me but I can't talk to him right now. I need to sort things out with Jungkook first and then convince Taehyung to not harm the boy or blackmail him anymore.

I am ready to betray my best friend to save an innocent soul.

I am ready to betray my best friend to save an innocent soul

Chapter Text

"Bro! You need to get away from this. Don't talk to either one of them." Jerry's words kept hovering in Jungkook's mind.

He was at home and it was evening. The calls have not stopped coming since morning. Now was the turn to give the phone to Momo. Jungkook was scared. He sat in his room and wished for everything to go away but it did not.

"What is it?" Momo suddenly came into his room to ask.

"I am just stressed about exams." He replied.

"No. You are not stressed because of exams and who is this boy calling you?" Momo asked and Jungkook's eyes widened in shock.

"How do you know?" He asked.

"Come on Oppa! We use the same phone. You thought I would not know." Momo told him and he sighed.

"Please don't tell mom or else she will not let me go to Seoul." Jungkook begged.

"Don't worry. I won't." Momo replied and sat beside Jungkook.

"Where is the phone?" She asked. Jungkook took out his drained phone. Due to the uncountable calls he was getting, his battery almost died. Both of them looked at the phone that was still getting the call.

"Let me talk to him." Momo asked.

"No. Don't." Jungkook said urgently, trying to stop her.

"Trust me." She protested and Jungkook let the phone go.

"Hello?" Momo answered the call and Taehyung heard a girl's voice.

"Um, hello. Is Jungkook there?" He asked.

"No. He is not well. Who are you?" Momo asked in a strict voice.

"I am his friend from school." Taehyung answered.

"Which friend are you? What's your name?" Momo asked.

"I am Jerry." Taehyung replied.

"No, you are not. Whoever you are, stop calling here or else I will have to take action against you." Momo told the boy and he disconnected the call, thinking that it might be Jungkook's mom.

The calls now stopped after a long day.

"Thank you." Jungkook mumbled with teary eyes and Momo smiled.

"Just stay away from him. Alright? He will stop if you don't answer." She told the boy who nodded and Momo left with the phone.

**

It was in the late evening when Jungkook's dad came from the office. Everyone sat at the table for supper and he announced that he had got a new phone.

Momo started jumping in exhilaration and then looked at Jungkook and pouted. "Oppa, can I have the new phone please?" She asked and Jungkook smiled.

"Take it." He said.

**

Jungkook could not believe the timing getting more perfect or worst for him to have a phone to himself. As he laid on the bed, he looked at the 100s of missed calls from today. He wanted to scratch his head inside out and throw everything in his sight.

He was frustrated, annoyed, and scared. The only question he asked himself was "how can someone be like this?"

He then looked at Jimin's texts and suddenly wanted to talk to him. It was pretty late and everyone had slept which meant that no one would check upon him. With shaky hands, he dialed Jimin's number. As the phone rang on another end, his heartbeat aggravated but the call was not picked.

Jungkook was breathing heavily when the phone in his hand vibrated and he jumped. The phone fell on the mattress at a distance. He lurked ahead to pick it up. It was Jimin calling him back.

"Hi." Jungkook said in a small voice.

"Hi, Jungkook. How are you? Did Taehyung call you?" Jimin asked.

"Call me?" Jungkook snorted."He made sure that my phone could not breathe by the number of times he called me." He added sarcastically.

"I am so sorry Jungkook. I am sorry you have to go through this." Jimin added, the voice familiar and so soft that it made Jungkook calm in an instant.

"What happened? Why me? Just why?" Jungkook asked.

"I am going to tell you everything, Jungkook." The older said and the younger sighed.

"Can we talk at this time? Aren't your parents up?" Jimin asked and Jungkook felt nice about the concern that Jimin was showing him. On one hand was Taehyung, who did not care, and at the other end was Jimin, who was being all considerate. Was he faking it too?

"We never knew about you. We did not know who you were. If Taehyung did not see you one morning at your bus stop, we would still not know about you. The first time he saw you, you were reading a book. He instantly liked you and came to me to share it with me. He got your number by paying someone in your school. That person helped the hacker get into the school network and that's how the data was stolen. He wanted me to talk to you because he is just not good with words. He wanted me to impress you with everything. He belongs to the richest family in Busan, but..." Jimin stopped.

"But what?"

"You must be thinking that why am I telling you all this if he is my friend." Jimin asked.

"Yes, you are not wrong in assuming that. I want to know." Jungkook replied.

"Well, we have been friends almost since our births. Not only us, our families knew each other for years. I know everything about him. As we grew, he adapted bad things which I always opposed and still do. Things like forcing people or manipulating them to sleep with him or over usage of drugs and alcohol." Jimin explained.

"How could you not tell me before?" Jungkook bickered.

"I thought he was serious about you and that he would change but last week he almost killed a girl. They were partying and he made her try drugs. She was a minor and police raided the place. They let it go only because they knew Taehyung was rich and his family has a good influence on politicians."

Jungkook remained quiet for some time. "You never did anything to stop him or file a complaint against him? You only motivated him in his cause if you did not say anything." He said bitterly.

"He is my friend. I know he is wrong but I cannot go against him or harm him." Jimin said slowly.

"But you are going against him by not letting him get what he wants. Me." Jungkook countered.

"I guess you are right. I am going against him this time."

"Why Jimin? If he gets to know that you told me all this and that you are the reason why I stopped taking his calls, then I am assuming he will not go easy on you judging by the things you have told me about him. So, why are you doing this? Why are you putting yourself in danger and saving me?" Jungkook needed to know.

"Because you don't deserve any of it Jungkook. You deserve the best in the world and also, I like you, myself." Jimin confessed after he heaved a sigh.

Chapter Text

Jungkook did not answer Jimin. He only thought about what the elder boy said earlier on the phone but could he really trust him?

What if Taehyung and Jimin were collectively having fun of their own with him? What if their real names were not even Taehyung or Jimin.

Jungkook did not know anything and he had not the slightest clue on how he could determine the truth. Jerry's advice came in handy when he decided to turn off his phone.

It seemed like a good idea now that he was not sharing the phone with his sister. He turned it off and decided to leave it at home, well hidden in his cupboard.

Nothing changed while going to school. He still saw cars following him. Sometimes green sometimes black or grey and sometimes even motorbikes in the chilling cold.

It was like Jungkook now experienced two worlds. One was the safe but strict environment at home and another was a world on the outside about which his mother always warned about, unsafe and cold.

In honesty he was getting used to the stalking which scared him to bits earlier, was now becoming a routine.

He was thankful that the boys did not do anything more than just following him from afar. He had no idea what was to come.

He did turn off his mobile phone but clearly, the boys were unhinged. Somehow he was having difficulty believing that this would stop them from calling him further.

Jungkook reached home on the 8th day since he turned off his phone and the first thing he did was to turn it on. He kept it on silent and waited for notifications to flood when his mother called him for supper.

"COMING." He yelled and hid the phone again between his clothes. By now he has learned all tricks. If the phone was on a hard surface like a table, the vibration would create more sound as compared to when it was kept between layers of clothes.

Jungkook ate but his mind was occupied with who texted him all this while. "What's wrong Jungkook?" The father asked.

"I am just thinking about what I will do after exams if I don't get into Seoul university." He slowly told him and before father could say anything, mother interjected.

"So what? You are speaking as if kids in Busan don't study to become doctors and lawyers. You will study in Busan. You will do good here too. I don't know why you are so hell-bent on leaving house so soon." She argued.

Jungkook's father had a soft spot for the boy. He always understood and supported Jungkook till now, but Jungkook was not sure if he would continue to support him with what was going to come in their lives.

"Shay, come one. Don't be like that. We will talk about this when the time comes. Let kids eat." He tried to stop his wife who shook her head slowly as they continued to eat.

Jungkook went to his room and locked the door for once in his life to check his phone.

As suspected, nothing changed, it was as if these people had no life of their own. They kept calling Jungkook diligently. Now it was not just one number. Jungkook was getting call from so many other numbers which made him confused.

He did not save Jimin's number earlier so he did not know which number was his but when he checked his text box, he saw two people texting him. One was Jimin and another one was Taehyung.

He read Jimin's texts first.

Jungkook, I am sorry if you did not want to hear me confess but I told you so you had an option to choose from.

I am afraid. Please let me know you are okay.

Why is your phone off? Is everything okay? Text me when you get this. I am really worried.

He read through at least 50 more texts from him. They all basically told him that Jimin was worried. He saved this number as P. Jimin and moved on to read the next texts.

He had to disconnect the call over and over that he started the get in order to read the messages. He managed to open the texts from the number which started it all. Taehyung's.

Hey Jungkook, It's summer. I have to talk to you about something.

Pick up my call.

I need to tell you something.

Pick my call or else it is not going to end up good for you.

He read about 100s of texts from Taehyung and they all said that he desperately wanted to talk to him and threatened him.

Jungkook felt a chill of fear crept inside him. He was not only struggling with strict parents and studies but also this.

He always had this thought about how his interest seemed to be in men. He never was interested in women and since Jimin confessed his liking towards the boy, he was distraught and thought more and more about his sexuality.

But he still tamed his mind to every last bit to deny it. He knew his parents will be against it. They were homophobic and he could not do anything, specially not now when he didn't earn his own money and lived under their roof and ate their food.

This only made him motivated to get good grades and get into his dream college, then eventually he would get a job and would not need to rely on his parents.

He grew but his mother's way of handling him did not change. She still treated him like a baby. She would do his laundry, cook food for him and feed him at times when he came back home tired with a lot of homework.

The same was the case with Momo. The siblings were not allowed to sleep over at any friend's house. The phone was also provided to them so their mother could keep the whereabouts of the kids when they were out.

Jungkook saw Jerry's mother and she seemed too cool in his eyes. She would trust Jerry that he was competent enough to cook if she was not around, or even left them alone without fussing about little things. Whereas, Jungkook's mother never left home. She made sure she returned by evening in case she had to go somewhere.

Jungkook felt like he was strangled by an invisible string.

Chapter Text

Jungkook did not answer Jimin. He only thought about what the elder boy said earlier on the phone but could he really trust him?

What if Taehyung and Jimin were collectively having fun of their own with him? What if their real names were not even Taehyung or Jimin.

Jungkook did not know anything and he had not the slightest clue on how he could determine the truth. Jerry's advice came in handy when he decided to turn off his phone.

It seemed like a good idea now that he was not sharing the phone with his sister. He turned it off and decided to leave it at home, well hidden in his cupboard.

Nothing changed while going to school. He still saw cars following him. Sometimes green sometimes black or grey and sometimes even motorbikes in the chilling cold.

It was like Jungkook now experienced two worlds. One was the safe but strict environment at home and another was a world on the outside about which his mother always warned about, unsafe and cold.

In honesty he was getting used to the stalking which scared him to bits earlier, was now becoming a routine.

He was thankful that the boys did not do anything more than just following him from afar. He had no idea what was to come.

He did turn off his mobile phone but clearly, the boys were unhinged. Somehow he was having difficulty believing that this would stop them from calling him further. 

Jungkook reached home on the 8th day since he turned off his phone and the first thing he did was to turn it on. He kept it on silent and waited for notifications to flood when his mother called him for supper.

"COMING." He yelled and hid the phone again between his clothes. By now he has learned all tricks. If the phone was on a hard surface like a table, the vibration would create more sound as compared to when it was kept between layers of clothes.

Jungkook ate but his mind was occupied with who texted him all this while. "What's wrong Jungkook?" The father asked. 

"I am just thinking about what I will do after exams if I don't get into Seoul university." He slowly told him and before father could say anything, mother interjected.

"So what? You are speaking as if kids in Busan don't study to become doctors and lawyers. You will study in Busan. You will do good here too. I don't know why you are so hell-bent on leaving house so soon." She argued. 

Jungkook's father had a soft spot for the boy. He always understood and supported Jungkook till now, but Jungkook was not sure if he would continue to support him with what was going to come in their lives.

"Shay, come one. Don't be like that. We will talk about this when the time comes. Let kids eat." He tried to stop his wife who shook her head slowly as they continued to eat.

Jungkook went to his room and locked the door for once in his life to check his phone.

As suspected, nothing changed, it was as if these people had no life of their own. They kept calling Jungkook diligently. Now it was not just one number. Jungkook was getting call from so many other numbers which made him confused.

He did not save Jimin's number earlier so he did not know which number was his but when he checked his text box, he saw two people texting him. One was Jimin and another one was Taehyung.

He read Jimin's texts first.

Jungkook, I am sorry if you did not want to hear me confess but I told you so you had an option to choose from.

I am afraid. Please let me know you are okay.

Why is your phone off? Is everything okay? Text me when you get this. I am really worried.

He read through at least 50 more texts from him. They all basically told him that Jimin was worried. He saved this number as P. Jimin and moved on to read the next texts.

He had to disconnect the call over and over that he started the get in order to read the messages. He managed to open the texts from the number which started it all. Taehyung's. 

Hey Jungkook, It's summer. I have to talk to you about something.

Pick up my call.

I need to tell you something.

Pick my call or else it is not going to end up good for you.

He read about 100s of texts from Taehyung and they all said that he desperately wanted to talk to him and threatened him.

Jungkook felt a chill of fear crept inside him. He was not only struggling with strict parents and studies but also this.

He always had this thought about how his interest seemed to be in men. He never was interested in women and since Jimin confessed his liking towards the boy, he was distraught and thought more and more about his sexuality. 

But he still tamed his mind to every last bit to deny it. He knew his parents will be against it. They were homophobic and he could not do anything, specially not now when he didn't earn his own money and lived under their roof and ate their food.

This only made him motivated to get good grades and get into his dream college, then eventually he would get a job and would not need to rely on his parents. 

He grew but his mother's way of handling him did not change. She still treated him like a baby. She would do his laundry, cook food for him and feed him at times when he came back home tired with a lot of homework. 

The same was the case with Momo. The siblings were not allowed to sleep over at any friend's house. The phone was also provided to them so their mother could keep the whereabouts of the kids when they were out.

Jungkook saw Jerry's mother and she seemed too cool in his eyes. She would trust Jerry that he was competent enough to cook if she was not around, or even left them alone without fussing about little things. Whereas, Jungkook's mother never left home. She made sure she returned by evening in case she had to go somewhere. 

Jungkook felt like he was strangled by an invisible string.

Chapter Text

Jungkook did not reply to any text and his mind shut off. He was deep in trouble. "Oppa, let's go play." Momo suddenly knocked on the door and he heard her voice.

It was now dark outside and Jungkook thought playing will keep things off his mind so he agreed. "Give me a minute, I am coming." He replied. 

They played badminton on the front porch of the house. Jungkook would avoid going outside every day because every time he did, Zayn and Shari would swoon around like a fly on the sweet.

He knew those two were interested in him but the way they just roamed around in front of his house made Jungkook uncomfortable. He could not say anything to them because technically they were not doing anything illegal. They lived in the same neighborhood and they came out for an evening walk. He was playing, knowing pretty well that Zayn or Shari would spot him soon and they would come out to hover around him. They never did anything to harm Jungkook and only stared at him from afar.

Jungkook felt uneasy just with the feeling of being watched, so at times he did not come out of the house to play at all. Today, he got surprised when he found a green familiar car parked near the sidewalk of his house. "What is all this?" He whispered to himself.

It was okay for Jungkook as long as the cars followed him on the way to school but this was new. They never followed him to his house and that too in the evening.

"OPPA! Where is your mind? Pass me the shuttlecock." Momo screamed.

"Sorry, I have to go." He said and ran slightly to check if his eyes were seeing right. He stopped at some distance from the car and tried to look close. What he noticed was suddenly an indigo car approached the green one and someone got out.

The headlights of the indigo car were on, which prohibited Jungkook to see clearly as he braced himself by putting hands in front of his eyes. He only saw someone get out of the indigo car and talked to the driver of a green car.

He felt he should get back inside his house but his legs as if forgot how to move. He was standing on the road, completely exposed. Suddenly something clicked inside him and he ran towards his house gate. He then saw two cars leaving. 

Momo was waiting for Jungkook to come back and resume but when she looked at him running inside so she yelled. "OPPA. What's wrong?" 

"I have homework Momo. I forgot. I can't play anymore. Call your friends." He replied in monotone and rushed towards his room.

He closed the door and clutched his heart which threatened to jump out. He fished out his phone from the wardrobe and saw Taehyung calling him. He picked up with shaking hands. 

"H-H-Hello!" He stuttered.

"Jungkook! I will not repeat myself again. Do not hang up on me and do not ignore my calls." A husky voice replied.

"What do you want?" Jungkook urged, biting back his tears. 

"I want you to be my friend. It is as simple as I told you before." Taehyung replied.

"What if I don't want that?" Jungkook asked in fear.

"I will kidnap you while you are on your way to school and no one would know. Not even your parents can save you," Taehyung replied and Jungkook's tears started to roll out of his eyes."Do we have an understanding?" Taehyung thundered. 

"JUNGKOOK!" He heard his mother calling him and he disconnected the call in panic.

He knew Taehyung would be pissed and he would call him even more after this, but he just could not think anything straight. He put the phone inside his pocket and stuck his hand inside while wiping his tears.

"Yes, Mom." He replied as he got out of the door only to find his mother near his room.

"What are you doing inside the room? It is your study time. Come on out and study." She glared at him suspiciously and Jungkook thought she must have heard him speak over the phone.

"I was coming." Jungkook told her slowly and walked ahead to the living room where he and Momo had space to study. 

His mother believed that rooms were only designed for sleeping. She did not let her kids have privacy at all. She made Jungkook and Momo sit with them and encouraged them to spend as much time together as a family. 

They only went to their rooms to sleep and they both had sleep schedules which meant that if either of them did not wake up on time in the morning, their mother would know that they slept late at night and she would ask them why they slept late. 

Even if they had to watch movies, they did it together as a family on weekends. Kids were not allowed to sleep till late even on weekends because as per their mother, it would disrupt the sleep schedule.

One week ago

"He has stopped taking my calls and now his phone is off Jimin. Something is wrong. I need to know what is it but I am sure there is someone else who is invading here." Taehyung told Jimin as they met in front of Jimin's house in dark.

"Take a chill pill, will you? Why are you being such a pessimist? Maybe he is just stressed. You did not leave any stone unturned to make him feel scared. I told you to handle him with care. He is still a teenager who goes to school." Jimin scoffed.

"I don't care Jimin. I was so close. I even bought him a phone and he just stopped talking to me and then he is doing this now. I swear if I find if someone messed with his thoughts, I am going after that person." Taehyung's dark and red eyes replied.

"What if that person is me?" Jimin asked and Taehyung slowly held Jimin's collar and pulled him close. He stared into Jimin's eyes and burst out laughing like a kid. 

"You are my best friend since childhood. You would never. I just know it, specially when you know how much I want him." Taehyung claimed and left the collar he was holding.

He reached inside his pocket as he pulled out an expensive white box of cigarettes with a lighter and offered Jimin to pull one.

Jimin took one out and so did Taehyung as they smoked into the cold night. 

Chapter Text

"Are you fucking insane? What are you trying to prove and who are you trying to prove it to?" Jimin thundered on Taehyung as he got out of his indigo car and leaned down till the window of Taehyung's green car.

The man in question kept laughing like Jimin was yelling for nothing. "Stop it, Tae. I can't believe you would go to this extent. He is just a teenager and don't you think you have scared him enough by stalking him all the way to school that now you want to do it by his house?"

"Oh Chim Chim. You have no idea. This is not the extent. I am just getting started." Taehyung smirked devilishly and Jimin stood all red in fury.

"Why do you care for this boy? Are you perhaps the reason why he is not talking to me? Do you like him Jimin, Hm?" Taehyung smirked and opened the door to get out and face Jimin.

"You have gone completely insane Taehyung. I don't think we should talk right now. Let's do it tomorrow when you are thinking straight so you don't do anything you would regret." Jimin backed off and walked back to his car.

"You did not say no." Taehyung tilted his head and let out a rambunctious laugh.

"I don't want to talk to the person you are right now Taehyung," Jimin stated and got inside the car. He started the engine and whizzed away.

"Oh, Jimin-ie. I think you are hiding something from me. I think it is you who is taking my Jungkook away from me. If it indeed turns true then I will forget you were my friend and I will drag you to rags in front of me without batting an eye." Taehyung gritted his teeth and stared blankly at the road where Jimin's car was stood a few seconds ago.

Taehyung took out the phone and called someone. Just as he disconnected the call after talking, he laughed maniacally.

Meanwhile, Jimin got inside his room and threw his phone at the soft mattress on the bed. He huffed and tightly fisted his hair as he walked in and out of the room.

It was his anger on Taehyung mixed with a feeling of longing which he felt for Jungkook for a whole week when the younger's phone was off. He could have tried reaching out to him but Taehyung always stalked him when the boy was outside the house. Jimin had no chance to do it unless he risked getting himself exposed. Aside from school and tuition, Jungkook never came out of the house.

Jimin was not afraid of Taehyung but first, he needed to know how Jungkook felt for him, otherwise, his fighting with Taehyung would have been for nothing. Of course, Jimin would still protect the boy even if he was not interested in Jimin but it was good if he knew.

Jimin's phone rang and he huffed before getting to it. Just as he looked at the caller ID, his forehead's creases went away and his lips flipped into a warm smile.

"Hello, Jungkook. How have you been?" Jimin asked and desperately waited for Jungkook to answer so he could hear the voice which comforted him.

"J-Jimin. I am okay." Jungkook replied and Jimin felt that the boy has been crying.

"What's wrong? Did you cry?" Jimin asked suddenly.

"Uh. No. Jimin I need your help." Jungkook said hastily.

"Yes, what is it that you need?" Jimin asked keenly.

"I want you to make it all go away, please. I am scared." The boy was on verge of crying.

"I will Jungkook. Don't worry much. I will not let Taehyung harm you." Jimin assured the naive young boy.

"He was here," Jungkook whispered and sniffled.

"Hey, Jungkook. Listen to me. Don't cry alright? I am doing my best. I will make him stop. Please, stop crying." Jimin pleaded and the boy suddenly stopped sniffling as if the words gave him comfort.

"Can I tell you one thing Jimin?" Jungkook asked in a low voice.

"Please do," Jimin uttered.

"I never liked Taehyung. When I first him, I liked you better. He scares me. It was you whom I liked."

Before Jimin could say anything the phone call was disconnected. Jimin smirked in pride until his phone chimed with another call from someone whose number was saved in his phone as 'Honey' with a red heart emoji drawn next to it.

"Hey Honey." Jimin answered the call.

"Hey, baby." The girl on the phone replied.

**

Jungkook rushed out of his room after disconnecting the call when he heard Kim Seokjin's voice.

Seokjin was a much older friend of Jungkook. He was basically Momo's friend who came to be a common friend for Jeon's siblings.

Seokjin was from another city, staying in Busan with his family in a rented house and was studying at university. He worked part-time at a clothing store that specialized in men's undergarments.

Jungkook had a little crush on Seokjin a few months ago but it soon vanished. Seokjin on the other hand was too fond of Momo and Jungkook. He was the one whom Jungkook's mother trusted. Sometimes she would leave Seokjin at home when kids were alone but she never trusted him too much. Mrs. Jeon was always paranoid.

Jungkook admired how he worked hard. He came from a poor family. His smile was infectious and he would blush a lot. All in all, he seemed to be a nice fella as it became known to Jeons.

How Momo befriended him was an interesting story. Seokjin had a bike that he rode to his university. One day Momo happened to be on her way to her friend's house which was near the University. She heard someone fighting with Seokjin over his bike and how he parked it on his private property.

Momo instantly felt bad for the scared-looking boy and she ran to him. She asked him that he could park it at her house and then walk to the university from there because it was not that far.

Seokjin felt grateful for her kindness but denied the offer saying he did not want inconvenience for her family, but Momo could be very persuasive.

She brought the boy home and Mrs. Jeon let him park his bike. Gradually they became close as Seokjin kept coming to their house every day.

Once Seokjin invited Jungkook and his entire family to his rented house on the occasion of Christmas. Jeon's family accepted the offer and Jungkook along with Momo and his mother went to Seokjin's house and saw how small it was. They were hardly passing by.

Seokjin had two younger sisters and a mother. He had no father. Seokjin was financially supporting his family all this while. After that day, Mrs. Jeon felt even worse for Seokjin and asked the boy to visit their home anytime he felt like or ask for anything.

Seokjin then started coming to Jeon's home without even having to park his bike. Of course, Mrs. Jeon did not forget to compare Seokjin with her own kids. She would often say to her kids that how ungrateful they were even after they were provided with all luxury and would ask them to look at Seokjin and how hard-working he was.

Chapter Text

"You don't need to be like this Jimin." Namjoon told the boy and Jimin scoffed.

"I know he put you up to this. I cannot really follow anyone's advice so save yourself some breaths and stop it." Jimin curtly told Namjoon who had come to visit him the next day of the fight between him and Taehyung.

"I think it is important you know that I am not siding with anyone here. Let's not adulterate our friendship over just a boy." Namjoon pleaded but Jimin rolled his eyes.

"You have seen him. You were there with us at times when Taehyung followed Jungkook to school. How crazy he has become! He just needs the boy as a prized possession. He doesn't know what love is." Jimin expressed his disapproval.

"So do you. You think you know love, Park Jimin?" Namjoon quipped sarcastically and Jimin remained silent.

"That's what I thought. Do not go ruining our friendship. I am your friend but he is also my family Jimin. I hope you can understand that. If I had to, I would be on his side." Namjoon told the boy clearly but Jimin already knew that. After all, Namjoon was Taehyung's cousin.

Namjoon did strike a nerve when he asked Jimin about love. It was true, he never loved anyone. All he knew was to manipulate and lure people into sweet-talking and never return their sincere feelings.

Jimin felt guilty and remorseful towards Jungkook as he was not completely honest with the boy.

"Jimin, let's drop this and go with me." The older man put a hand on Jimin's shoulder and the latter thought of something before he nodded.

"I hear you. I just need some time but I will be there soon. Tell Taehyung that I will call him." Jimin made up his mind but did he quit so easily without putting up a fight? It wasn't like Jimin at all.

Namjoon left and Jimin lied down on his bed. "Jungkook. Jungkook. Jeon Jungkook." He let the words slowly roll out of his mouth and then smirked suspiciously.

"I will see you soon Jungkook." He uttered before he turned off the lights to stare at the black nothingness.

**

The next day, Jimin went to a place in search of something. He had to be shrewd about this whole thing if he wanted Jungkook and to also stay on the good side of Taehyung, who could not be tamed easily.

After a day full of roaming around, he finally found out the scapegoat and smirked inwardly. "This should be fun." He uttered with an irking smile on his face before he decided to finally meet Taehyung the same evening.

Meanwhile, Jungkook was a little relieved after confessing his truth to Jimin and he assumed that the boy would protect him. Jungkook being young and naïve, trusted people easily, which would turn out to be the biggest mistake.

He was happily studying in school and could finally feel that after weeks, he could breathe the fresh air of freedom to the fullest because he was not followed by his stalker to school today.

He assumed Jimin made it happen but in reality, Taehyung and Jimin were just webbing their own plans and setting out baits.

"You look happy today." Jerry nudged the boy who sat under the same tree where he used to sit to talk to Summer who turned out to be Jimin.

"I finally feel free." Jungkook took in the silent winter afternoon and the warmth of sun mingled in cool air.

"Did those boys stop calling you?" Jerry asked and Jungkook sighed blissfully.

"It is all gone now. Don't worry about it Jer." He told his best friend when the bell rang.

"Let's go." Jerry stood up first and offered the boy his hand so he could take support and pulled him up to go back to class until they heard someone.

"Yo, Dumbasses!" Bush yelled from the ground and waved at them. Jerry smacked his head.

"This is Sports period." He let out blissfully and it stretched a smile on Jungkook's face.

"Go play, I just want to sit here peacefully today." Jungkook pushed the boy slightly and sat back down under the tree from where he looked over to the net of Volleyball, football, and badminton.

Jerry joined Bush who carried a volleyball as they started to play. Other classmates could also be seen playing different games which made him happy.

Momo came out of the class to drink water and she spotted Jungkook outside. She knew it was game period for him and she smiled at her brother.

"I should talk to Oppa. We have not really talked in a while." She thought to herself when Jungkook found her looking at him from distance. She waved at the boy and Jungkook chuckled and waved back.

The phone was quietly sitting in his pocket but Jungkook somehow felt the need to talk to Jimin. He sure had developed a soft corner for Jimin. In his mind, feeling this peaceful was all thanks to the older male.

Jimin ignited the thread to his heart which had a ticker. It was now a matter of time when the thread will burn little by little and burst the explosive inside his heart to a feeling called love. It felt far-fetched to Jungkook but he wanted it. He wanted to meet Jimin and get to know him better, but he also knew it would be difficult with the strict parents he had, specially his mother. He was not allowed to go outside except for his tuition and school.

**

Jimin reached Taehyung's place and found the boy sitting with 7 older males. Kim Namjoon, Jung Hoseok, Min Yoongi, Park HyungSik, Park SeoJoon, Do Jihan and Choi Minho.

Namjoon was Taehyung's paternal cousin while Yoongi and Hoseok were Namjoon's friends. Seojoon was Taehyung's neighbor who was a medical aspirant. He wanted to be a Doctor. All his family was of Doctors and his elder brother wanted him to be one.

Park HyunSik and Choi Minho were Jimin's and Taehyung's college friends while Do Jihan was a senior at the same college.

This was the entire gang. These were all the people who helped Taehyung and Jimin and had their backs at all times. They were like a big family.

Just as Jimin entered the living room he sensed tension and a hostile environment. He felt uneasy with the way everyone stared at him with a gaze which he could not fathom what was. Jimin sure could not assume what it was but it made the hair on the back of his nape stand up to sense some danger. He got a feeling that it was everyone vs him.

"Come Jimin." SeoJoon was the first to stand up and flashed a beautiful grin to Jimin. The temperature warmed up a little with smiles and the atmosphere became mildly peaceful.

"We have missed you." Hoseok said as he smirked and created a space for Jimin to sit while Taehyung's face remained poker.

Chapter Text

Taehyung's maids served the young men snacks and beer as per their taste. Everyone seemed to be laughing and talking but to Jimin, it all felt like a façade, a mask to hide their true selves. He was getting paranoid by the minute and his left foot kept tapping on the ground. Taehyung smirked looking at Jimin like this. Jimin was at a disadvantage because Taehyung knew everything about him. His ugly side and his twisted mind.

It seemed like the meeting was called on purpose and Taehyung was openly threatening Jimin and declaring one-sided war. Yoongi being the most sensible person decided to start the real conversation. "Jimin, let's talk. We are all here to discuss your issue in regards to Jungkook."

"There is no issue, Yoongi. I have done nothing but help Tae. He is now believing what he wants to." Jimin replied with a blank face.

"Why did he suddenly stop talking to Taehyung and specially the same morning when Tae was going to confess?" Hoseok raised his brow as he asked. It was as if everyone there were puppets of Taehyung who worked for their boss.

"How would I know that, Hoseok? You should ask Jungkook himself." Jimin scoffed in the reply.

"That we will Jimin. That we will." Minho chimed in. Jimin's assumption was right. They all had lost their trust in Jimin. He felt like a suspect being interrogated and ahead lied the third degree.

Namjoon on the other hand was the only one who was silent and observed everything. He was considered the smartest in the group and perhaps that is why he went to talk to Jimin earlier.

When everyone considered Namjoon the smartest, the man in the subject himself crowned Jimin entitled of the title. He knew Jimin was an underrated genius who never came in limelight for this. Younger had put shells around himself well enough. Do Jihan being the oldest and senior, also did not talk much and observed.

Finally, Taehyung spoke. "I don't want Jungkook to come between us Jimin. You are my best friend and I need to have you by my side, we are not only friends but family. And Jungkook is someone who I will achieve, so even if you are trying anything, I suggest you stop and pledge loyalty now." Taehyung let out in a calm, low and rasp and Jimin scoffed rolling his eyes.

"Family. You don't trust me and you call us that. This is the best day of my life." Jimin snickered sarcastically.

"Then give us reason to trust you. You have been acting strange lately. You don't come to meet us when we call you." Park HyunSik stated as if he was lost without Jimin and Minho agreed.

"Come on. You two? I never thought you would side with him." Jimin was disappointed in the two. Not only were they classmates but Jimin's neighbors, which only made Jimin feel the betrayal. But could he really blame them? Taehyung squandered money on these people for years like water. When it came to loyalty, no one liked anything more than money, but Park Jimin was not to concede to anyone either.

Jimin pulled up a smirk and took everyone aback as he started laughing nefariously and stood from his single leather couch.

He fished out his phone and opened the gallery to a picture of a boy. He put his phone very calmly on the center table making all eyes too keen on it. "He is your culprit. Jungkook's senior whom he had a crush on in middle school. Now the crush has decided to reciprocate the feelings to Jeon Jungkook."

Everyone took in the boy's features. "His name is Hei-Ran." Jimin uttered softly and Taehyung suddenly stood up with fury engulfing each nerve on his body.

It was Hei Ran because of whom Taehyung doubted his bestfriend and now he felt like Hei-Ran needed punishment. "How would you like if we were to pay a little visit to this Hei-Ran?" Taehyung smirked and walked towards Jimin who nodded slowly.

Taehyung held Jimin in a warm embrace and held his chin with one hand after pulling away. "Sorry." He whispered in Jimin's ear.

"We have time for the apologies later. Let's get this bread first." Jimin smirked and indicated that they go and see this Hei-Rang with their own eyes.

Jimin successfully set out the trap to kill two birds with one stone and could not wait to unveil everything in front of his eyes. His smile flipped into a deathly glare when everyone let themselves out and Jimin followed behind.

On the other hand, Jungkook oblivious to everything was studying peacefully at home. There was a flicker of desire to get in touch with Jimin but he was happy that he was now safe from all threats.

"Oppa, how is your preparation going?" Momo strolled casually towards Jungkook with a chocolate bar she was eating.

"It's going to be okay now," Jungkook replied and then smiled. "Why don't you study?" He asked his sister.

"I am not a senior Oppa. You need to study hard." Momo teased.

"What will you do once you are done with school? Did you finally decide?" Momo sat on the couch and Jungkook knew it was going to be a long talk.

"I just want to leave Busan. Earlier I had my doubts but I am cent percent sure that I don't want to live here anymore." Jungkook said with hope.

"Do you think mother will let you go to live on your own?" Momo asked and Jungkook sighed. He knew it was next to impossible for him to even dream about independence. According to his mother, Jungkook was supposed to stay with his parents until he got married to a nice girl of their choice.

"I will try my best. And Dad is there, so I still have hopes." Jungkook showed Momo his crossed fingers.

"Is it something to do with those phone calls?" Momo asked in a slow voice. She did not want her brother to leave because he was the only one who played with her as their mother did not allow many people to be their friends. Jungkook also helped her in her studies and if he left, she would definitely miss him.

"I guess it is. I just don't want these people to interrupt my days in the future so it would be safer if I leave all the distasteful memories behind me." Jungkook replied. He never really talked in detail about Jimin and Taehyung with Momo. Jerry knew more about it than his own family but Jungkook was not really open to his family. Either way, there was no use in telling anything to Momo as Jungkook thought.

Hours passed by and it was not until late night, Jungkook's phone rang. He panicked and immediately put the phone on silent mode and noticed the caller ID. "Jimin." A smile found its way on Jungkook's lips.

Chapter Text

There was a time when Jungkook did not want to talk to his stalker when he got plenty of calls from him, and it was now a few weeks later when he could not stop thinking about him. Technically his stalker was Taehyung but he did not know what to call Jimin? In reality, Jimin was his stalker's apprentice.

"Hey Jimin." Jungkook spoke excitedly but in a hushed voice and he heard a soft chuckle on the other side.

"Hiding from mother, are we?" Jimin asked and Jungkook blushed just by that.

"Uh, yeah. My mom is a little strict about these things. How are you?" Jungkook's heart was pumping weirdly. He succumbed to just Jimin's voice and the older hasn't done anything yet.

"I am good, Doll. How are you? How are your studies? Are you facing any issue with exam preparation?" Jimin's dominant voice asked and Jungkook kept blushing madly at the endearment.

Did Jimin really like him? Was this it? Was it the start of something? Jungkook wanted Jimin to express it again, tell him that he likes Jungkook, because time hurled by quickly and they could not speak after Jimin confessed his liking towards Jungkook, but the older did not seem to say it again any time soon, even now.

"Everything is just fine Jimin. I was stressed earlier about the calls but they have stopped lately and I think all will be well now." Jungkook still spoke in a very low voice so he would not be heard outside in a silent and dark night.

"Are you in your room right now?" Jimin asked.

"Y-Yes. Why?"

"I must be crazy," Jimin chuckled. "Of course you must be in your room. It is late at night. Sleep now Jungkook. I will protect you, okay. Don't think about anything but me." Jimin ordered the young boy who blushed again at the last words, completely missing the warning.

Jungkook thought Jimin sounded off but then again, he did not really talk to him before freely. He needed to talk to Jimin a little bit to know about him more and to judge him if he was acting weird.

"I can talk. I am-" Jungkook did not want to disconnect the call after Jimin called him in a long time, but he got interrupted.

"Sleep, Doll. I don't want under bags on your face. Do you want me?" He asked and Jungkook nodded and realized Jimin could not see.

"Y-yes. I do." Jungkook's cheeks have turned hot.

"Then you will do as I say. Yes?" Jungkook flinched at the tone. It was rather scary and not the usual sweet and low but Jungkook did not think much about it.

"What do I have to do?" He asked.

"Oh, Doll. You are such a curious one. Aren't you?  What did I say? I asked you to sleep because I don't want under bags on your pretty face." Jimin repeated and got to know how quickly his magic worked on younger.

"Okay. Good Night, Jimin." Jungkook greeted to disconnect the call but Jimin interrupted again.

"Where is my Good Night kiss?" Jimin chuckled as he rolled his hair back and let out a sigh.

"I- Good Night, Jimin." Jungkook disconnected the call and clutched his heart with his hands that held the phone. His heart beat vigorously and a shy smile found its way onto the corner of his lips. He turned and smushed his face into pillows, feeling the adrenaline and serotonin rushing in his blood, putting him in a frenzy.

Soon after, he slept after clearing his call log. He would always have to be attentive about it, now more than before. His mother would often take their phones and check them, so Jungkook had no other option than clearing call logs and texts after every time he talked to Jimin.

Meanwhile, Jimin chuckled softly. "You are so shy Doll. I would have to break into so many shells to reach you. But fret not, I love un-layering after all." He smirked and looked at a painting that hung in his room. An indicolite-colored thick frame and canvas, onto which a golden doll gave off a 3D effect.

"Broken doll! Two kindred souls; and one little fish bowl." He recited a line as a poem looking at the painting. "Kitty needs to go." He cracked a smirk on his lips, jerked his neck on both sides, his bones cracked in the process and he chuckled softly in a rasp.

He got up and walked over to the cabinet. His room remained pitch dark except his aquarium in which one lonely bulb was lit.

The aquarium was kept on the far left side of his bed, by the pair of square window panes. In front of windows were whisking two white shimmering curtains, reflecting the light on the opposite wall, where rested a white cabinet. The bed was not centered but it was biased to the right side of the square room.

Started a story; stumbled over a twist
Here's a summary; can't spill the rest

It began with a tingling; like most beginnings
Two kindred souls; one little fish bowl..

He recited more lines and stopped by the aquarium. He opened the lid and put the food down in the water for fish to eat. "Bunny needs to stay." He uttered the words again before walking back to bed and slept soon after, under the optimum temperature of AC.

The next morning, Jungkook woke up happy than groggy to find his favorite breakfast on the table which ensured him that nothing would spoil today for him.

He ate and left for school. Since exams were approaching, he would be excused from school after exactly a month and a half for preparatory leave. Jungkook was looking forward to at least meet Jimin once in these 45 days.

Uncle Muk arrived as usual, on time. "You seem too happy today, son." He chimed in and Jungkook's grin stretched furthermore.

"You have one of those mornings when you wake up and everything seems happy around you. Like air, people, and even the birds. I am just having one of those days, Uncle." Jungkook happily replied.

The cabbie laughed and suddenly pushed the brakes causing everyone in the cab to jolt and back on their seats. "What was that?" All kids in the cab asked while Jungkook looked out of the window.

"There is a dead Kitten." Uncle replied and got out of the cab to check if it was really dead.

The black cat laid in the middle of the road, senseless. Jungkook also got out, being the oldest among the children, and asked everyone else to stay inside the cab. "Is it dead?" His words died down as he held the bridge of his nose when he smelled the horrible odor coming out of the kitten.

Uncle Muk held his hand towards Jungkook in warning that he stay where he was. He then ran back to the cab to find a pair of tongs, with the help of which he put the kitten away from the road so it would not get ground more.

"Why do you have tongs in your cab, Uncle?" Jungkook asked, perplexed.

"I find dead animals all the time. I keep it for the same purpose." Uncle Muk replied as he washed the tongs and put them back in a black leather bag before resuming the drive.

Chapter Text

The phone calls between Jimin and Jungkook kept on going for a week. Jungkook was happy that Jimin was talking to him. Jimin never repeated the words where would say he likes Jungkook. Nonetheless, Jungkook was shy and it was his first time falling for someone or talking to someone secretly, so he did not know if he should say it or not. He did not want to come off as naive and desperate. One thing was sure, he definitely wanted Jimin.

Things were looking pretty radiant from this end of the table to Jungkook. He had an extremely good-looking man who he thought cared about him and he looked forward to the progress in the relationship. He wanted to put a label on it. He also would move to Seoul in few months and then he would be able to freely talk to Jimin or even meet him whenever he wanted.

The younger boy would stay awake till late at night or sometimes he would wake up by the vibration of his phone from Jimin's call and they would talk.

Tonight, Jungkook slept after waiting for hours for Jimin, but he did not get the call. When he woke up in the morning, he realized that Jimin never called him at any time during the night.

"Jimin must have slept or must have been busy. But he did not text me either. Should I text him?"

Jungkook hesitantly texted Jimin as he could not stop the bustle inside his mind and heart, but he did not expect Jimin to respond right away. It was still early and so far what Jungkook got to know about Jimin was that the boy was a senior, did not go to college every day, hence he slept till late in the morning, and would be joining his father's company from next year.

Jimin was laying in bed with his eyes darted at the ceiling. He was not wearing a shirt and his lower body was covered under the red duvet. He kept shaking his right foot and covering his ears with both hands as if he was blocking some voices when his phone chimed.

He smirked at the screen and put the phone aside. "My Jungkook misses me. That's great. I want my Jungkook to miss me some more." He chuckled and licked his lips when his housemaid knocked on his door.

"Come in." Jimin replied.

The maid dragged a small moving breakfast table along with a white bottle of tablets, as usual. She set the table near the bed and left after bowing. Jimin groaned and sat up.

He put on house sliders and walked over to the fish. "Aren't you hungry? I feed you well. You are gaining weight." He chuckled and dropped one tablet from the white bottle into the aquarium along with food.

The fish happily munched on it and Jimin walked back to the bed. Without paying much attention to the text, he had his breakfast and got ready to start the day. First on the list was to meet Taehyung.

Jimin was able to move the suspicion from himself to Hei-Ran, but he knew Taehyung too well and vice versa. If he had to play along for a longer time, he knew he would have to do more than just accusing someone else. For time being, he had slacked Taehyung off the track, but soon, he would have to come up with a permanent plan.

**

Jungkook waited for a response for the entire day but he did not get any. He even called Jimin but it went straight to voice mail. Jungkook still did not know how the day looked like for Jimin. He decided to talk about more personal things with Jimin when he called next time, so he would know more about him.

He was lethargic during class. He has not been sleeping well for almost a week because of late-night calls. His mother would wake him up early on weekends. He needed good sleep but more than that, he needed Jimin. He would happily sacrifice his sleep for an older male, just to listen to his voice for few minutes, and feel the frenzy the man put him into.

The silent treatment from Jimin was killing him. It was making him anxious with distasteful thoughts. He was sitting in class during lectures, but his mind kept wandering off.

"Is he already done with me? Did he find someone else? Does he do that? Stalk new people and then leave, once done with them? What if he doesn't like me now that he knows about me. Maybe he thinks I am boring. After all, I have so many restrictions at home. I cannot even freely talk to him. What if he wants out?"

"Dude. I said let's go." His trance was broken when Bush shook him.

"I am sorry. I was just thinking about something." He slowly told him and collected his Physics practical book to go to the lab.

"Your boyfriend?" Bush wriggled his brows as he teased Jungkook.

"What? No." Jungkook hit the boy as they kept walking and laughing. Jungkook's mind convulsed at the term. He knew things would take time to actually get there, but he suddenly wanted it so bad. Jimin to call him his boyfriend and he also realized how difficult it was getting for him to wait.

Jungkook had Physics practical with Bush and Chemistry with Jerry. He was never alone. Bush on the other hand had lone Biology practical which Jungkook and Jerry did not have. During that time, Bush would sulk, stuck alone doing nasty experiments, whereas Jerry and Jungkook would roam around.

The day flung by pretty quickly and Jungkook was back home. He checked his phone hundreds of times during the hours but he never received his favorite notification.

When he reached, he found Seokjin at home who smiled at Jungkook. "Hey Hyung. What's up?" Jungkook threw his bag on the floor and Momo also chimed in.

"I thought we would play something today. It's been a long since we had spent time together and had a game of Uno. What do you say?" He asked.

"I am up." Momo chirped and Jungkook also nodded.

"Get some rest. We will play in some time then." Seokjin alluded a smile and that's when Mrs. Jeon walked into the living room with snacks.

**

The evening was spent well, playing. Four of them played until it got dark and Jungkook forgot about Jimin momentarily.

"I think it's enough for today." Mrs. Jeon concluded the game.

Soon after Seokjin left, Jungkook and Momo sat down to study and that's when a notification chimed.

_Hi Jimin, you did not pick up the call. Are you okay? Just checking._

_Are you already worried about me Jungkook? Do you want to take care of me?_

Jungkook blushed so hard at the text that he had to scratch his nose and walk away, not to let anyone else see the red on his face. Jungkook did not reply because his mother turned up and he hid the phone in his pocket which Mrs. Jeon saw.

She did not say anything at the time but on the same night, she walked over to Jungkook's room repeatedly to get something and heard silent whispers coming out when the boy talked to Jimin in a hushed voice.

"Oh Son! What are you doing?" She held her head and murmured with anger overflowing her veins.

"I will have to keep an eye on you from now on."

Chapter Text

The next morning, Mrs. Jeon's mood was considerably crafty. She was angry but she kept quiet, without uttering a word. She had things planned in mind. Jungkook wondered what has gotten into her. At first, he got scared imagining the worst but then he thought that his mother might just be having a bad day.

Once he and Momo left for school, Mrs. Jeon called someone.

"Good Morning." She said.

"Good Morning. What's up? Is everything alright?" A voice replied.

"Yes, why would not it be?"

"Um, you called so early in the morning so I thought."

"I need you to do one thing for me." She told the one on call.

"What is it?"

"Can you keep an eye on Jungkook while he goes to school? See if he meets with someone or talks to anyone. Also, inform me if anyone follows him." She asked.

"Sure. I can do that." The voice replied.

**

Jungkook was wondering why Jimin never texts him and only calls him at night. Although Jungkook would not be able to talk to him during the day, he still wished for it. He thought it would be nice if they could at least talk like before, during lunch.

He also wondered at times how things changed quickly. He only wanted Jimin more now and the older was as if playing hard to get and ignoring him at times. "Jimin really would not intentionally do that. He must really be busy." He thought.

Jungkook did not tell Jerry about Jimin. He knew Jerry would talk him out of it. He also knew it was not the best-case scenario and circumstances how he met Jimin and no one approve of it, as they would never understand it. He had to keep Jimin a secret from everyone.

He was on his way back home from school and realized a car was following him. It has been days since this happened. He thought Jimin had set things straight but apparently not.

He closed his cab window and slumped against the seat, almost hiding his face to not be visible to outsiders. Suddenly two more cars joined the green familiar one and Jungkook's hands started shaking a little. His mind went black and numb as if he was sleeping with open eyes.

He immediately called Jimin which disconnected after it went straight to voice mail. "Pick up, Jimin." He uttered slowly and looked at his palms sweating. He dialed again but no response.

"Why won't he pick the call?" He said to himself frantically and looked at other kids including his sister sitting with him in the cab. They all were lost in their phones while they had headphones covering their ears from listening to anything but music.

Jungkook dialed the number again desperately but to no avail. He sighed and only prayed that no one would come out of those cars.

The cars stopped by the sidewalk near Jungkook's house when Uncle Muk pressed on the brakes and also stopped in front of Jungkook's house. He got off and ran inside with Momo. He closed the door shut and breathed heavily, clutching his chest.

I thought Jimin had taken care of everything. Who were they? I should text Jimin.

Jungkook was left more confused than ever. Jimin would sometimes behave weirdly. He needed Jimin right now but older would act on his whims, not caring enough to even call back.

He did not answer my calls but immediately texted back. Was he doing it intentionally?

Jungkook did not realize that he was sitting in the living room after he finished texting and his mother's eyes were glaring at him.

"Hello, Mother." He spoke slowly and he looked at her staring at him.

"You seem to be lost somewhere Jungkook. Is someone bothering you?" She asked catching Jungkook off guard.

"N-No Mother. I am just having a minor headache, but it will be fine in- " He could not finish his sentence when his phone rang. Jungkook's eyes widened when he looked at Taehyung calling him.

Why? Why again? I thought it was all over.

"Aren't you going to pick it Jungkook?" Mrs. Jeon slowly walked up to him.

"O-oh this. It's just Jerry. Since we have few days off tuition, he wanted me to go to his house for group study." He said and disconnected the call while he turned off his phone. He was crying inwardly when no tear came out in reality.

"You can go. I will ask your Uncle Muk to drop you." She smirked and Jungkook shook his head. He knew by the expressions of his mother that she was on to him. She definitely knew something.

"I will just study at home as my head hurts. Anyway, the tuition will resume next week." He said and stood up to walk to his room.

"Come right back. I have made you pasta." Mrs. Jeon spoke from behind.

"In a minute, Mom!" Jungkook sighed not getting a break from it all.

Meanwhile, Jimin called Taehyung on his phone and the latter smirked as he looked at his screen, as if he knew that Jimin would call.

"Hey, Min."

"Hey, Tae. I was hoping to hang out with you. Where are you?" Jimin asked, knowing very well that he should not have called him in the first place.

"I am at home. You can come." Tae replied as he cracked a nefarious smirk on his face.

"I am on my way." Jimin replied and Taehyung weakly chuckled.

"I know where are you busy these days Jimin. It's a shame. I thought the previous one would last longer than your current one. You play some games Jimin." Taehyung laughed.

"At least I don't spend one night with them and forget about it." Jimin retorted as he laughed.

"My dear friend, trust me. That would be much better if you did that too." Taehyung chuckled loudly.

"I have my ways. We are just not the same, Taehyung." Jimin replied.

"How can we? You made sure that we would not be the same 15 years ago." Taehyung laughed and Jimin's eyes turned grim at that.

"You know I don't like to hear it, Tae." He said gritting his teeth and Taehyung had to switch the conversation, knowing very well he hit a home run.

"Then you would be very much interested to know this. You know that Hei-Ran boy?" Taehyung said as he glared on the road ahead of him while he drove.

"Mm hm."

"Turns out he wasn't involved with Jungkook at all. Such a shame. Someone must have misinformed you to mislead me. What he did not know was, I get what I want." Taehyung spoke. Albeit Taehyung was not in front of Jimin, the words pierced him straight into the soul as he imagined Taehyung's sharp eyes staring at him from behind the screen.

Jimin immediately knew that Taehyung got the information about Hei-Ran, that's why he was after Jungkook today. Now he was suspecting Jimin behind it all.

Similarly, Taehyung knew if Jungkook and Jimin were together, the former would immediately inform Jimin about his little detour and that's exactly what happened.

Jungkook called Jimin to inform him about the people stalking him. Knowing very well that Jimin should not call Taehyung, which will only prove Taehyung's suspicion correct, Jimin did take the bait.

"I can only imagine, Tae. Let's meet and talk about it over drinks tonight." Jimin lastly told him and quickly disconnected the call to go over his place.

"Who was that?" A girl asked Jimin whom he was with at the moment.

Jimin looked at her pale beautiful skin of exposed legs over her shorts and hickey marks peeking from the choker on her neck, which he had given to her earlier, a kitty charm dangling from it.

Jimin licked his lips in a perverted smile and pulled the girl closer. "Kitty. Behave while I am gone. You don't want punishment again." He whispered in her ears and her face turned white as if she had seen a ghost.

"No... No punishment, please. I will behave." She replied in fear.

Chapter Text

Jungkook was in his room, unwary of many things. He waited for Jimin's call and as usual, he knew that Jimin would call late at night.

He wished he would not have to wait for so long to talk to Jimin for few minutes. He wasn't sleeping well for days and it has started to affect his health. His phone chimed and he looked at the texts.

It was Taehyung.

- I know you are talking to Jimin

- you made grave mistake by choosing him over me

- I will make you happy. Come to me. If you choose me, I will protect you and make it all go away

- If you stay woth Jimin, he won't let you go even if you want. And TRUST ME, YOU WILL WANT OUT if you wanna live.

Jungkook read the texts and his mouth went dry and his heartbeat aggravated to the point that his body started shaking lightly.

What's happening and why is it happening to me? I trust Jimin. Yes. I trust him. I can't trust Taehyung.

His trance was snapped into reality when he heard his phone vibrate with a phone call from Jimin and his lips instantly stretched into a smile.

"Hello." He immediately picked and answered.

"Hey, Jungkook. How was your day today?" Jimin asked in an endearing tone.

"You know Taehyung followed me. Why is he following me again?" Jungkook complained and he noticed Jimin's aura changed.

"Did he say something to you?" Jimin asked dryly.

"What? No. I mean he texted me saying he knows I talk to you." Jungkook told him. He did not tell Jimin about the other weird texts that Taehyung sent to threaten him or more like to warn him about Jimin.

"Did you reply him?" Jimin curiously asked.

"I did not. But why is he doing this if he is your bestfriend? Did not you tell him about us? Can't he let it go if I like you?" Jungkook asked innocently.

Jimin's voice and tone switched back to an endearing one. "My Jungkook. Shhh, it's going to be okay. But you have to do as I say. Will you do that for me, baby?" Jimin asked so sweetly that Jungkook's heart started to flutter.

"I will."  Younger replied.

"I want to meet you. Will you come to see me?" Jimin asked in a soft and gentle tone.

"How- Where? I told you my mother doesn't let me go anywhere but school. I don't even have tuition for few days and Uncle Muk is always there until the school bus arrives at Bus Stop." Jungkook said helplessly.

"How about you go to school with me? I just need to see you. I don't need much of your time." Jimin asked.

"I will try Jimin, my sister is also on the same bus so I cannot promise anything." Jungkook was already scared thinking about it. He has never done anything like this before.

"I don't want trouble for you at home Baby Boy. You meet me when your sister is not going to school. Just get on the bus like you usually do and get off it after some time. Tell your friends that you forgot something back home and will come back after you get it. I will come to pick you up. Yes?" Jimin suggested and Jungkook thought that it was not a bad idea.

What Jungkook did not know was that his mother had already asked someone to follow him.

"Okay." Jungkook was already excited to meet the older for the first time.

"Do one more thing. Block Taehyung's number so that he would not bother you anymore." Jimin said as he looked at the fish aquarium in his room.

"I will do it."

"Sleep now. I will talk to you tomorrow." Jimin hushed the boy lovingly and Jungkook stopped Jimin from going.

"Jimin... Can we talk a little more? I miss you." The boy confessed.

Jimin's heart did a flip on those words. He liked Jungkook. He has liked him ever since he laid eyes on him and he almost let Taehyung get Jungkook because he knew that the boy was too precious and did not deserve to be with someone like himself until he could not.

He started to care about Jungkook a lot lately. He wanted to rid the boy of his insecurities. Jimin had known about Jungkook's strict parents and he took it upon himself to take the boy away from them and give him the free life he deserved.

Jimin was able to successfully make Jungkook at ease at last. The boy slept over the call and Jimin chuckled at him. "Such an innocent boy. Adorable." He said over the phone but Jungkook was long lost in slumber. Jimin disconnected the call and the night ended well.

**

The next morning, Jungkook woke up to his mother calling him. "Jungkook-ah, come on out. We have something urgent to discuss." Mrs. Jeon spoke and Jungkook walked out with his tousled hair and puffy eyes while he rubbed them.

He saw everyone already sitting in the living room. Momo looked like a puffy dumpling. Jungkook laughed at her and she laughed at him.

"Kids, we have to urgently visit your Grand mother's house. I cannot leave you two alone with me so you guys have to come with us." Mrs. Jeon announced and Momo's eyes widened.

"Going to Grandma and no school. I am in." She beamed but Jungkook's mind came up with an idea.

"Actually Mom, I can't skip school. I only have the last few weeks left and I don't want to compromise with my finals. Can I go and live with Aunt Niz?" Jungkook requested.

Niz was Shay's little sister. She had not been married and lived a happy single life alone. She was very close to Jungkook and cared about him like her own child since she did not have any. Shay thought about it for a moment and then spoke. "Let me ask her if that's okay."

Jungkook nodded and Mrs. Jeon called Niz.

"Hello, Shay Unnie." She answered.

"Niz, I was wondering if I could leave Jungkook with you for few days. I have to meet my mother-in-law for some work and I cannot leave Jungkook alone at home." Shay requested.

"Don't worry Unnie. You don't have to ask. It's his house too. He can come and live with me any time he wants." Niz told her excitedly.

"But no partying at home. Don't let him go anywhere except school. I will call every day to check up." Shay warned and Jungkook groaned inwardly.

At times like this, he would think to burst up, to yell at his mother and tell her that he is not a kid anymore. But he was not really a legal adult either. It was a tricky age for him. He just hoped to leave the house as soon as possible after high school and never come back. He did not know that his wish would be fulfilled soon.

"Don't worry. I will take care of him." Niz replied and already got excited about staying with Jungkook.

Every time kids went to stay with her, they had a lot of fun and Niz could not wait for it. "When is he coming?" She asked.

"He will come there tomorrow after school. We are leaving tomorrow. Momo is going with us." Shay explained. Niz already planned what she wanted to cook for Jungkook. Maybe his favorite food.

"Okay, Unnie. Don't worry. I will take good care of him."

Chapter Text

Jungkook woke up in the morning and he did not think he has been happier like this in days. He packed his clothes in a small bag aside from his school bag, all set to go to live at his aunt's. Niz was someone who understood him and he could talk to her about anything. Though he still did not talk to her about him being a homosexual but he was sure that his aunt would understand when he told her.

"Jungkook, honey... Are you ready?" Mrs. Jeon asked and Jungkook came out of his room with a bunny smile of his.

"I am,"

"Don't do anything nasty. I will call every day and if I hear that you weren't behaving, I will have you come to me." Shay warned. On any normal day, Jungkook would have boiled his blood inwardly without letting it show on his face but today he chose to ignore it, nothing was going to spoil his mood today.

He was looking forward to seeing Jimin in this break. "I won't, mom... Also, I won't have time for anything. I have to prepare for exams."

Shay nodded her head. She knew that Jungkook was sincere about his studies and he never slacked off there for anything. She trusted Jungkook would still continue to do so.

"Come then, I have told your uncle Muk to not come today. We will drop your stuff at Aunt's first and then drop you at the bus stop."

Jungkook quickly checked the last moment things like his phone charger and lenses before locking his room and went with his mother.

Meanwhile, Jimin woke up and stretched. His blank stare fell on the ceiling of his dark room which was reflecting the fluorescence of the fish from the aquarium. He flipped to the side and picked his phone. He did not see Jungkook's text but that was usual. Jungkook could not text him often because of how strict his parents were.

He ignored the notifications from someone named Kitty and sat up while rolling his hair. Someone knocked on the room door and he replied in a raspy morning voice, ''not now.''

To Jimin's surprise, the door still opened, and in walked his mom. Jimin sighed. "Mom, I said, not now." He complained.

"I am not your maid, Jimin. I am your mother you will listen to me as long as you are living under my roof." She told Jimin strictly as she sat beside him and the young man scoffed.

"Is there something wrong between you and Tae? He has not visited lately." She asked and Jimin just stared expressionlessly on the ground before walking slowly towards the cabinet to put on a shirt.

He turned around and noticed the curious stare of his mother at him. "We are good. Besides, it is our friendship. You should not be meddling in it." He walked to the aquarium and put the food for fish. "

"Have you been ditching your medicines lately?" Mrs. Park asked with concern and Jimin shook his head slowly, remembering how he has been feeding the tablets to fish.

"Good, You are an adult and you will soon turn 21. Your father is excited to pass on his legacy to you. Don't let him down. He and I have to rely on you in the future." Mrs. Park remained stoic.

"I will take care of you and Father." Jimin turned and smiled. It made his mother's heart warm up. Jimin hardly smiled, ever. He has been like this for 15 years.

"My good son. Now get ready, we are having lunch today with Kims. I want you to finish up your chores by then." Mrs. Park announced and Jimin twitched. He did not want to have lunch with Taehyung's family.

"I will be busy today, Mom..." Jimin groaned and she looked at him blankly.

"Come on, whatever is going on between you two, sort it out. It is not just two of you. We have all been friends for decades and nothing will change that." She assured and Jimin knew she was right. Nevertheless, he was not willing to make amends.

"Is there any news from the university? When is the graduation?" Mrs. park asked as she stood up to walk away.

"Graduation ceremony was held last week. I did not go. I will get my degree at home." Jimin shrugged and Mrs. Park gasped.

"You did what? Who does that Jimin?" She raised her voice and Jimin walked up to her to let her out of the room by gently pushing.

"Me apparently. I don't wanna talk about it, go now." He closed the door on her face and Mrs. Park just shook her head.

"How is he going to take responsibility in the future? I pity the would-be wife." She murmured and walked away.

**

Jungkook again saw three cars on his stop today. Now, he sat immersed in his thoughts as the school bus was taking him away from the city. Bush and Jerry were studying and Jungkook said he was not willing to study today. So he sat staring outside the window.

He felt that he had put himself into a situation with no end. The more he wandered inside the more he found himself tangled. His only hope was Jimin.

His phone vibrated in his pocket so his trance broke and he dug it out to see the name which brought a smile to his face. He picked the call and spoke slowly.

"H-hi..."

"Hey, Jungkook. How are you?" Jimin asked leisurely.

"I am okay. How are you?" The boy asked instead.

"I am living. Don't worry about me. Let me worry about you. Are you going to school?"

"Yes, I am on the school bus. I- I saw three cars at my bus stop today. I am also getting the calls again. I am scared, Jimin." The boy confessed and Jimin did not know what to say. All his friends have sided with Taehyung. He thought he could save Jungkook but he cannot go and kill all of them so they would not follow Jungkook. He had to think of something else than killing.

"I am sorry about that, baby. But I will do everything I can to protect you. Don't engage with them, they will not harm you. They must believe that by following you, they will succeed to scare you off. But you should not give them what they want. Don't be scared, okay?" Jimin was cooing to the younger and he absolutely unaware that he was strongly growing on Jungkook too soon.

The innocent boy has never had anyone show affection to him and this first time in his life was the experience he was not willing to let go ever.

"I will not get scared."

"My good baby. Did you eat?" Jimin asked next and this alone made Jungkook euphoric. He did not know if Jimin meant what he asked, or if he cared if Jungkook had meals, but his naive mind perceived everything as of a sacred bond between the two which was not there yet, not at least from Jimin's end.

"I did and... My parents are gone." Jungkook fiddled with his fingers.

"Oh, so you want to meet me. Hm?" Jimin smirked from the other end of the phone and Jungkook pressed his lips in embarrassment while his heart threatened to jump out in excitement, "let's meet tomorrow. What do you say?"

Chapter Text

Jungkook rang the bell at his granny's house when he returned from school in the evening. Niz chimed and ran to answer the door as she knew it was Jungkook's time to come back home.

Just as the door opened, they hugged each other. "How have you been, son? It seems like I have seen you so long ago and you have already grown more." She kissed Jungkook's head and the boy closed the door behind them to walk inside.

"Are you a little insecure that I will cross your height?" Jungkook asked and Niz chuckled again.

"You still have few years to grow until your height will stop increasing further. I am certainly afraid." They got to the living room and Jungkook sniffed deeply, closing his eyes.

"Is it beef I am smelling?" He asked just as he opened his eyes wide and Niz nodded. They both squealed right after and Jungkook's grandparents slowly walked into the room. He quickly ran to them and hugged them simultaneously.

"Granny, Grandpa! I have missed you two so much." He placed the kisses on their cheeks and the old couple chuckled.

"You should come to visit us often. We miss you so much." Grandpa beamed and Jungkook held their hands to walk them to the couch.

"Shay seems so busy now that she does not check up on us often, but I expect my grandkids to replace her." Jungkook's grandma added on to what her husband said.

"I promise I will come often once my exams are done. But you have to tell mom that you love me and Momo more than her." Jungkook pouted and the grandma softly stroked her soft and frail hand all over Jungkook's face. Niz kept fondly looking at them from the corner of the room. She was not married and had no kids of her own but having Jungkook and Momo always made her feel that she did not need her own kids.

They all settled in and talked a lot about school, studies, friends, events, and much more. They all looked like how a happy family should be. Ironically, Jungkook never felt this free at his own house because of his mother. He always wondered how Shay and Niz were so different, even though they both grew up in the same house and got their life lessons from the same parents. Nevertheless, he was not willing to spoil his mood now.

At last, Jungkook was in his comfortable bed under a soft quilt which his aunt had handmade for him. He looked at his phone. There was no text so he left one to Jimin before he was lost in slumber.

I am excited about tomorrow.

He then closed his eyes and thought over his plan again. He would tell his bus driver that he has forgotten something at home and get down from the bus at Jerry's stop to bring it back. The bus would go inside the street to pick other students and meanwhile, Jimin would come to pick him up. He would get into Jimin's car and no one would find out. They would be on their way to school before anyone knew it.

He only prayed that Jimin would arrive on time because if he would not, there was a chance that Jungkook might encounter Taehyung alone on the dark and cold winter morning. The thought made his soul shudder in fear.

**

The much-awaited morning arrived and when Jungkook came out of his room after getting ready, the breakfast was ready along with his packed lunch.

"Good morning, Aunty!" He beamed.

"Good morning, Kookie. Did you sleep well? Were there mosquitoes?" She asked in concern.

"How can there be mosquitoes when you put the mosquito net around me and the repellent was on for the entire night." Jungkook chuckled.

"I packed you a lunch. Don't stay hungry. I also added snacks for pre-lunch. Eat well, okay?" She walked up to Jungkook and combed his hair with her fingers.

Jungkook smiled. "You did not have to, but thank you so much. I will eat well." He thanked her efforts for getting up so early in the morning to make food for him.

He had his breakfast quickly.

Niz walked Jungkook to the door despite him telling her to not come out in the cold but Niz never listened to Jungkook when it came to things like these. Jungkook got into his usual uncle Muk's cab and looked back when it started moving. Niz was still standing by the door until they turned from the street and he could not see her anymore.

He checked his phone and there was one notification popping up. His heart felt tingly every time he found any notification from Jimin on his phone. He did not delay opening it and sighed in relief when he read the confirmation. Today was the day when Jungkook would see Jimin up close.

As planned, Jungkook first checked around if there was any trace of Taehyung or his friends. He was thankful to the almighty when he did not find any other car spying on him.

His school bus arrived and Uncle Muk went back home from there, the second obstacle was gone. Now he waited for Jerry's stop to arrive.

Jerry got on the bus as his stop arrived and from there, the bus had to get inside the small street to pick up little kids when he suddenly walked to the driver. "Uncle, I forgot something at home. Can you please get me off here? I will go to school by myself." He requested and the driver opened the door for him.

Jungkook got off and shivered as the cold air hit him even though he was covered under layers of coat and sweater vest. He quickly walked up to the corner of the road and looked around. In the next jiffy, the bus disappeared, and all his obstacles were gone. All he needed to do now was to get into Jimin's car but the problem was, there was no car in his sight as far as he could see through the fog.

Suddenly a figure appeared from behind and Jungkook flinched. "It's me, Jimin." The boy quickly told Jungkook so he would not get scared. Jimin was inside the black helmet but Jungkook recognized his voice. In reality, the voice was more honeyed than what he heard over the phone. Jungkook then realized that Jimin was wearing his black boots with black tight pants, effectuating his thigh muscles and on top was a black leather biker's jacket.

"Come!" Jimin led the boy to the sports bike and Jungkook hesitated to get on it. He assumed that they would go in the car, but the bike was not convincing him. What if somebody saw them together? There was not even an extra helmet.

Jimin straddled the bike and looked behind. "Quick, sit..." He said coldly and Jungkook did not feel great. Nevertheless, he sat behind Jimin because his school bus would come back to the same highway again and he did not want to be seen by the students. He wanted to either reach school before the school bus or after. He had to avoid getting caught by the bus at all costs.

Jungkook sat behind Jimin without making a noise. "Hold me, okay?" Jimin's muffled voice came from inside the helmet. Jungkook nodded and he clutched Jimin's cold leather in his hands. He was not wearing gloves and he was sure that his hands were going to freeze over.

With the sound that emerged from the bike, they both rocked forward as the bike picked speed. Jimin rode fast and the cold wind made Jungkook tear up. It was just the beginning of the journey and his skin had already turned beetroot red and he could not breathe at one point. The frozen skin was so cold that it hurt. He could not say anything about the situation he was in.

Not more than a few minutes later, Jungkook leaned in and tried to block the air by hiding behind Jimin's back. Albeit it did work to some extent, Jungkook still was freezing. Jimin had to ride fast if he did not want to catch up with the school bus which was right behind them.

Chapter Text

Once the older male assumed that he had covered a considerable amount of distance, he lowered the speed and looked at Jungkook breathing cold vapors through the rear-view mirror.

He pressed the brakes and the bike came to halt after slowing down. Jungkook was shivering as Jimin got down. He followed the older male right after. He was not able to look Jimin in the eye and Jimin felt uneasy to look at Jungkook like that.

"Are you cold?" He asked and Jungkook sniffled before looking up with teary eyes and nodded. He was not crying but he got a runny nose because of the cold.

Jimin looked around. All he could see was garden fields and few villagers carrying haystacks. "Stay here." Jimin quickly rushed inside the field and Jungkook stood in the middle of the road with a bike parked right behind him.

Jimin took at least a few minutes to come back and Jungkook worried now as he stood alone. The skepticism registered itself into his mind as the thought took birth, "what if it really was Jimin and Taehyung's plan all along? Will he get kidnapped now and raped and killed later for the birds to feed on him?" 

He got so scared that he forgot that the school bus was making its way towards him. It was the moment when the bus started zooming in into his sight that he saw Jimin coming back. Jimin also spotted the bus which was not very far from where they were standing.

"Jungkook? Come here, quick." Jimin called the boy and Jungkook turned his face around so that no one would be able to recognize him from inside the bus. Jungkook hopped from the hard concrete road to the soil of the field. Jimin took the school bag from Jungkook's hands and then took off his leather gloves before holding Jungkook's hand.

The younger felt a little warmth from Jimin's hands which wrapped tightly around his fingers and he entered inside the dense field without question. He sighed in relief when he saw few villagers sitting around a bonfire. They made space for Jungkook and Jimin and they both joined them on the ground. It was now Jungkook realized that how vigorously he was shivering from cold.

Jimin took off his helmet and Jungkook looked at his porcelain skin beaming under the dull sun rays. His heart felt like it stopped for a moment. He got lost in those brown eyes that were at him. Jimin took off his jacket and put it around Jungkook's shoulders.

"I am sorry." He uttered but Jungkook was mesmerized by his beauty that he could not listen.

Jimin held Jungkook's hand between his and rubbed them sharply. "Jungkook, you are okay, alright? You will be okay." He kept muttering under his breath and Jungkook nodded faintly.

The soft contact of their hands made Jungkook blissful and he could not help but think how it would feel to have his first kiss against the plump and soft pink lips.

Jimin who was cold up until now, turned warm all of the sudden. Jungkook could see the worry in his eyes for him. "I am okay." He said slowly and Jimin's gaze now travelled up to see Jungkook looking at him with the big puppy doe eyes.

Jimin's eyes fluttered along with his heart. It was at this moment that Jimin fell for Jungkook irrevocably. Up until this point, Jungkook was just a prized possession for Jimin but now he realized what had just happened.

He suddenly retreated his hands from Jungkook's and kept looking at him silently. Jungkook shyly moved his gaze to the flames which were burning and noticed that all the villagers were looking at the duo. He touched his nose being all flustered but Jimin's gaze never left him.

Soon, Jimin made Jungkook walk back to the road, the sun was now up and Jungkook was definitely late for school. The cold was subsiding gradually. Jungkook waited for Jimin to get on the bike but he did not. Rather, he kept staring at him and the younger squirmed. 

"You are not talking to me. You say so much on the texts and when I am here, you are stealing your gaze away from me." Jimin complained and smiled provocatively which could make anyone on the planet blush and Jungkook was no different.

"I am just a little shy." Jungkook replied looking at his hands and Jimin stepped forward to hold Jungkook's hands. The warmth tingled and began to spread inside Jungkook's mind and body at the touch and he looked up to see Jimin looking at him like he was the most precious thing for him.

"Let's go. Don't want you to be late." Jimin slowly pulled the boy close and Jungkook assumed that he would get a hug but he did not. Jimin handed him his bag and dug out his gloves from the pants pocket. They resumed the ride and soon reached the school. Jimin stopped his bike a little farther from the gate and Jungkook got off slowly. 

"Thank you for dropping me." He mumbled and Jimin just laughed. 

"I wanted to see you. Though I apologize that it was cold and I decided to pick you up on the bike." Jimin smiled warmly at Jungkook and the boy did not have anything to complain about. He was happy to have met and to have known how Jimin smelled.

"Bye..." Jungkook's steps took him away and Jimin kept sitting there. Once Jungkook got inside the school gate safely, Jimin sighed in disbelief. 

"You are something else Jeon Jungkook. I like that." Jimin mumbled and fixed his helmet before riding back.

**

"Where were you?" Jerry asked Jungkook as latter sat beside him but the teacher turned and glared at them from the blackboard. 

"I will tell you later." Jungkook whispered and they resumed class. What they did not know was someone already saw Jungkook standing on the road with Jimin. The same someone who had helped leak his personal information to Taehyung. 

Jerry and Jungkook walked out after the class was over and the boy decided to hide it all from his best friend. "I forgot my test sheet at home. I had to go back." He told Jerry who nodded. They studied, played around, and even ate deliciously. Aunt Niz's cooking was highly appreciated. 

The day grew and so did Jungkook's cold. He felt sick by the end of the day, exhausted to the point that he could not keep his eyes open during the lectures. He started getting Taehyung's calls like crazy and he was not in a condition to deal with it. 

The day thankfully ended and he got on the school bus. Jerry saw Jungkook snoozing off so he let the boy sleep.

Jungkook opened his eyes when the bus helper shook him lightly. "Your stop is here."

He quickly got up collecting his bag and got down. By then, he had a high fever as cold feom morning caught up to him. He did not look at the cars waiting for his arrival and straight away got into Uncle Muk's cab.

The man was driving back home and that's when he noticed the familiar cars following him. He sighed and closed his eyes. He now assumed after Jimin's words that no one would harm him physically and that Taehyung and his friends were actually trying to scare him and pressurise him into leaving Jimin.

He reached home and as he thought, the cars skewed back to be on their way. He chuckled airily and rang the doorbell. 

Niz came to open the door but when she saw Jungkook, she could not help but exclaim, "Oh my God! You look terrible."

Chapter Text

Jungkook ignored the remark and walked inside the house holding his own waist. "How did you get sick, Gguk?" Niz held him and walked with him to the living room. 

"I think I caught a cold." Jungkook sniffled.

"Go and change, I will make hot soup for you." Niz quickly went to the kitchen and started to boil vegetables while Jungkook went to his room. 

The boy slowly took off his coat after sitting on bed and bend to untie his shoelaces but his body ached. He moaned slowly in pain but successfully changed into house clothes. The warmth of the house made him feel better. He slowly walked to the washroom to wash up his hands and face before coming back to bed and falling on it.

Niz brought the soup for him in the room and saw Jungkook already under the blanket. "Jungkook?" She called the boy and he got up. "Let me get the doctor for you, okay?" She knew Jungkook hated taking medicines and he would only deny it.

"Aunty, no. I need to rest and I will be okay. I will take steam later." Niz nodded and left him alone to rest. Jungkook fell asleep not soon after.

Niz came to bring the empty bowl of soup back after some time and saw the boy snoring softly. She covered him fully and walked out of the room. 

Jungkook did not know for how long he slept but when he woke up to his phone's sound, it was already dark. He picked up Jimin's call. 

"Jungkook, baby... Where were you? I have been worried sick." Jimin's concern filled voice stated just as Jungkook answered.

"I got fever." Jungkook pouted and suddenly his eyes threatened to tear up. He wanted Jimin to be with him right now so he could get hugged by the older. He missed Jimin. 

"Oh, my baby... Did you catch a cold?" Jimin asked and already got up to get his jacket.

"Yes..." Jungkook's lips wobbled and he began to cry softly. 

"I am so sorry baby. It's all because of me. I was stupid to bring the motorbike. I should have come in the car. I just, I just wanted to see if you trusted me enough to get on the bike with me and you are suffering now. I am extremely sorry. I am coming to see you." Jimin claimed and Jungkook's eyes blew wide. 

"No, please don't come. It's already dark outside and I won't be able to go out now." Jungkook requested and Jimin pranced in front of his house as he got out. 

"Did you at least take the medicine?" 

"No, I don't like medicines," Jungkook replied. "I will not eat the bitter pills."

"Baby! I know I was stupid and you are suffering because of me. I can't see that now. I am going to the doctor and I will get medicine for you, alright? You have to take it for me. Will you do it for me? Please..."

Jungkook did not realize that before today, Jimin never spoke so softly and affectionately with him. The boy was in his own pain. He wiped his tears and hummed. 

"Okay. I will..." Jungkook's beautiful soul, foolish heart and his innocent mind were inclined towards Jimin so much that he could do anything for him already. 

"That's my good baby. I will be there in 20."

"But... How will I take it from you?" He asked innocently.

"I will leave the packet outside your gate. Just come and grab it after I leave." Jimin suggested.

"Do you know the address for my Granny's place?"

Jimin chuckled. 

"You will send that to me, baby."

Jungkook now smiled through his tears and soon disconnected the call.

The idea of Jimin taking care of him already made Jungkook feel better. He could not hide his bright smile but it diminished when he got another call from an unknown caller. Jungkook picked it up hesitantly.

"Hello?"

"Jungkook, how are you?" The gentle voice spoke. 

"I am - I am good. May I know who is speaking?" He asked. 

"I am Taehyung's friend and I want to have a word with you if this is the right time to talk." The man spoke softly.

"Why are you and him after me? I told him so many times that I am not interested. Why can't he just leave me alone?" Jungkook said annoyingly.

"I completely understand you, Jungkook. In fact, I myself do not encourage his behavior but I also know that you are in contact with Jimin. Let me tell you, I am Jimin's friend as well. So I know both of these boys and I do not want you to be in any sort of trouble. It's okay if you do not want anything to do with Taehyung but you should distance yourself from Jimin."

"I will do whatever I want, okay? If you are a friend of Jimin then why are you against his happiness? If he is happy with me and I am happy with him, who are you to intervene? Why can't you just let us be?"

"I know... Trust me this is the conflict of interest for me to choose but I have to warn you because you are innocent between them. You see a perfect paradise in Jimin but he is such a good liar, Jungkook. You should know before it's too late for you." The man spoke with the same calmness.

"Thank you. I appreciate your concern, but please do not call me again." Jungkook angrily disconnected the call and noted down the number to send it to Jimin later.

Jungkook sat, thinking about the call when he received a text from Jimin.

Come out and get the medicine. I have put it on top of the house number plate. 

Jungkook stormed out after getting his jacket and Niz stopped him. "Where are you going?"

"I need a little walk, just walking until the gate."

"Don't go out, it's cold." 

"I won't..." Jungkook rushed ahead and his heart was drumming against his rib cage. He opened the door and looked around. He was not sure if Jimin went back but the man was gone. He quickly looked where Jimin asked him to and found a small brown paper bag. His lips stretched into a smile as he quickly picked that bag and stuffed it inside his jacket's pocket to walk back inside the house. 

Niz looked at him coming back with a goofy smile. "You seem better." 

"I am... Much better." He let his weight down on the couch freely and hummed a song. Niz shook her head.

"Unnie called, she was asking about you." 

"I hope you did not tell her that I was sick. She will come running back to take care of me." Jungkook said blankly and Niz smiled.

"I told her you were studying," She walked up to him and handed him a thermometer. "Here, check your fever. If you aren't well then no excuses. We are going to the doctor." She warned and Jungkook grinned.

He already had the best medicine to cure him.

He did put the thermometer in his mouth to see that he still had a high fever but he slyly walked into his room and put it in the water to lower the temperature before coming out with the thermometer in his mouth. He handed it to Niz and she sighed in relief. 

"Thank God! It has gotten down," She muttered loudly as she peered at the mercury level and then turned to Jungkook. "Are you hungry?"

"Always, let's eat."

Chapter Text

Jungkook woke up feeling better but the cold was now into the next stage. A stage where your nose doesn't water like leaking plumbing but you are congested and your throat is sore. Jungkook again walked out of his room and saw Niz with her usual smile and ready lunch.

"Why do you do this, aunty? I am sure you don't wake up this early every day. You don't have to do this. I can buy my lunch from the school cafeteria." Jungkook stated as he felt bad for the trouble he caused.

"Come on! Kook, you know I consider you as my own son, and doing these things are nothing big. I wish I could do it more often but you hardly come to stay." Niz complained and there was a sorrow in her words.

"You know mom doesn't like it for me to stay here. But, I am a grown-up now and after High School, I will be an adult. I can officially do what I want. Or I hope so." Jungkook simpered but he was afraid. For him, his only hope was leaving home and get into college, but he still had to convince his mother which was as difficult as fighting with dragon's fire with nothing in his hands but a stick.

"Don't worry about college, okay? Your grandparents and I will also talk to unnie. She has to let you go someday. I hope she will allow you to go to your dream school." Niz completely understood what Jungkook meant by his dejected 'I hope so.'

Jungkook smiled and after having breakfast, he left for school. 

**

Jimin woke up in his bed and immediately let his hands scramble through the items on his nightstand and held the phone. He knew Jungkook was at the grandparent's house so he could talk freely over phone. He immediately called him. 

"Hello?" A sweet voice answered. 

"Hey, baby..." Jimin replied in a raspy voice. "How are you?"

"I am better. On my way to school." Jungkook replied and Jimin squinted his eyes.

"You should be resting, Jungkook. I do not want to see you falling sicker. Why are you going to school?" 

"I am better, Jimin. Thanks for the medicine," Jungkook giggled but he felt that Jimin was extremely serious about it and not in the mood of cracking jokes. Jimin did not want Jungkook to go to school. "Jimin, you there?"

"Mmhmm.."

"Wait, are you mad at me now that I am going to school?"

Jimin sighed. As much as he felt mad, his heart just did not want Jungkook to worry about one more thing."I am not. Do take good care of yourself. Eat on time. I will get you some homely and healthy food by lunch."

"Oh, no... No, I mean my aunty made me food. Don't worry about it." 

"Your aunty seems nice."

"She really is. She is the best. I am very close to her."

"So she would not mind if I go to her and ask her to allow me to date you. Would she?" Jimin asked coyly.

"I don't know about that," Jungkook laughed. "I have not told her about this and I don't expect her to be supportive of this thing."

"What is this thing, Jungkook?" Jimin teased and he assumed how red the boy must have turned by now. For Jungkook, it was the first time in life to experience infatuation or the feeling of fondness towards someone. He was way past infatuation, even though he did not know the difference or the fine line between infatuation or love in the first place. And that's what made it so special in the innocent younger's heart.

"Let me ask you this, will you consider me your boyfriend from this morning on?"

"Yes..." Jungkook immediately replied as he smiled at the car window. 

"You made me the happiest I have been in decades." Jimin responded calmly and this made Jungkook giggle.

"Decades? You are 20 years old, Jimin. How can you be not happy as a kid? And if you were, you cannot say it in the plural as in decades with an S."

Jimin did not smile as he thought about the day 15 years ago. He particularly did not like thinking about it but Jungkook's words made him go back and look into it again. He rolled his hair up and sat on the bed. "Can I take you on a date?" 

"Um...Date? Like what would we d-do?" Jungkook asked nervously.

"Nothing out of ordinary. We will eat and perhaps go watch a movie later. If you can't, I understand." Jimin sighed. 

"No, I would love to... But what will I say to my parents?" The question was rather to himself but Jimin answered anyway.

"Your parents are not here until the weekend. You should be able to get permission from your aunty you speak so fondly of." 

"I will ask her tonight, but no promises. She is also scared of my mom and she might end up saying no. I will try." Jungkook replied hesitantly.

"What do you want to do after your school, Jungkook? Do you have plans to stay here or do you want to move out? I can help you in everything, so don't worry about the future as of now." Jimin switched the topic.

"I want to study at Seoul Arts University. I have been asking my mother to let me go there alone but she said that she will not leave me alone and move to Seoul with me. My dad can take transfer, so it is easy for our family to move anywhere."

"I can stop that transfer if you want. I know where your father works and the CEO is our family friend." 

"Wait, you can do that?" Jungkook asked flabbergasted. Jimin sensed Jungkook's sadness and so he was willing to make it right for him.

"Only if you want to. I won't go against your word, ever." Jimin assured. 

The boy had reached the bus stop so he got off the cab while still holding his phone to his ear and talked to Jimin. 

"If I move to Seoul, will you come to visit me?" Jungkook asked innocently. 

"I will go to the moon with you, Jungkook." Jimin chuckled and Jungkook assumed that he did not mean it but in reality, Jimin had a strong realization of his feelings for Jungkook just yesterday and he was actually willing to win Jungkook and steal him away from everyone. 

Jungkook noticed a car at his bus stop and he was able to tell by now if the car was from Taehyung or his friends. "Jimin, there is someone at my stop," The boy told his new lover and Jimin clutched his bedsheets in anger. "And I forgot to tell you about a call I got yesterday."

Jungkook went on to tell Jimin everything the person told him yesterday.

"I think now that the cat is out of the bag, I might as well go and say hello to my friends," Jimin hissed with his eyes like a dagger and stern face. "I assure you, you will not see any car after this." Jimin said with dedication.

"Jimin, I have to go now. I will call you back in few minutes if you want. My bus is here." 

"Don't worry about calling. Have a good rest of the day. Eat on time and ask your Aunt about a little time off. I will be waiting to hear from you about our date."

Jungkook disconnected the call before getting on the bus. He took a seat with Bush as they started to reach Jerry's place. Jungkook could not help but think when would he be able to do anything with his own will and without his parents circling around him like sharks.

He dreamed of a better life where he should be able to talk to anyone he wants at any point in time and be able to meet anyone he wants. Albeit he was on the edge of his school life, he still could not imagine himself being a free spirit as he always wanted to be. 

He now became more determined to study harder so he scored well and get into the university of his dream. Because his dream now not only consisted of becoming free from the bounds of restrictions of his family, it now had Jimin too. 

Chapter Text

Jungkook was circling around his aunt and Niz knew he had something to say. "Be out with it." She finally asked and Jungkook's wide big eyes looked at her.

"Aunty, can I go to Jerry's place tomorrow? I know it is Sunday and we promised to paint together but we can still do it when I come back, right?" Jungkook squinted his eyes to ready himself for the harsh rejection. 

"Honey, you know your mother video calls every day. What will I tell her if she asks?" Niz pointed out and Jungkook pouted as he let his body weight fall down on the sofa. 

Niz sat with him and put her hand on Jungkook's shoulders. "But we can lie..." 

Jungkook's eyes suddenly shone and he grinned ear to ear. "Really?" He asked in disbelief. 

"Sure, what are cool aunts for? This is the least I can do for my favorite nephew." They both then yelled like kids and Jungkook's grandmother woke up on hearing the commotion. She slowly walked out of her room to see her two kids hugging it out and she smiled before walking back inside. 

"I will let Ji- Jerry know." Jungkook excitedly got up and walked into his room to call Jimin. Niz did not think much and she assumed that Jungkook really had to go to Jerry and there wasn't anything wrong with it. Only if she knew that Jungkook was going to meet a stranger, she would have stopped Jungkook or at least talked to an innocent boy. 

**

Jungkook got ready in a brown shirt and black pants the next morning. He wore his favorite shoes and applied just a little bit of moisturizer on his face which gave his skin shine. His skin was glowy anyway and he did not need any make-up. Simplicity was his forte and that is why many people were crazy about Jungkook. He was the most innocent and pure being, helpful and kind. 

"You look... Like a big boy," Niz commented as he walked out of his room with a pullover in his hands. "You are not only wearing that." Niz pointed at a woolen sweater.

"It is warm today, aunty. And I am already wearing a turtle neck inside." Jungkook protested and Niz sighed. 

"Come back before dark, it gets colder after sunset." She worriedly said and fixed Jungkook's collar and smelled talcum powder, the same that he has been using since he was a baby.

Niz smiled and her mind took a quick detour of the last 17 years in a few jiffies. How Jungkook was born and how he was the cutest thing ever. 2 years before Jungkook, his bigger sister was born but she, unfortunately, passed away when she was only 2. 

When Jungkook was born, the family could not be more blessed. They were scared and they took care of him like anything could happen to him at any time since the family had already lost a kid. Sometimes, Jungkook also thought that maybe his parents were overly possessive with him for the same reason. 

Jungkook waved Niz goodbye and walked out of the house. She stood by the door and kept watching him until she could see and then the boy took a turn for the main road. Niz walked back inside the house then. Just as Jungkook stood on the main road highway at the side, a clean and shining white car pulled up in front of him.

Under a bright sun, Jungkook could see his reflection on the glass windows. He slowly took a step towards the front seat but suddenly Jimin came out from the back passenger seat. Jungkook stopped and looked at him. He was just in a cotton yellow shirt with no layers at all, his neck was visible through the open buttons. A 16-in, very thin silver chain with a crescent moon pendant was dangling and it seemed so light that it could flutter in strong wind. 

Jimin wore white trousers and black heeled shoes along with it, his silky black hair bouncing voluminously as he stepped towards Jungkook. He opened the door for him. "Hi..." He said with a warm smile that put Jungkook in frenzy.

Jungkook smiled beautifully in reciprocation as he said hi back and caused Jimin to just stare. "You look adorable." The older commented and beckoned the younger inside. 

"Thank you." Jungkook could not say more because of his shyness and then saw Jimin close the door after he got in, and walked around to get in as well. The driver was available inside and Jungkook panicked at first thinking about the driver but he knew that if Jimin brought him, the man must be reliable. 

Jimin sat beside Jungkook and the younger looked away. "Uncle, we are ready." Jimin told the driver who nodded before igniting the engine. 

Jungkook looked outside the window and thought of the time when he first saw Jimin with Taehyung on this same highway. The older kept staring at Jungkook with love in his eyes and he knew that the boy was a lot shy. He slowly reached over to Jungkook and held his hand gently and the younger immediately looked up to see Jimin with his lips pressed together and big doe eyes. 

"Come closer," Jimin asked him affectionately and Jungkook slid towards Jimin instantly. The man wrapped his arm around Jungkook and the younger stopped breathing. "You need to breathe, doll." Jimin gently rubbed his palm over Jungkook's arm and slowly leaned in to kiss his cheek.

Jungkook whimpered meekly as the lips touched his skin and closed his eyes. Jimin gently put Jungkook's face on his shoulder and let the boy lean on him for the rest of the ride. "Did aunt say anything?" Jimin asked softly and Jungkook shook his head. 

"It was really calm and easy. She did not say anything and no one saw me getting in the car with you. It's all good."

Jimin lifted his other hand and rested it on Jungkook's face delicately. He let his thumb caress the soft cheek and Jungkook closed his eyes at that. "That's good. When are your exams starting, baby?"

"Next month. I will also stop going to school in few days." Jungkook looked up and caught Jimin's lips right across his own.

Jimin smiled. "How will I see you then?"

"I ... Don't know." Jungkook looked down with a sad face and Jimin pulled his face up again. 

"We will figure it out, okay? I don't want to see that face." He spoke softly. The way they both were talking slowly and softly was just putting them both in frenzy, along with the closeness.

Jimin could smell the baby fragrance of Jungkook's talcum powder while Jungkook could smell Jimin's mild yet manly cologne.
The only difference was that Jimin was confident while Jungkook was shy. It was the first relationship he was in and that too with a man. He did not know how to behave with his boyfriend. 

Jungkook nodded and Jimin retreated his hand to put it on his own thigh. "Aren't you going to ask where are we going?" Jimin looked outside and Jungkook softly spoke.

"Where?"

Jimin chuckled, "we are going to eat lunch. If you still want, we can watch a movie later." 

"I am not hungry, can we watch a movie first? If that's okay..." Jungkook suddenly looked down as if he asked for diamonds. 

"You don't have to ask me, love. You have to tell me what you desire and I will make that happen." Jimin cupped Jungkook's face as he said that. He fell for big eyes more and more. It was not every day that someone so pure and innocent like Jungkook was born, an angel to Jimin. His angel for whom he could do anything. 

Chapter Text

Jimin tuned the music as the car smoothly rolled over the road and Jungkook saw clouds hovering above them. He smiled softly at the perfect weather. Jungkook loved it when it was not cold or hot, neither rain nor bright sun was visible.

"Do you like rain, Jungkook?" Jimin asked as he noticed the younger's lips stretching.

"Not much but is not it perfect for our first date?" He chirped and then suddenly started blushing. Jimin tightened his grip around Jungkook and softly pressed a kiss on younger's head.

Jungkook's heart was turning into a puddle at soft kisses. "Our first date," Jimin repeated while smiling and averted his eyes to look outside, his hand still kept wrapping Jungkook.

"Aren't you cold, Jimin?" Jungkook asked and Jimin's neck slowly craned to find those eyes he fell for. He raised his hand and caressed Jungkook's left cheek while shaking his head.

"But it is getting colder, so... Here." Jimin turned and took out a windbreaker from his satchel bag. He began to put Jungkook's hands through the sleeves and the boy did not protest. He kept looking at everything Jimin did with his big eyes.

When Jimin wrapped the boy completely and made him wear the hooded cap attached to the windbreaker, he smiled being satisfied. "I am not cold." Said Jungkook and Jimin giggled.

"Still, wear it. You are not fully recovered from your cold yet."

Jungkook pouted a little looking at the zipper that Jimin has closed up to his neck and Jimin smiled silently at the baby.

The boy felt liberated today. He was doing something he wanted. Sure he was afraid of getting caught but he knew that his parents were not in town. He cleared his head and let that fear out for some time to fully live the present. There would be many moments in the future when he would look back to this day and smile.

With the same zeal, he started talking to Jimin. Slowly, he was overcoming his shyness. He was making eye contact with the older now only to realize how elegant he was.

Jungkook noticed Jimin's full pink lips and he again thought how it would feel to kiss? He noticed Jimin's eyes, his cheekbones, crisp jaw, and a small sharp nose. He took in Jimin's fragrance like there was no tomorrow. He admired the unconventional masculinity of the older.

At one point he got so lost in older's eyes that he did not mind the words that were coming out of his mouth. Jimin on the other hand noticed the curious eyes on him and he smiled. To him, Jungkook was the epitome of a pure innocence. He wanted to protect him from everything. He knew just a little about Jungkook but he wanted to know everything so he could make his life better.

The moment Jimin fell into Jungkook's eyes, he knew that those eyes will rule over his heart and soul for millions of years even after he died. In an hour and a half, they reached a place by the highway. Jimin got out and so did Jungkook. "Can I take it off?" Jungkook asked the man and saw Jimin coming towards his side.

Jimin did not say anything but helped to take off the windbreaker. He held it in his left hand and held Jungkook's palm with his right hand.

"Have some food and take rest, uncle. We will be out soon." Jimin turned to ask the driver and Jungkook kept standing there, looking between Jimin and the driver.

Jimin walked Jungkook inside the restaurant. It was royal with the decoration on the outside. The palace was huge and spacious. The driver took an outdoor seat and sat in the dim sunlight. Few waiters immediately rushed to the man to cater to him while Jimin and Jungkook kept walking to get an indoor seat.

The entire place was empty, silent, and huge. Jimin looked at Jungkook, "where do you want to sit?" He asked.

Jungkook looked towards his right and pointed at a big table that was sufficient for 12 people to sit together. Jimin started to walk with Jungkook to the seat he pointed at and a waiter rushed towards them. "Did you book the entire place?" Jungkook asked in bewilderment and the older only smiled and shook his head.

He let Jungkook sit first and then took his seat in front of him. The waiter stood there while the two young lovers settled. "Here's the menu for today. I will be your server. Please decide what you want to eat and call me whenever you are ready." The boy handed each of them a menu and walked away.

Jungkook kept looking at the menu and Jimin kept looking at Jungkook. "I can't decide." He pouted.

"You know what? I don't like this arrangement. Come sit near me." Jimin suddenly uttered and Jungkook looked up at him. He then got up and walked around to sit beside Jimin.

The older helped the boy choose. "Do you like seafood more or chicken?"

"I love everything." 

"Are you allergic to any food?" Jimin asked while his eyes kept adorning the boy leisurely and Jungkook shook his head.

"I love beef steak." Jungkook's eyes sparkled when he saw beef on the menu and Jimin smiled. The sparkle was giving Jimin's life a purpose. It was to always keep it locked in Jungkook's eyes.

He ordered for the shy younger who only relied on Jimin to place the order. Jimin saw that clouds were getting darker but he loved spending time with Jungkook so much that he did not mind. 

Jimin talked with Jungkook about everything he could in a short time. He talked about how the boy felt about his family, where did his family support him, and what were the grey areas? He grabbed a fair idea about Jungkook's life. He wanted to ask for few more things but he saved them for later. 

After they finished the main course, Jimin asked Jungkook what he wanted for dessert. "Ice cream." Jungkook beamed. 

Jimin placed another order and the strawberry ice cream arrived in a big silver bowl which was carved on the outside with delicate art. Jungkook took a spoonful and his eyes widened. "It's so good. Have it." He pointed at the second spoon that was resting in the bowl but Jimin had not touched it yet. 

"I don't like ice cream." Jimin smiled and Jungkook gasped. 

"Who doesn't like ice cream?" He asked, eyes wide in astonishment and Jimin could only smile at the adorable face. He caressed Jungkook's head with one hand and looked at him savoring the sweet treat. Jimin also knew now that Jungkook loved food more than many things and he was ready to take him out to eat for another million times. 

As Jungkook was busy savoring, Jimin took out a small sterling chain with a bunny charm dangling in it. He slowly unlocked it and reached over to Jungkook's neck. The young boy looked surprised. He stopped eating and unintentionally held onto Jimin's hands that were busy locking the chain in his neck. "Adorable." Jimin said looking at it.

Jungkook looked down and held the charm in his hands. His eyes then looked up at Jimin and the older sensed fear in them which he did not like, at all. "It is a small gift. Don't say you cannot accept it." Jimin warned the boy and Jungkook pressed his lips together, trying to figure out the words to say. 

"What would your mother say?" Jimin asked the obvious and Jungkook nodded. "Tell her you bought it off amazon. No big deal." Jimin assured him. 

"But, is it from amazon? It looks real." Jungkook asked and looked at the chain again.

"It is not. I want it on you, always." Jimin asserted his last word and Jungkook looked at him innocently. In his mind, he was already panicking. His mother would immediately recognize that the jewelry was not artificial but he nodded. 

Jungkook then blankly stared outside and Jimin looked at him. "Baby, your ice cream is melting." He told the boy and Jungkook's blank eyes drifted from nowhere to the ice cream again. 

The sparkle in his eyes was dying and Jimin could not see it go. He cupped Jungkook's face and made him look at him. "If you don't want to wear it at home, you can take it off. It's okay," He sighed. "But, you will wear it for once when you leave home after your school."

"My home will follow me." Jungkook replied and Jimin furrowed his brows. 

"What do you mean?"

"My mom will move with me to Seoul. She won't let me live alone so she asked dad to take the transfer." Jungkook replied with disappointment and looked down

"And you want to live alone. Right?" Jimin asked and Jungkook looked up at him to nod.

"You know, I have to move to Seoul too. I am taking over my dad's work once I turn 21. You can run away with me. I will take care of you." 

Chapter Text

"You know, I have to move to Seoul too. I am taking over my dad's work once I turn 21. You can run away with me. I will take care of you." 

Jungkook looked just at Jimin and gulped. "I... I..." He opened his mouth in anticipation that words will get out but they did not. He inhaled a breathe in and choked on air. Jimin was quick to comfort his back.

"Baby... It's alright. You don't have to do it or answer me right now." Jimin slowly hugged the boy and he breathed freely. He also teared up at that moment. Many questions arose in his mind but out of all, 'why' was the biggest one. Why haven't his parents supported him in anything? Why could not he be himself in his own house and why he had to hide his love from the world?

"Everything is okay, Love. I can stop that transfer if you ask me to. I will do anything for you. Just say the word." Jimin kept caressing Jungkook's back, unaware that the boy's tears were rolling down through his shirt.

Jungkook quickly wiped them before pulling away. His parents could not make him feel so secure in 17 years how Jimin did in 1 minute. If God asked the boy, he would wish for staying with Jimin and never going back home where he was not respected or his opinions didn't matter.

Suddenly, the driver came running inside with an umbrella and Jimin saw rain pouring outside. "I fucking hate rain." Jimin said through gritted teeth and Jungkook looked at him, perplexed.

"You hate ice cream and rain?" Jungkook asked and Jimin's frown flipped into a smile when he looked back at Jungkook.

"I will love everything when I am with you." Jimin assured Jungkook but it did not change the fact that he was hating it. Out of the blue, two females ran inside and Jimin looked at them.

One was recognized quickly by Jimin and he only wished that she would not look at them. But that was not the case. The lady saw the only people sitting inside the big restaurant hall because the other tables were empty. Her gaze was bound to disperse there. 

Jimin kept his gaze low in a hope that the lady will back down but she did not. "Jimin..." She came over and called. Jimin looked up and flashed a small smile to her.

"Hi... How are you?" 

"I am good, thank you. I have not seen you in ages. Are you doing good now?" She asked.

"I am... I would have loved to hang around and chat but I am running late so I will be off now." Jimin suddenly stood up and Jungkook followed.

"Oh!" The lady backed down and Jungkook said hi to her.

She extended her hand to the boy that Jungkook shook. "I am Sa-Rin." She introduced herself.

"I am Jungkook." The boy smiled and did not notice Jimin's face twitching. The older was quick to not let them continue the conversation as he dragged the boy to the outside.

"Uncle, get Jungkook in the car first. I will pay and come." He commanded and the driver held an umbrella over Jungkook to walk him towards the car. Jimin immediately walked back to the table and picked up the windbreaker and Jungkook's phone that he left behind. 

Sa-Rin kept looking at the duo with keen eyes but she understood that she was not welcomed, so she refrained from going after them again. Jimin cleared the bill and ran out while his driver returned with an umbrella for him.

Jungkook's arm got wet due to wind that skewed the direction of the water. "Uncle, turn up the heater." Jimin asked his driver who obeyed and just burned the ignition of the car without driving it. He has not gotten instruction on where to go next.

Jimin pulled Jungkook close and wrapped his arms around the boy. "Are you cold?"

Jungkook shook his head. "I am fine. The car is hot so this will dry up pretty quick."

"I am sorry, I did not know it would rain otherwise I would have planned something indoor."

"It's ok, Jimin. I am fine, really. And it is indoor, so don't worry." Jungkook assured but Jimin's mind was not conditioned to ignore anything just like that. Specially for the things his heart was hooked with.

Jimin of course ignored the comforting words and only cursed himself inwardly until Jungkook broke the silence that grew inside the vehicle. "We still are going to watch a movie. Right?" Jungkook only hoped Jimin would agree because he did not want to go back just yet. He did not even know when would they get to meet again.

His parents would be back and his school would be off in few days. He would have no way to see Jimin until his exams. The thought was already corroding the young heart so he wanted to live today to the fullest.

"If you want, we will." Jimin told the boy and the driver started the car. Jungkook happily leaned against Jimin again and did not notice the older's uneasy face, continuously twitching. They reached the movie theater in another 20 minutes. Jimin booked the tickets on the way and remained in the car because they still had few minutes before the movie started.

Jimin has now calmed a little bit. He kept his focus on Jungkook and his big round eyes. "Baby..." Jimin whispered that caused Jungkook to stop talking and focus on Jimin's lips. "I want to kiss you." 

Jungkook bit his upper lip all of the sudden and his lower lip automatically pouted while his eyes faltered here and there. 

"I won't do it unless you are ready." Jimin quickly held Jungkook's hand gently and gave it a small pat. Jungkook wanted to say he was ready but Jimin already was looking outside at the pouring rain. 

The shy young boy could not ask Jimin to kiss him now albeit he was dying to kiss the older too. His first kiss. "Ready?" Jimin turned to ask the boy and he nodded before closing his eyes but he felt a pull on his hand and the click of the car door opening. He facepalmed inwardly thinking Jimin was asking for a kiss again. 

Jimin held the umbrella for Jungkook and pulled him close. The man got wet himself but he covered his little boyfriend without fail. The driver took the umbrella back from them as they entered inside. 

The two walked into the theater and Jimin's driver ran back into the car and drove away. He had about one and half hours to himself so he decided to do the shopping for his family.

"Jimin, you are wet... And you are only wearing a shirt. You will fall sick. Take my pullover for now." Jungkook began to take off his sweater but Jimin's hand stopped him. 

"My baby wants to take care of me? I told you to let me take care of you. Didn't I?" Jimin spoke while they walked to the first floor, rendering the young boy speechless. 

Jimin sometimes asserted too much dominance. What if Jungkook wanted to take care of Jimin as he did? Being inexperienced someone, Jungkook did not say anything but he felt alarmed. Nevertheless, he was sure that things would change with them in the future and Jimin will tame down a little bit. 

The man was leading Jungkook onto the dark stairs of the theater, finding their seats on the top row while the boy was still deep in thoughts but his trance broke when he thought he saw a glimpse of his Jin Hyung sitting in one row below. 

He tightened his grip on Jimin's hand which the older realized but assumed that Jungkook must be afraid of the dark. He kept walking and finally settled on the big comfy gold seats. 

"Are you okay?" He asked Jungkook and the boy shook his head. "Jungkook... Baby, look at me." Jungkook did and Jimin observed he was panicking. 

"What is wrong? Do you want to leave? We can leave. Tell me what is wrong?"

"I- I think there is someone I know here, sitting over there." he pointed his hand and Jimin traced his finger. It was extremely difficult for him to see anything due to the dark.

"Calm down, Jungkook. He cannot see us when we cannot see him, let me call uncle back and we will leave, okay?" He asked the teenager who shook his head.

"No, it's okay. I might have misunderstood. He should be at work right now. I don't know what am I thinking. Why would he come so far to watch movies anyway?"

Chapter Text

Jungkook and Jimin watched the movie. They did not go out even in the interval break and Jimin hid the boy successfully by reclining his chair all the way down. When the movie was finished which Jungkook was able to enjoy, Jimin held the younger's hand and led him out.

As they were rushing inside, Jimin collided with a girl. He turned to her angrily and Jungkook immediately stopped him. Jimin cooled down when he saw that it was a girl but in the process, Jungkook's face was shown to someone he was trying to hide from. There was still a safe distance between where Jungkook stood by the exit gate and where Jin stood by the ticket counter at the entry gate. 

"It is Jin Hyung," Jungkook spoke in fear and Jimin turned to look at who was scaring his Jungkook.  He ignored engaging with Jin as of now and pushed Jungkook inside the car who had become a mannequin. Just as their car moved, Jungkook had a nervous breakdown. "Jimin, he... He saw us." Jungkook stuttered. 

"As far as you told me about him, I don't think he will say anything to your mother. If he does, he will have to answer me." Jimin tried to comfort Jungkook but it was more difficult than how the older imagined. In the end, Jimin just had to pull Jungkook into his lap and hugged him close. They travelled back to Busan. Jimin intentionally brought Jungkook out of the city. He could not risk the boy getting seen by any of his family or friends but he still failed. The boy was now silent.

As they reached Jungkook's aunt's house, Jimin adjusted Jungkook's collar. "I had fun today. I will not forget this ever. I hope we get to do this again, soon."

Jungkook smiled and Jimin could see it was not the best smile the boy could utter. "I want that too. Thank you so much for today. This was my first date ever." 

"I will take you out on many dates. Take care of yourself and don't get caught." Jimin took the liberty to joke a little bit that made Jungkook chuckle. He then kissed Jungkook's forehead before opening the door for him. 

Jungkook quickly got out and made a beeline towards his home which was few meters down the street, straight ahead. Jimin's car remained on the road and the owner of the car saw the boy going slowly. His eyes kept doted on the figure which became distant by each minute. When Jungkook reached his door, he rang the doorbell and turned back. He could still see the resting car. His heart fluttered and then the door was opened by Niz. 

Jungkook got inside and turned around to shut the door. He then spotted the car that began to move. He happily closed the door but his smile died when he heard the next words from his aunty. "Unnie is coming back."

"When?" He asked, all happiness suddenly started leaving his body.

"Tonight. They were able to solve the dispute early." Niz told Jungkook and walked inside the house. 

The house was really big. After the entry gate, there was a long and wide gallery that opened into a courtyard. On the other end of the courtyard was a living room. There were 3 bedrooms behind it and one was adjacent to the living room on the left side where Jungkook stayed. The kitchen was on the opposite adjacent end, on the right. 

Niz sat on the couch and so did Jungkook. "How is Jerry?" She asked and Jungkook looked at her, all perplexed.

"Oh, he is well. We had so much fun together." Jungkook told his Aunt and sighed right after. 

"I am glad you had fun. Are you tired? You can take a nap if you want." Niz told the boy and got up to take out a chocolate bar for Jungkook from the drawer nearby.

"Let's paint now. I am not sleepy. I will go change and then we will have a blast..." Jungkook smiled brightly taking chocolate. He went to his room and looked at the gift he had gotten from Jimin. Momentarily, he forgot about the return of his mother and smiled brightly at the locket before taking it out. 

**

Jimin got inside the house and walked straight towards his room. He kept clutching the windbreaker to his chest, smelling the talcum powder from it. 

"Jimin? Is that you?" His mother called from the living room.

"I will be busy, mother." Jimin replied briefly and shut his room door behind him.

He kept the jacket on his bed and quickly changed his clothes before coming back to it. He turned off all the lights and as usual, the only light in the room was coming from fish. He laid down and hugged the jacket, all set to replay the thoughts in his mind. 

He closed his eyes and let the younger's smile into his mind, the sweet lips just delicately curving up, the innocent eyes twinkling, the subtle shyness, and the strong will to make the best of the situation. He recollected the words of Jungkook saying that he likes Jimin and he thinks about him during the day and night.

Jimin's heart ached when he remembered the difficulties and insecurities that Jungkook shared with him. He didn't know how difficult was it going to get for him because of his strict parents. More than himself, he worried about Jungkook now. He knew how precious the boy was and he deserved the world. Jimin would be the one to bring the world to him.

He still had to deal with Taehyung and his mutual friends. He needed to protect Jungkook from them. He knew what Taehyung was capable of. The only thing that Jimin thought was stopping Taehyung was the last shred of humanity and the last sliver of hope to reconcile their friendship. Once Taehyung knew that he was gone irreversibly into a relationship with Jungkook, he would not hesitate to put up a fight.

Amidst all this chaos, the innocent boy was suffering. The only simpler solution to Jimin was to take Jungkook away and keep him close, always. That way, he would protect the boy not only from his friends but also from Jungkook's parents. 

No matter how easy it seemed for Jimin to do it, he knew it was not easy at all for little Jungkook. The boy had just started a relationship and Jimin would not blame him if Jungkook did not trust him entirely, though that was not the case. Jungkook was so innocent that he did not think twice before giving his all to Jimin. Jungkook did not even think that Jimin could harm him in any way. 

As Jimin tossed on his bed, he was determined to fight on behalf of Jungkook. He vowed to bring happiness to the little one's life. He vowed to clear paths for him. He vowed to protect him at all costs and most importantly, he vowed to be patient with him and understand him. 

**

Jungkook and Niz kept their drawing and painting workshop going for hours and they did not realize until the doorbell was heard. Jungkook looked at the time and it was already past 12. "It must be mom." He told Niz who patted the boy's head and got up. 

Jungkook followed right behind her. As expected, Shay, Mr. Jeon, and Momo were found at the door. "Why did not you sleep, honey?" Shay asked all of the sudden and Jungkook shrugged. Momo jumped on Niz and they started talking about the journey.

"That's good then. We thought we had to stay the night because I thought you must be asleep so we did not want to disturb you, but we can go back home since you are already awake, go get your bags." She told Jungkook who groaned but he had no option other than to obey.

Niz's smile faded when she saw Jungkook going inside the house. She also thought everyone would stay the night. "Unnie, stay." She pouted but Shay only chuckled.

"No, Niz. Your Brother-in-law has some urgent meeting. He was planning to leave early in the morning tomorrow but it's good that we would not have to rush now. I will come and bring the kids on some weekend." 

By then, Jungkook came back with his bags and left his smile behind. "Bye aunty..." He hugged Niz who hugged him tightly. She knew how much Jungkook loved staying here but at the end of the day, she was a mother-like figure and not Jungkook's actual mother. She had no right on the kid. 

With a heavy heart, she waved goodbye to the 4 of them and closed the door to an empty house. Moments like these made her regret opting to stay single in her otherwise happy life. She walked back into the house slowly and heard her father's voice.

"Dad, did you need something?" She asked. 

"No, I heard Shay's voice. Did she come?" Father asked with a hopeful smile.

"Oh, she... Went back." Niz replied.

"So early... Why did not she stay? Did Jungkook also go back with her?" The grandfather asked with sadness and Niz nodded. 

The old man looked down in disappointment and sighed before walking back into his room.

Chapter Text

Jungkook woke up and he felt drained of all energy. He wondered if being a vampire's victim also felt the same? The topic was debatable, at least he was not dead, yet. There was a silver lining that he could leave the house for few hours. Holding onto that line, he got up quickly.

Like any ordinary day, he had hidden his phone in his bag while he showered. The weather was now mellowing down. It was not that cold anymore, the skies were clear with no morning thick fog. In a month's time, summer would approach. 

Jungkook left home after eating his breakfast and getting ready. He did not speak much with his sister who was also going to school with him today after a week.

Time passed and Jungkook found himself checking his phone. He missed Jimin and his date. Could life be happy like yesterday? He found it hard to believe. To a 17-year-old student, it would be no less than magic if he got everything he dreamed of. 

There was no text from Jimin or any call. It disappointed him to see his phone without notification but he also understood why Jimin didn't bother him much. He cared about Jungkook and did not want him to get in trouble. 

During a lunch break, Jungkook got out of his class and saw people's eyes on him. His juniors or seniors, all looked at him weirdly. What was happening? Was it his insecurity or was there something really happening? As he could not cope with the judgemental eyes and whispers, he ran back to his class to Jerry.

"Hey Jerry, will you come with me for a walk?" He asked and Jerry nodded as he filled his mouth with the last bite of the sandwich. He walked right out and Bush followed them. The other two friends also noticed that everyone was looking their way. 

"Are they fucking staring at us?" Jerry keened his eyes at everyone and scoffed. 

"I think so." Bush said, observing people not prying their eyes away. 

"I think it is me." Jungkook said slowly and the two boys cocked their heads towards him. Before Jungkook could say anything, he heard Momo's voice calling him from the first floor. 

"I will be back." Jungkook hurriedly ran past the piercing eyes and suggestive whispers. As he walked closer and closer to his sister, he noticed that her face had no color. 

"Are you feeling okay? Do you want to go back home?" Jungkook asked and Momo pulled him inside the empty class. The lunch break was the time where everyone would be roaming out and classrooms were empty. Few young lovers would utilize this time to hold hands or even kiss their crush inside the class.

"Did you meet with an outsider?" Momo asked and Jungkook's throat tightened. He knew this was related to Jimin but he had to defend his lie until the end.

"What do you mean?" He acted innocent.

"Some people from our bus saw you... They are saying that you were with a boy and they saw you in the middle of a field." Momo was angry. Although she was younger than Jungkook, she was more mature and never got in trouble. Even if she did, she knew how to hide it from everyone. 

"I did not. Who told you?" Jungkook asked.

"Everyone in my class is talking about it. They are calling you... They are calling you slut." Momo alluded with anger on her brother and people.  How could her brother let it happen?

This was enough for Jungkook to feel legless. He would have lost his footing if not for the railing on the left side. "It's completely wrong. I did not go with anyone, trust me." Jungkook's face became pale and he pleased his little sister with teary eyes. 

Momo could not see her brother crying. She patted his shoulder, "don't cry Oppa... I am just angry at all the bitches. How are they calling you names?" She gritted her teeth. Sibling love was always special between them. They were not very close to each other but when any one of them was in trouble, the other person would fight for them as their life depended on it. 

Jungkook nodded and rushed back down. He now knew why everyone was staring at him. Every stare made him want to crawl under the ground and never come back. He immediately called Jimin. 

"Hey baby, I have been waiting for your call."

"Why did not you call me?" Jungkook asked.

"I thought you might be at home. You don't sound so good... Is everything okay? Did Jin say anything at your home?" Jimin asked worriedly as he walked to the door of his office where he was right now and closed it. He then walked back and sat on the chair while his face twitched, out of control.

"They saw me, they saw us... I don't know who did but they spread the information like wildfire. Everyone in the school knows about it. What do I do? What if teachers get to know and they suspend me? Or worse, call my parents."

"Calm down, listen to me. Calm down at first," Jimin gripped a crystal ball on the table really hard. "If anything goes wrong, I mean anything, I will be there for you. I won't let anyone harm you. Do you trust that?" 

"I do... But you are not with me all the time. I just... It's difficult for me. It's so hard to live in a constant fear that you are going to get caught any minute. It's so difficult to see all these people and know that they are talking about me and they are calling me slut." Jungkook broke down. 

Jimin threw the crystal ball at the door with such harsh force and it shattered after chipping the door and falling on the floor. "Run away with me, Jungkook. I promise to protect you from everything." He said calmly.

"I can't... I can't Jimin... Even though my parents are strict, I know they mean well to me and they don't hate me. I can't hurt them. Please understand. I want you but I want you with their permission."

Jungkook got cut off by Jimin who was now shaking in anger. "I understand... But keep it in your mind that if anyone touches you or hurts you, I will not think twice to hurt back. If you say they love you, I will believe you."

"Thank you, Jimin." The boy did not know what to say. He also knew that Jimin could not be with him all the time.  He had to be strong and put those bullies back in their place. Jimin could not do that for him. 

**

Jungkook came back home after the horrible day and it went downhill from there furthermore when his mother called him. Jungkook only assumed two things. One, Jin told her about his detour yesterday or two, his teachers called and told her about him missing the bus. 

"Yeah, mom?" Jungkook acted strongly to not show any kind of weakness. 

"There was a letter that has come for your dad. I did not open it because I thought it was from your school. Can you read it for me?" Shay told Jungkook and the boy went through a thousand deaths inwardly. His mind choked up and he could not move, breathe or speak, but he had to pull himself together and not come off as a suspect.

His legs trudged him towards the envelope that was sitting on the table. With each step, he heard his heartbeat in his ears, just throbbing wildly like a cat on a hot tin. 

His shaky hands opened it slowly and he read it silently.

Mr./Mrs. Jeon,

This is to invite your attention towards Jungkook and his new lover, Jimin. Jungkook has been in contact with this person and he has been slacking off of school, going out with the man on dates and someone even informed me that he saw them together in a very compromising position in the old fort on the outskirts of the city, near Jungkook's school.

I am just a well-wisher who wants nothing more than to keep your family's good reputation intact.

I know how hard you work to make a decent living but that does not change the fact that you aren't very rich in this economy, and all rules apply to middle-class people. No one cares about the poor or rich. A man with another man will be ridiculous to society and you will be looked down upon. If word gets out, your family will be boycotted.

Jungkook had only read this much when his mother called him again. "What happened? Give that to me." She gestured to him. The letter was 8 pages long and this was just half a page that Jungkook had read.

He was sure that the letter was full of more lies and threats for his family. He knew at this moment that it was the last day of his life. If his parents did not kill him today, they would make sure to give Jungkook a life worst than death, moving forward. 

"Hurry up..." Shay now looked at Jungkook suspiciously. 

Chapter Text

A sudden buzzer of the doorbell made Shay look behind her. "Jin! Come on in son." She was quick to turn her attention towards the boy.

As Jungkook looked at Jin, he could not maintain eye contact. He was caught by him yesterday and he did not know if Jin was here to tell his mother. Nonetheless, this gave him a window to handle the letter.

Jungkook ran to Momo's room who had finished changing her clothes and was coming out with few books in her hand. "Momo... Please help." Jungkook teared up. 

"What is it?" She panicked as she looked at Jungkook. 

"Help me hide this from mom." He begged.

"What is going on with you, Oppa? What has gotten into you?" She asked in temper but Jungkook only begged more. 

"Please, I will tell you everything... But please. Mom is going to read this and she can't. If she does I am dead."

Momo could not see her brother like that and she took the envelope from his hand. "I will put my essay in it. If you destroy the letter, she will only grow more suspicious. She will need to see something with her own eyes." Momo suggested and quickly rushed to get her bag. 

Jungkook tucked the original pages in his pants and walked out with Momo's essay now sitting peacefully in the envelope.

Meanwhile, Shay and Jin talked. "Did you find out anything?" She asked.

"No mom. I have not seen anything alarming yet, but I will tell you," Jin replied slowly as he surveyed the surroundings to make sure Jungkook or Momo were not near them. "Thank you for calling me to ask for help. He is like my brother so I will definitely not want anything happening to him." 

"Thanks, son."

"What made you think that there is anything wrong here?" Jin questioned. 

"I noticed that he has been on his phone a lot lately and I heard whispers at night from his room. It made me think that something was going on." Shay sighed. 

"Don't worry much. He is a good kid. Give him some time and he will come around. His exams are near so I think he will not have much time for anything other than study."

**

Jimin was in his office again. As he had to take over the CEO position, he had to understand things and he was going under rigorous training. He was waiting for his driver whom he had called sometime back while he stared at one point on the wall blankly when the door was knocked. 

'"Come in."

The driver walked in and Jimin made him sit on the chair. "Uncle, I have something really important," The driver nodded. "There is a guy named Kim Seokjin. He is friendly with Jeons. He studies at Busan Business University. I want to know about that guy. Anything that will put him back into perspective. He looks like someone who could be a threat for little Jungkook." 

"I will see what I can do." The driver assured before standing up. He bowed and left. Jimin's driver was someone whom he treated and trusted like family. Since he was a child, the driver was the one who always drove him around and he had saved Jimin's life 15 years ago.

The man left and Jimin stayed behind. "I miss you little Jungkook. Should I call you?" He sighed but did not call him.

Meanwhile, Jungkook washed his face to clear the redness that appeared on his face and in the eyes after crying. He walked right out and handed the envelope to his mother. Shay kept it beside her and kept talking to Jin while the older male only gawked at Jungkook. When the younger did not say anything, Jin called out.

"How are your studies going, Jungkook?" He asked. 

"Good, Hyung. I will go study now." He told the boy and went straight to his room.

By there, he closed his door and took out the letter with shaky hands. He did not even have it in him to read the whole thing as his eyes brimmed. He tore it apart and flushed the small chunks in the toilet. He sighed in relief right after.

**

In the evening, Jungkook and Momo went outside to play badminton. This was the only time where they could freely talk to each other. 

Jungkook began to tell everything to Momo, starting from the strange boy following him and then daily stalking him in different cars. Momo also acknowledged that she has observed those cars following their school bus lately. 

He went on to tell her how Jimin called him one morning and told him his name was not Summer but Jimin. It was Kim Taehyung that had spotted Jungkook one morning at the bus stop and he was Jimin's best friend. Both of them started to have this little rivalry and how Jungkook liked Jimin and not Taehyung. 

The biggest thing that came as a shocker to Momo was Jungkook coming out to her. He was homosexual. She did not know how to process that chunk but she decided to help her brother in time of need. She knew how strict her mother was on both of them and she could only imagine what would happen if Jungkook was caught.

"Oppa, listen very carefully. Please, I beg you... Try to get out of the house once you graduate high school. I will help you but if we get caught, we are done for."

"I know... I am trying my best but I cannot go unless I have permission. I hope it works out and in case I get caught, you will tell everyone that you did not know anything about this. You understand?" Jungkook emphasized and Momo nodded, although scared. 

**

Things seemed pretty normal after that. The last few weeks at the school passed and Jungkook had his preparatory leaves started. Jin has started coming to meet Momo and Jungkook every evening of the day.

When Jungkook was fond of Jin at one point, even had a little crush on the man, now loathed him. He of course did not say anything but he knew that his mother and Jin were definitely talking. 

The information that Jin was sitting on was like a ticking bomb for Jungkook. He wondered why Jin did not say anything to his mom and this only made him edgier than usual. He would take out time to talk to Jimin when his mother was cooking or in the middle of the night when everyone slept. 

Jimin wanted Jungkook to solely focus on study and not worry about talking to him but the boy needed validation. Jimin found him really insecure and he thought that if the older did not talk to him, he would forget him. Jimin understood why Jungkook was anxious or insecure. He was brought up in a really stressful atmosphere and it had affected his mental health. Hence, Jimin made sure to listen to him speak about his day every day.

One day, Jimin was sitting on his terrace when Jungkook called him. He smiled and picked up the call.

"Hey, baby..." Jimin spoke with his softest tone and heard Jungkoo's rough voice and coughing. He had fallen sick. "What's wrong?" Jimin's face turned grim. 

"I got fever." Jungkook pouted with eyes brimming. 

"Oh, my baby... Did you take medicine?" Jimin asked. 

"Mom is not here. She will come late at night. I will go to the doctor then." Jungkook informed.

"I will take you to a doctor." Jimin suddenly stood up and started walking downstairs. 

"No... You can't come here. Everyone will know that you did. I can't meet you here." Jungkook panicked and Jimin sighed. He knew Jungkook was right and the last thing he would do was to put him in trouble and more stress.

"I will get your medicine. Is your sister at school?" Jimin asked. 

"Yeah, but why?"

"I will give her the medicines. She will get them to you."  

"But..."

"But nothing, baby. You don't worry about anything now, okay? I will make sure she won't be seen by anyone. Do you trust me?" Jimin asked lovingly and Jungkook nodded with his tiny hum.

"My good baby. Rest now. I will check up on you later."

Chapter Text

Momo came back from school in the evening with two packets in her hand. "OPPA..." She called from the entry gate and heard Jungkook's faint voice. She made sure that her mother was not really in the house and promenaded straight to her brother's room. 

"This is... Jimin gave me this." She handed the bags to Jungkook whose eyes were wide in confusion. 

"Where did he give these to you? Did not uncle Muk see him?" He asked and Momo simpered. 

"He actually drove all the way to the school to give me these right before I got into the school bus."

"He drove that far?" Jungkook could not help but show his blushed cheeks and shy smile. 

"He did. Now take these and hide them. What are these?" She asked. 

"I am not sure." Jungkook replied. He thought Jimin was going to get him medicines but there were two packets. 

Jungkook began to open and found medicine first with directions on how to take them. Momo was now gone as he opened the next one. He smiled wider to find a chocolate box along with a gift coupon. Jimin had written on the coupon; This is for Momo. Thanks for bringing the package to Jungkook. 

Jungkook shook his head and pressed his lips together to narrow down his smirk. His cheeks were hurting by smiling so wide and were burning both by fever and blush. He picked his phone and immediately texted Jimin. 

Thank you very much. I love you. 

While he debated if he should have written the last phrase or not, he was happy to have it said. His phone immediately buzzed with a call.

"Hey!" Jungkook picked it up.

"How are you?" Jimin asked. 

"Still in fever but I will be okay." Jungkook smiled.

"Please be good soon so you can say those words to me as you look me in the eye and I will reply to you after kissing you." Jimin's voice did not have any pinch of tease and it made Jungkook's heart race. 

"I will..." Jungkook replied. 

**

Later in the evening, Jungkook's mother came in. His fever was at bay so he did not tell her about his condition. They were having dinner together when Mr. Jeon initiated the conversation. "Son! When are your tuitions resuming?" He asked. 

"Jerry is still talking to the tutors. They had to arrange a new tuition center for live classes. Before they made all classes offline, we had another place to study but now we will be going to a new place, hopefully better one. They took a break to reschedule everything." 

"Tutors? As in two?" Shay asked. 

"Yes..." Jungkook looked at both of them. "Namjoon sir is a Chemistry major. There is another female who teaches us Physics."

Mr. Jeon nodded. "Just three weeks are remaining until your exams. If you don't get the dates now, I don't think there is any point of going for less than three weeks." Mr. Jeon stated while he wiped his mouth with a napkin.

Jungkook nodded while Momo remained in her dreamland, deciding what to do with the gift card she had got for the huge amount. She already loved Jimin for his brother. Jungkook wanted his tuitions to start because he wanted to be able to see Jimin too as he had no school now and no other way to see Jimin. 

Staying in a house for almost a month without seeing Jimin was already extremely suffocating and depressing for the young student. "I will talk to Jerry again." He politely replied. 

After dinner, everyone dispersed. Momo and Jungkook sat together to study while Mrs. Jeon cleaned up the table while the husband helped. "I hope your tuitions open soon." Momo simpered. 

"What are you grinning at?" Jungkook coughed. 

"I don't know. I just want you to see Jimin." Momo shrugged and Jungkook put his finger on his lips to indicate his sister to shush. 

She lowered her voice. "I love Jimin." 

"He is older than you. Call him Oppa." Jungkook chuckled. 

"Do you call him Hyung?" Momo shot back.

"It's... None of your business." Jungkook was smiling happily and Shay was stealing glances at the squealing kids. She did not say anything but suspected many things. Nevertheless, she went to her room and called Jin. 

**

It was two days later, Jungkook was completely fine now. He was back into a full-time study drive. He needed to get good grades for getting into his dream university. 

Thanks to his preparatory leave, Taehyung and others have stopped following him, or rather they had no other option when Jungkook was not going outside at all. He even had his tuition online.

The stalkers did not know about Jungkook's new live tuition timing and the boy hoped that it would remain the same so he could peacefully get out of the house during the last remaining days of his finals. He was then supposed to move to Seoul for further studies.

He had already texted Jimin about his timing so they could meet somewhere outside, even for few minutes. He was studying hard and also excitedly looking at the clock to struck 5.  After a lot of desperate waiting, the time was near. Jungkook immediately stood up and began to prepare his bag with essentials. He then ran and took a quick shower before changing into a black outfit. 

Uncle Muk rang the house bell and Jungkook smiled after getting the door. "I am ready. I will be out in just a minute." The driver nodded and walked back to his cab. 

Jungkook ran back in to get his bag and yelled. "MOM, I AM LEAVING." He immediately turned around and was out of the house, into the freedom. He kept nervously looking around for the familiar car. Jimin could have been anywhere.

Right before he reached Jerry's place, he spotted Jimin in his car. Jungkook's heartbeat began to dance wildly. He was seeing Jimin after weeks and the euphoria he felt was indescribable.

"Uncle, you can drop me at Jerry's place. The tuition center is not far from here so we will walk from here every day." The driver looked at Jungkook from the rearview mirror and agreed. Sure, Jungkook had tuitions before but he used to take classes on a different address and then he started taking online classes.

Now that the new place was set up, he was back to offline classes again, but at the new place. "Where do I come to pick you up?" The driver asked. 

"Yeah... The new classes are near the arcade center behind the mall. You can come there in 2 hours. I have two classes." Jungkook lied. He only had one class today. 

Uncle Muk was happy to drop Jungkook in front of Jerry's house. He had driven the boy here very often so he knew where Jerry lived. The driver also did not suspect anything. Not only Jin, but Shay had asked Uncle Muk to keep an eye on the boy too. The only one unaware of the fact was Jungkook. He did not know that Jin was also out there, spying on him. 

Jungkook walked inside Jerry's society and when he saw the driver turned around and left, he walked right back and Jimin's car was already waiting for him. He ran and Jimin unlocked the car door. The boy quickly got in and Jimin drove away from there immediately. 

"How are you?" Jimin sighed in relief as if he could breathe after seeing Jungkook after weeks.

The boy was not able to make eye contact. He nodded while looking down. Jimin reached for Jungkook's hand and held it gently. Jungkook's insides turned to puddle with just by the innocent touch. Where lovers met and went on dates, Jungkook could not do all that. He had to lie to the world to be able to meet Jimin. The only one who knew everything about them was Momo.

"Baby?" Jimin cocked his head to look at Jungkook and then back at the road. 

Jungkook nervously gulped to wet his dry throat and looked up at Jimin. "Hmm?" He hummed in tiny.

"Are you really okay?" Jimin asked and their eyes met for a moment. The older smiled at the younger. 

"I am." Jungkook reciprocated. 

"Do you want to have cheesecake before you go to study?" Jimin's smile went wider and he did not leave the hand he was holding. 

"I- I love cheesecake. Besides, Namjoon sir is going to take the test today. It is better if I eat before." Jungkook told Jimin and the older laughed hesitantly.

"You did not tell me Namjoon teaches you." Jimin asked. 

"I told you before. Didn't I? Do you know Namjoon sir?"

"Mnnhm." Jimin shook his head and left Jungkook's hand to change the gear of the car and sped away. They only had an hour before Jimin had to drop Jungkook back to Jerry's place.

Chapter Text

They soon reached a cafe which was not far. Jimin had pre-placed the order. Just as they got in, their cheesecake and cappuccino were ready. Jimin made Jungkook sit in front of his eyes and handed him a fork to start eating.

Jungkook took a bite and moaned slowly. Jimin smiled while sipping his cappuccino. "That good?" He edged an eyebrow at the younger.

Jungkook cut a sliver and held out for Jimin to taste it. "I can't. My cappuccino will taste mellow if I eat the sweet cake." Jimin denied and Jungkook pouted.

"You don't eat anything. You hate ice cream and cheesecake." 

Jimin chuckled. "You want me to eat it?" Jungkook nodded. "Fine! I will have something sweeter than that after," Jungkook did not get it so Jimin leaned in and whispered. "A lip kiss from you."

The way the boy's tip of the nose and ears turned red was amazing to the older. He enjoyed it but he also wanted to comfort the boy in his vulnerability. He was dying to fill Jungkook in his arms. He wanted Jungkook to be able to talk about or ask for anything he wanted, he wanted the young boy to be able to rely on him and be comfortable with him to the extent where he would not blush at every small thing. 

But, Jimin knew that everything would take time. They were still in the initial dating phase. They were not even dating properly. Specially Jungkook had no prior experience while Jimin had dated before. Today, Jimin saw Jin following Jungkook. He managed to steer clear today as one of his friends helped him but Jimin knew that Jin would not stop unless he did something.

"Did you talk to Taehyung?" Asked Jungkook and Jimin's smile faded.

"Not after the last fight."

Jungkook debated if he should tell Jimin about the letter but he did not want to stress the man further. He knew Jimin was already dealing with a lot because of him. "I am sorry." Jungkook lowered his head. 

"Doll, you don't have to," Jimin raised his hand and reached it over to hold Jungkook's right cheek and make him look up. "I am hoping you have blocked him. Am I right?" Jimin perked his brow and Jungkook nodded.

"Good boy. Now finish it so we can go back." Jimin pointed at the cheesecake.

Jungkook started eating again and was smiling in no time to see the one he loved. Jimin's phone buzzed and he peeked at it before disconnecting and shoving it back in his pants. "Who was that?" Jungkook asked.

"Home... But don't worry. My parents are not strict like yours." Jimin chuckled and Jungkook also laughed with him.

"Can I ask you something?" Jungkook asked after a few seconds and Jimin nodded while arching his brows. "Why don't you talk to me during the daytime these days?"

"You stay at home with your parents Jungkook. If I were to call you, it will be problematic only for you." Jimin explained calmly.

"No, I mean... You don't even text back. You only respond at night. And sometimes, you don't talk to me at night and only text me around the daytime." Jungkook pouted. 

"I know..." Jimin's eyes fluttered. "I will make sure you have no complaints from now on." He assured and Jungkook panicked, thinking he offended the older.

"I am sorry. I did not mean it that way." He added quickly but Jimin only laughed. 

"Honey, relax! You can mean it. We are in a relationship. If you find anything troubling you from my side, you tell me. I will try my best to eradicate it. It goes both ways. Look how you listen to me and sleep on time. Your eye bags are now gone." Jimin held Jungkook's hand and made him feel equal. Being the younger one should not necessarily have to mean that Jungkook only had to obey Jimin. The older was willing to do just as much.

**

Shay was troubled at home. She could not help but think where did she go wrong? Never did she stop to think that her strictness was what distanced her own kids away from her. She called Niz to talk to her. 

"Hello, Unnie... Long time." Niz teased.

"I know, I am sorry. I've just been busy with the kids and Mr. Jeon." Shay replied.

"You sound dull. Is everything okay? Is Jungkook okay?" Niz asked quickly because Jungkook was loved by Shay way too much. 

"He is not." Shay replied and Niz's heartbeat sped up.

"What happened?" She asked.

"I have heard him talking to someone in the middle of the night sometimes. He is up to something," Shay said dejectedly. Niz stopped breathing for a few seconds as if she knew what was to come. "I even had to ask someone to keep an eye on him. I checked his phone but he has cleared everything." Shay explained.

Niz took a moment to let everything sink in. She realized that the boy she has been treating as a baby was now growing up. It brought a jolt of happiness to her heart but also her smile faded away quickly. "Unnie, you are punishing him. If he finds out, he will never trust you again." 

Shay scoffed. "What other choice do I have? I can't be around him all the time." 

"You don't have to be. He is a big boy now. He needs to learn things on his own. Give him control, Unnie. He is a good kid and he will make you proud." Niz advised. 

"I can't, Niz. You know how naive he is. He is the older but he is my most innocent kid. I can trust Momo that she will take a smart decision but when it comes to Jungkook, I can't let him choose wrong. What if he is getting in trouble? I don't know what kind of girl is she or how is her family's reputation."

"Unnie, show some trust. You are sacrificing your own ability to protect him and keep an eye on him. If you do this, you won't be able to give him proper, sensible, straightforward advice, and tell him things he needs to know by being overly strict. He is at an important time in his adolescence, but you may lose reliability or sympathy from him."

Shay felt anger. "What do you know, Niz? He is my child. I have brought him, gave birth to him."

The words hurt Niz. She was a single lady with no kids of her own and her sister made her realize time and time again that Jungkook was not her son. "Your son is 17 and really no longer a child in many respects. It's kind of your duty to try to have a decent, honest, grown-up relationship with him. You already screwed that up by looking at his phone against his wishes or by sending people to spy on him. He might shut you out of his life."

**

Late at night, Jimin knocked on a door and Namjoon came to answer it. The older smiled and let the younger one in. "What brought you here?" Namjoon asked as they walked into the living room and Jimin stopped his feet. 

"You were the hacker who stole Jungkook's information from the school. Did not you?" He asked by turning his frame towards Namjoon who only stared at him blankly. "Taehyung told me he paid someone in Jungkook's school to get him in touch with the hacker. You were the hacker. Am I right?"

"Can we sit and talk?" Namjoon pointed towards the couch and Jimin trudged towards it. He slowly sat down and Namjoon walked towards the kitchen to get the beer. "It was not me, Jimin. But judging by the fact that you are asking me this question now, I assume you know that I teach Jungkook. Would it be safe for me to also assume that Jungkook and you are together now?" He handed the beer to Jimin as he walked back. 

Jimin took it. "Come on! Namjoon. Do you want me to believe that you did not already know that I was with Jungkook? He told me about the call from someone who seemed like a gentleman. What did you say to him? You see a perfect paradise but Jimin is such a good liar." Jimin scoffed.

Namjoon sighed with a smile and sat down on the opposite end of the couch. "I did not. As a matter of fact, he knows my voice. I teach him every day. He would have recognized me in a second if I called him. He is really a smart kid. Don't know why he is still not recognizing the true you." The older chuckled. 

Jimin turned his frame towards Namjoon and his eyes darkened. "Dont think that I won't put up a fight."

"I know you will," NamJoon replied indignantly. "But trust me... I don't have anything to do with this. I did not even tell Taehyung that I tutor him. My students are my responsibility. I don't tread it lightly." Namjoon looked at Jimin earnestly.  

"So you want me to believe that all this time you have been accompanying us when we followed Jungkook to his school, and you did not say a word to Taehyung about how you already know him." The younger asked and Namjoon sipped his beer.

"I did not. But let me remind you. I am not the only one who knows Jungkook." The older said unfazed and the younger stood up before he left.

Chapter Text

The next day, Jungkook had both classes and he was waiting for the madam to come for Physics class. Instead, a good-looking man walked in. The batch of 10 students greeted him along with Jungkook.

"Good evening, everyone." The man replied calmly and Jungkook's mind started ringing bells inwardly. Where did he hear this voice?

"I will be taking over Ms. Choi. She is not well and she will not take any more classes for this batch. I am Do Jihan but you will call me Sir. Am I clear?" Jungkook kept looking keenly at the man and his mouth remained slightly parted. "Jungkook? Is there a problem?" He asked and the boy suddenly realized. He was the same person who had called him when he was at his grandparent's house, right after he met Jimin the first time.

He could not focus, he looked suspiciously at the older male who tried his best to teach everyone as the class ran. At the end of the class, Jungkook ended up winding his bag. He quickly shoved the books and held Jerry back while everyone left. "Sir? How did you know my name?" He asked the man who remained seated, getting ready to tutor the next batch. 

"I did my homework. I know all my students by name," Do Jihan replied. "Isn't it good Jerry?" He addressed Jungkook's friend and the boy smiled. 

"I will be going then, have a good night." They bowed and quickly left.

**

Jungkook reached home and saw someone rushing from inside the house. His eyes noted on the figure that was tall and covered in a black hoodie and mask. Jungkook could not understand why was the guy rushing out, almost running. It was dusky so he also could not see him clearly and got scared. "Was he Taehyung? Did he kill my entire family?" Jungkook looked at the open gate of their house and ran inside carrying the horrendous thought. 

His foot tripped on something and he stopped to look at an envelope. His mind was quick to relate this to the incident of the first letter that was dropped at his house. He now understood that whoever was that person, he came to deliver the envelope. 

Jungkook was quicker than puma to pick the envelope from the ground and shoved it in his bag when his mother came to the door. "Why are you ringing the doorbell, Jungkook?" She chuckled. 

Jungkook grinned, hiding his fear. "I just wanted to play around." 

"Get in. I boiled eggs."  She took Jungkook's bag and the boy looked at it. Shay walked to the living room and put the bag in Jungkook's study area. The boy breathed when Shay went to the kitchen, leaving the bag behind. He picked his bag and quickly ran into his room to put it away.

Jungkook had to endure and self-control. His mind was numb and his stomach nauseous. He needed to see what was in the envelope.  Somehow, he regretted not reading the first letter.  It took Jungkook a lot to hold nausea in until he had his dinner. "Mom, I am tired. I will study in my room tonight." He announced after eating.

"Okay..." Shay nodded. "Keep the door open so I can wake you up in case you sleep in between." She told the boy who trudged towards his room. 

He locked the door at first to change into his sleeping clothes and thought to check the envelope first. He rushed to get it out of his bag and opened it. It was not even least bit surprising to him to find another letter. This one was not that long. 

Mr. & Mrs. Jeon, 

I suppose you have not taken my previous communication seriously. I need to know if we have an understanding? Stop sending Jungkook out to study or else he will get kidnapped, I can assure you it will happen. 

You should be the one to take him out and bring him back home during his exams. I suggest you even think about his online college as he is not safe anywhere outside the house. 

I have explained in my previous letter how Jimin is dangerous as he suffers from not one, but two mental disorders. I guess it is about time I should tell you more because that was clearly not enough to scare you.

He has an ongoing affair with a girl whom he named Kitty. No one knows the real name of the girl. He keeps her in his farmhouse and what he does with her at night is not known to anyone. The rumor says that he replaces every girl in exactly 6 months. Before Kitty, there was a girl whom he named Honey. There were more that I do not have a track of. He is obsessed. 

Imagine your son in place of those imprisoned girls. I cannot say more. Save your son while you still have a chance because Jimin will not stop until he has Jungkook all to himself, in his prison.

**

Jimin was waiting at the bar for someone as he sat on the high stool and his back was facing the entry door. "I would not recommend drinking so much." He heard Yoongi's voice.

"Why do you care?" Jimin turned to him and replied. 

"You have a reason to call me here. Don't you?" He asked and Jimin put his glass down on the black ceramic platform. The lights were glistening on their heads and the music was not very loud. Since it was a weekday, there were fewer people as compared to the weekend. 

"I know you are helping Taehyung. I know all of you are." Jimin turned to see Yoongi and scoffed while hanging his head low. "What I don't understand is, why?" His face was obnoxious and he looked defeated. 

"You are wrong, Jimin. I am not helping either one of you. I want Jungkook to stay away from you both because I know the two of you." Yoongi replied non-clamantly.

"Why does it have to be like this, Yoongi?" Jimin looked away. "Jungkook was a total stranger to Taehyung and me but this is becoming so tangled. I got to know today that Namjoon also knew Jungkook from before. He tutors him."

"I did not know that." Yoongi replied calmly and Jimin looked at him. 

The bartender walked to them and Yoongi placed his order before he started listening to Jimin again. "Were you the one who called Jungkook a few weeks ago?" 

"I did not." Yoongi denied. 

"How come? Did not Namjoon tell you? He is your friend after all." Jimin smirked but Yoongi only shrugged. "You know, it was very shocking to me when I first called Jungkook and he asked me if I was Yoongi Hyung? I could not fathom in my wildest dreams that his Yoongi Hyung could be you."

"I know Jungkook since his birth, Jimin. I would never do anything to harm him." Jimin's keen eyes remained on the older as he listened earnestly. "His mother, Shay, and my mother were in the same college. Even Jungkook's aunt, Niz. She was also a junior while my mother was a senior. They all studied in an all-girls school since forever. They come to our house and we also visited theirs." Yoongi explained and Jimin suspected him more because, at this point, Yoongi was the only one who knew both Jungkook and Taehyung on a personal level.

"Why did not you tell me all this before? Does Taehyung know?" He asked. 

"You never asked me and Taehyung did. So yes, I told Taehyung." Yoongi nodded. 

"I know he is not sitting silent. I can feel it. He is up to something big and I know you are all helping him." Jimin repeated his words.

"I am not helping anyone Jimin. As I said, I would never do anything to harm Jungkook. He is like a little brother to me. I will do everything in my control to stop Taehyung if I suspect he is up to something." Yoongi's drink arrived that he chugged in one go and stood up. "And I suggest you take care of yourself." He patted the younger's shoulder and left. 

Jimin sat there alone. "You both know Jungkook from before but you both claim that you are not helping Taehyung. How can I trust anyone?" He mumbled but his phone rang. Jimin averted his gaze to the screen and found Jungkook calling him.

"Are not you getting bolder my love?" Jimin stated as he picked the call.

"I can't live without talking to you." Jungkook said in a low voice. 

"Why are you calling me this early? Is everything okay?" Jimin began to wrap up.

"I need to talk to you. Like face to face." Jungkook was calm but Jimin knew something was really wrong.

"How about in between your tuition?"

"Let's meet in the mall behind my tuition center. I will skip Chemistry." Jungkook replied and the older felt extremely restless. What was it that Jungkook wanted to talk about?

Chapter Text

Jungkook laid on his bed wide awake. He could not help but think what was wrong with Jimin. It was difficult to believe the letter because he knew how the person had written the false things in the last 8 page letter. How could he trust a stranger who was trying to bring harm to Jungkook and not trust the one he fell in love with?

He also tried to think of anything that would give him a hint concerning Jimin's disorder. He knew Jimin was peculiar in some things like he did not like rain or he did not eat ice cream. He also did not wear a sweater in the cold when they had their first date together. But these things could not be related to someone's mental health.

The only thing alarming to Jungkook was how the letter mentioned Jimin's affair and that the older spent nights with someone named Kitty. He remembered complaining to Jimin about his unavailability at night or sometimes days and the older promised that it would not happen in the future. 

The boy was so innocent and he has been living under a rock all his life. He did not know what love was until he fell for Jimin. He had no clue about greed, promiscuity, or betrayals. He has been living a very simple life which was restricted to his house, school, tuition, and playground. 

All the events caused tumult to arise inside and he could not do anything. He had no idea how to deal with these emotions altogether, except crying. That's what he did. Silently cried until he exhausted himself and dozed off. 

He woke up the next morning and saw that Momo was already gone to school. He also realized that his sister and he would never go to school together now. Rubbing his eyes, he walked into the kitchen and spotted his mother talking to someone. 

"Mom?" He called her and the lady defiantly jumped. 

"Honey... I did not see you come in. I got scared." She chuckled nervously. 

Jungkook could not even think that she might be talking to Jin. When Jin did not say anything about the movie encounter to Shay or even did not confront Jungkook, he assumed that Jin would not be a threat. Moreover, he still was completely unaware of how many ties were connecting his family and Taehyung aside from Jin. 

**

Jimin was sitting in his father's office and in front of him sat Do Jihan. "Why are you helping me?" He asked and twisted the crystal ball on the hard table surface. The ball started making noise as it spun and the older male looked at it before averting his gaze to Jimin.

"Everyone is at Taehyung's side. I have known you two for years and I know you would not have betrayed your best friend if you did not have real feelings for this boy." Do Jihan replied. 

"It was you who called Jungkook, wasn't it?" Jimin asked but to his surprise, the older agreed. 

"It was me." 

Jimin gritted his teeth and then flashed a small smile to the older, hiding his discomfort. "Why the sudden change of heart? You were telling Jungkook how was I such a good liar."

"As I said, Jimin. I think you really are in love and I appreciate this feeling." Do Jihan stated, closely observing Jimin's face twitching.

 "What makes you think I will trust you?" 

"It is up to you indeed to believe me or not. I always believe in equality. I just feel that the battle you are fighting is not the same as the one Taehyung is fighting. I want you to level up.  I am extending a hand of friendship." Do Jihan offered his hand and Jimin only looked at it, not daring to trust the man. 

By now, Jimin had talked to Yoongi, Namjoon, and Do Jihan. So far, he has not trusted any of them. He knew that Choi Minho and Park Hyunsik would definitely be team Taehyung and that left Park Seojon and Hoseok. But then, Jimin thought that he could not trust anyone because it was Jungkook who was at risk. If it was only him, he would have accepted the offered hand. 

"I am sorry, I will think about it." Jimin replied and Do Jihan retreated his hand, smiling and nodding. 

**

It was finally the evening and Jimin was following Jungkook as usual. He did not tell the young boyfriend that he was always behind him, keeping an eye on everything because he did not want to scare Jungkook. The truth was, Jimin knew the danger Jungkook was in. Taehyung could strike any day and any moment. Jimin had to be ready at all times. 

Jimin spotted Jin's bike and he stopped the car. Jin was not around but only his bike was parked on the sideway. The younger's mind was not functioning well with the constant stress and worry he had accumulated. A surge of anger pulsated within his mind and he hit the bike with his car. As if the anger increased multiple folds, he reversed his car and went at it again and again until the bike was crushed. 

While Jimin was doing this, Jungkook proceeded towards his destination and Jimin lost him for now. He then saw Jin coming out from a store. They have never faced each other before but today was the day. Jimin got off his car and lurked ahead to grab Jin's collar. "You cumulant freak! You think you can stop me from getting Jungkook?" He punched the older male once. Before the older had a chance to prop up his head and uphold his posture, Jimin punched him again. 

Jin attacked but he was in pain and he could not hit Jimin hard enough to damage him. When the younger took a hit, it was as if he lost his mind and forgot everything around him. He charged on Jin and the older fell on the ground. Jimin kicked him in the guts frantically. "You are not going to survive today." Jimin told the man with a frenzy he was in and kept kicking him until he remembered. "Jungkook."

The clamor started to surround them and Jimin retreated all of the sudden. Jungkook was supposed to skip today's classes and meet him. He had 2 hours to spend with his boyfriend and he had already wasted few minutes.

Jimin floored it to Jerry's place and prayed that Jungkook was safe. He took the last turn towards the location and found the boy standing on the road, looking around with his wide big eyes. Jimin cursed himself to have engaged with Jin and made Jungkook wait. But that was also important. He needed to teach Jin.

Jimin pushed the brakes and quickly opened the car door. Jungkook got in and Jimin sped away. "Seat belt." The older spoke while looking at the road and the boy quickly fastened it.

The younger noticed the behavioral change in Jimin and he could not help but think about the letter as the words mental disorder flashed in his mind in bold. "Are you okay?" He asked in a low voice.

"I am," Jimin sniffled and Jungkook immediately raised his head up to see if the man was crying. However, there were no tears. "I am okay, baby." Jimin softened his tone as he discerned the younger staring at him with a crestfallen face.

Jimin did not say more but he drove really fast. Jungkook felt scared and unsafe with the rush but he did not say anything. He trusted Jimin with his life and he knew that Jimin would not let anything happen to him, even an accident.

Not 15 minutes later, Jimin stopped at a property that was by the outskirts of the city. He got off and Jungkook's head only cocked towards Jimin's direction as the man moved. He saw the older getting out of the car and walking towards his side to open the car window. "Come on, out." He held Jungkook's hand and the younger followed the lead.

Jimin walked straight to the gate and opened it. He kept holding Jungkook's hand and the younger noticed that the house was dark and no lights were turned on. They were going to be alone. As they got in, Jimin closed the main gate and walked inside to the entry door. There was a passcode to the lock that Jimin was able to unlock quickly and pulled Jungkook inside.

"Jimi-" Jungkook was about to say something when the older pressed the boy against the door that he just closed and held his waist.

Jungkook's breathe hitched. He could not finish his sentence and looked at the older right across his face, staring at his lips. Jungkook anticipated a kiss, he anticipated more today. 

Chapter Text

Jungkook saw Jimin sigh as he closed his eyes and he loosened his grip on the boy. However, he clasped his hand with Jungkook and led him inside. "I am sorry." The older mumbled. 

"It's alright." Jungkook shook his head that Jimin did not see and entered the room. Jungkook spotted an extremely clean room. His hand left the bag he was holding by the door. There were no folds on the bedsheet, it was crisp. The mild fragrance of the freshener brought a sense of calmness to the young student. It looked like Jimin had the place clean a few hours ago. There was a big bed at the center and there was a mini-fridge by the dresser. The room had its windows and white curtains.

Jimin made Jungkook sit on the bed and held his both hands. "Jungkook," The boy looked up and pressed his lips nervously. "You don't have to worry about a thing. Leave everything of worry to me and I won't do anything that will make you uncomfortable." Jimin leaned in close as he said those words calmly and Jungkook found himself tearing up but he controlled.

He nodded and saw the older smile. Jimin got up and walked to the fridge before turning on the lights. He pulled out chocolates and a banana milk bottle for the boy. "Have it," Jimin returned and smiled while Jungkook's heart beamed with happiness. The way Jimin took notice of small details about him was really wonderful to the boy. He never thought that anyone besides his family could do that. "Do you want something else? What's wrong?" Jimin kept the snacks aside and cupped Jungkook's face. 

The younger was not able to reach the older's eyes. He was hiding the things from Jimin and he felt wrong. "Jimin... I have to tell you something." 

Jimin nodded and sat on the bed. Jungkook sighed and he stood up to walk to the door to get the letter from his bag. Jimin furrowed his brows and also followed the trail. Jungkook took out the envelope and gripped it tightly, rethinking if he should really show it to the older.

"What's that Jungkook?" Jimin broke his trance and the boy stammered. 

"There - there was someone who dropped one letter at my home. My mom thankfully did not open it and I was the one to read it. It was 8 pages long but I could not read that one entirely. It - it said that they have seen us in the fort, doing... Doing things," Jungkook's head hung low. "I saw a boy throw this letter yesterday at my house when I went back home from tuition."

Jimin swiftly pulled the letter from Jungkook's hand. As he glided through the pages, his eyes darkened and he crumbled the white sheet in his fist. He directed his face at the ground and mumbled. "And you did not inform me."

Jungkook was getting scared standing there. He took one step ahead and touched Jimin's shoulder but suddenly the older turned while he pushed Jungkook with his palm on his chest and collided Jungkook's body on the door behind them, harshly. 

The boy could not even fathom what happened and how but he knew that he was extremely scared and he knew that he needed to be in Jimin's arms right now even though the man scaring him was Jimin in the first place. Jungkook yelled and groaned in pain as his head hit the door and thick tears started flowing immediately from his eyes. 

Jimin realized what he had done. His hand was on Jungkook's chest that had crumbled paper held inside. His other hand was above Jungkook's head as he towered at the boy who was shaking madly. Jimin retreated his hands and his face discerned into ounces of guilt. "H-honey. Baby... I am sorry." Jimin let the paper fall on the floor and slowly raised his hand to touch Jungkook's face. 

The boy trembled and began to cry louder ahead of his sobs. "Baby... I am sorry. I am sorry. I will never touch you like that, my baby." Jimin panicked and slowly wrapped his arm around Jungkook and hoped that the boy would come to him. 

Jungkook did. He held onto Jimin tightly while he cried oceans. Jimin teared up himself. Why could not he control his anger? He was determined to never show this side of him to the one he fell in love with, but he failed. Jimin picked up the boy and walked slowly to the bed. Gently, he sat down and kept Jungkook close. His hands kept rubbing Jungkook's head and his back while tears flew from his own eyes. 

"I am sorry." Jimin repeated but as if the boy only cried more profoundly with each word Jimin let out. The older had to wipe his tears to not show the younger his weakness before he pulled the boy's face that was buried inside his own neck. 

"Baby, I am so sorry," he apologized again. "Please forgive me." Jimin wiped the younger's tears and Jungkook nodded while holding the older's hands. He still shook and sighed while crying. Sure his parents were strict, but they never treated him like this. He did not know anyone could ever treat him like that but Jimin's apology melted his heart. 

"It's okay." He said between his sniffles while his eyes looked down. 

"It is not okay, doll. It is not." Jimin looked disappointed in himself, broken. "I did not want to see your tears. I brought you here to hear your giggles and look what I did." Jimin caressed another tear that slowly rolled out of the younger's eye. 

"Don't do that again." Jungkook's chin quivered and he wiped another stream of tears that started. 

"I won't ever do it. I promise," Jimin raised his hand again and wiped the fresh tears. He held Jungkook's face firmly at the end and leaned in. Jungkook inhaled sharply and stopped breathing. "I love you, Jungkook." Jimin confessed.

"I love you too." Jungkook replied and it took a lot for the young boy to divulge the layers of shyness. 

"I told you I want to hear it when you are sitting in front of me. I just did not imagine the tears on your beautiful face when you did," Jimin said politely and Jungkook flashed a small smile, trying to not cry anymore. "Do you remember what I said next?"

Jungkook nodded while looking down and then looked up to see the loved-filled eyes of Jimin. The older hesitated so Jungkook closed his eyes, permitting Jimin to give him the first kiss of his life. 

Jimin understood that Jungkook was willing to let him kiss him. He held the younger's head from behind to support him and kissed the boy. Jimin's lips brushed against Jungkook's and he did not know what to do. He followed the lead when Jimin took a turn to kiss both his upper and lower lip one by one, slowly and then licked across them. The feelings flickered inside Jungkook and he wanted the kiss to be more than that, deep and long.

Letting go of his shyness, Jungkook whined softly and leaned more, putting his weight on the older so Jimin hit his back on the mattress and pulled the boy along as he had captured Jungkook's head. Jimin licked his tongue in between Jungkook's lips and the boy parted them. Jimin slowly entered his tongue into Jungkook's mouth and the boy squirmed, trying to pull away but Jimin quickly held his waist to keep him in place.

Jungkook got a boner and he was perhaps embarrassed by it. This made Jimin smile between the kiss as he delved deep. The boy also kissed back messily. They were wet by each other's saliva and the younger was losing breath because of how deep the kiss was. Jimin parted and looked at the red face.

"Baby," He called in a really low rasp but Jungkook pulled away to sit straight and began to hide his crotch area. Jimin sat up and held Jungkook. "Baby, what's wrong?" He asked and looked at the disconcerted boy.

"I want to go back." Jungkook replied and Jimin leaned down to see the boy's face. He looked lost and completely embarrassed.

"Why?" Jimin asked softly.

"I... I have to. It is late." Jungkook replied and his eyes fluttered away, not daring to meet the man. 

Chapter Text

"Come here," Jimin pulled the boy back on the bed and laid him down by his side. "Is it because you have a little problem down there?" Asked Jimin and Jungkook's eyes widened before he averted his gaze down. "It's normal, honey. It's ok. It happens." Jimin assured and hugged the boy whose breathing was haywire. "I want to give you something." Jimin said while he kept rubbing the back of Jungkook. 

"But you gave me a pendant." Jungkook replied in bewilderment.

Jimin chuckled. "So? I want to give you something every day. Are you just happy with one gift?" 

Jungkook giggled and Jimin's heart stopped there for a moment. He got lost while looking at him and vowed again to make him happy like this, always. "I can't accept gifts, it is very difficult to hide them."

"You will hide this one." Jimin smirked and suddenly pushed the boy on his back. He hovered over Jungkook and went for his neck. As he slowly pressed a kiss, Jungkook moaned louder than expected. 

Jungkook also realized his voice was powerful so he shut his mouth with his hands. The older looked up when he heard the boy's muffles and pulled his hands away. "I want to hear those." He noted and Jungkook only panted. 

"Jimin... I am, I am scared. I am not ready." He told the older above him. Jimin smiled beautifully at him and pecked his forehead.

"I won't do that. I will just help you get rid of the boner. You will feel only pleasure." Jimin spoke and observed the perplexed look at the younger's face. "Just close your eyes, honey. Do you trust me?" 

Jungkook nodded quickly and saw Jimin peck his lips. He closed his eyes as the older went for his belt. His hands itched to stop Jimin but that would only prove his own words wrong. He trusted Jimin so he let the man undo his belt.

Being the introverted and shy person that he was, Jungkook did not dare to open his eyes and look but his body shook. Jimin looked up and saw Jungkook closing his eyes tightly shut. He climbed back up. "Honey," His soothing voice called and Jungkook gasped as he opened his eyes. "I am sorry. I won't do anything unless you are ready." 

"Thank you." Jungkook immediately turned and wrapped his arms around Jimin. "Are you angry at me now?" 

"Baby?" Jimin pulled the boy's face to make eye contact. 

"Never for this." He shook his head. "It is your body. You own it. I cannot do anything without your consent. You should always remember that, okay? I could be the one to love you the most in this world and you can still say no to me. I will love you more for that. Hm?" Jungkook nodded and hugged the man back. 

"I am sorry." He whispered again and Jimin pulled away. 

"Why don't we take baby steps?" Jimin asked and the boy tilted his head. 

"I... Will take off my shirt and you will do it too if you feel okay. Then next time we meet, maybe... You can take your pants off." Jimin chuckled and Jungkook smiled adorably while showing his teeth.

"Okay," Jungkook sat up straight as if he was all set to watch the premiere of the new movie.  

"That was quick." Jimin raised his brow and Jungkook slowly chewed his lower lip without saying anything and eyes remained on the man. "Okay then." Jimin did not waste another moment and took off his shirt.

Jungkook had not imagined that the man's body would be this ripped. The hard pecs on abs and biceps made him gulp. "Shit!" He exclaimed and Jimin grinned, eyes disappearing. 

"I am never getting undressed in front of you." Jungkook pouted and Jimin held out his arm for Jungkook to get closer.

The boy did not think twice and hugged Jimin's upper naked body. "You will. Or wait until we get married. I will make you." Jimin blurted out but then suddenly rethought about it. He should not have said it. 

"Married?" Jungkook turned his face and rested on Jimin's shoulder. 

"Mmhm... I know you have not thought about it yet, but we all get married in the end. We all wanna start a family together." 

"But... I am scared that marriage won't happen for me." Jungkook replied calmly.

"Why do you think that way?" Jimin asked and rubbed Jungkook's back.

"It's just that I am afraid. I am scared that if my mother finds out that I love a man, she will not accept it."

"What else will she do?" Jimin asked rather calmly, taking notes inwardly. 

"I don't know. She will not take it easy. She might... Boycott me from family and inheritance." 

"She is your family. She can never fully get you out of her heart. She might get angry but she will come around. She will accept you for who you are... Even if takes her some time." Jimin explained but Jungkook knew his mother better.

"I don't know, Jimin... I think she will not want to see me ever again." The young boy sighed. 

"Then the good thing is I will be your family," Jimin comforted the boy. "And about the inheritance, I will work hard to earn everything for you. I will give you more than what they can." Jimin smiled softly thinking about the possible future. 

He knew that this was not the right time for him to bring this up but he wanted to put the thought in Jungkook's mind so the boy would know that he always will have Jimin if all other doors close for him.

Jimin was secretly doing all the preparations to take Jungkook away, just in case. 

"I don't want money. I guess all I want now is you. And I want to be able to sleep and wake up as I please." The boy whispered, almost sleepily and Jimin's heart tugged at it. This was such a simple thing but the boy was devoid of it.

"I will make you sleep." He slowly rocked Jungkook's body and the boy fell asleep while purring softly. Jimin put him down on the bed and caressed his cheeks. He stared at the younger for far too long and then picked his shirt. He got into it and walked out of the room.

There was one missed notification from Kitty. "Kitty needs to go." He mumbled and turned around to see Jungkook. "Could not sleep?" Jimin asked and Jungkook shook his head. 

"I can't sleep. What if I get late?" Jimin observed the boy closely as he stood face to face with him and caressed his cheeks keenly.

"I will steal you away from them. Will you go with me?"

Jungkook did not think Jimin was serious so he nodded with a smile, making the older's lips stretch into a smile as well. 

"Jimin, I almost forgot. It is really weird but the call I received was from someone who is tutoring me. His name is Do-Jihan." The boy told Jimin before he forgot and the older got angry again.

"Don't worry about him, honey. He won't harm you." Jimin pulled the boy close and wrapped an arm around his waist while he texted the man with his right hand behind Jungkook's back. 

Meet me in an hour at the usual.

"What time is it?" Jungkook asked while he closed his eyes and hummed in the comfort.

"You still have 45 minutes. Come, let's eat something before you go back." The older held Jungkook's hand and led him back inside the room. The sky began to darken now as they laid on the bed while talking and laughing.

"I want to meet you once more before your exams." Jimin requested as he smeared a little chocolate on Jungkook's nose.

Before the younger reached out to clean it, Jimin stopped him and licked it all. "I don't know if I can bunk anymore." The younger whimpered as he felt hot tongue caressing his nose.

"You don't have to. Don't tell your parents about the last day of tuition. Come and meet me the next day once your tuition is finished. I have a surprise for you." 

Chapter Text

Three weeks passed. Jungkook did not talk to Jimin during these days because he knew he had to study hard. Yesterday was the last day of his tuition before one week of exams and they had a special 3-hour class. Shay called the tuition to confirm the timing as she did not believe Jungkook when he told her the truth. 

Yesterday's truth gave today's lie leverage. Jungkook was getting ready to leave for tuition for the next three hours that in reality ended yesterday. "Honey! Eat something before you go. 3 hours is a long time and you got hungry yesterday." Shay came to Jungkook's room who was packing his bag. 

"I am not hungry, mom. Also, I will stop by Jerry's today. I will ask uncle Muk to not come to pick me up. Jerry's brother will drop me." Shay looked at Jungkook. "Come on, mom! This is the last day. I will not meet any of my friends after this. The exam is in a week's time. We all will be busy and then move away for college." Jungkook pouted with teary eyes and Shay sighed. 

"Okay... You can go but I will send Uncle Muk, no matter how late is it. You stay there and come back with only your uncle." She affirmed.

"Okay," Jungkook surrendered. "Anything else?"

"No... Actually, have you heard from Jin? I was not able to get in touch with him for some time. The last time we talked, he did not seem fine." Shay told Jungkook but the boy was clueless.

"No, mom. I have not seen him or heard from him." He quickly stuffed the bag and closed it before standing up. 

"Alright! Take care. Call me if you are late." Shay fixed Jungkook's hair and smiled.

"I will." Jungkook was out of sight quickly. His heart was jumping up and down in anticipation. He never had any good surprises given to him, ever. He was looking forward to what Jimin had in store for him. 

As usual, he reached Jerry's place and got in. Not a minute later. He got a call from Jimin to come outside. The security guards at Jerry's society always looked at Jungkook getting in and out of the house in awe. 

Jimin was smiling at Jungkook when the boy ran towards the car and got in. "Hey baby, you look so pretty today." Jimin complimented with the widest smile. Jungkook was wearing black trousers with a white and sky blue striped shirt that was tucked in neatly. 

"You are prettier than me." Jungkook grinned and Jimin chuckled airily. 

"You think so?" Jungkook nodded. "But it's you for me." Jimin concluded as he took the bag from Jungkook's hand and put it on the back seat. 

"Where are we going?" Jungkook asked while fastening his seatbelt. 

"You will see."

**

Jungkook was outside a house that was looking beautiful. He just did not know whose house was it until he read the address. Park's home.

"What?! Is this your house?" He asked in wonderment. Jimin nodded. "I can't... I can't go in there, please." Jungkook held Jimin's hand and the man felt to take away all Jungkook's insecurities. 

"Baby,  look at me, look at me." Jimin made the boy look up as he cupped his cheeks between his hands. "They are your family now. They already love you and they have not even met you. I am sure you will love them too. If you don't like it there, just tell me. I will be by your side at all times and I will immediately take you away. Deal?" He said softly and Jungkook nodded slowly. 

"My good baby." Jimin leaned in and kissed the boy's forehead. "Let's go."

They got down from the car, Jimin before Jungkook, and looked around to check if anyone was watching them. Everything was risky at this point but Jimin could not stop meeting or living with Jungkook just because it had few risks. He held Jungkook's hands and quickly entered the house. It was big, clean, and very peaceful. Jungkook instantly felt at ease but then cheers erupted. 

"Jungkook, hey, Jungkook, welcome..." Everyone came out of nowhere as it seemed to Jungkook. He stopped breathing but the good thing was Jimin was right beside him, holding his hand. The man rubbed his thumb over the boy's palm and quickly introduced his family.

"Jungkook, baby... She is my mom," Jungkook bowed and greeted the lady that had features like Jimin. "He is my father," Jungkook did the same as he bowed again and then Jimin turned towards three young ladies, "and these are my sisters." Jungkook bowed again but not much because the sisters looked young. The youngest one even looked like she was Jungkook's age. 

"Hi, Jungkook..." The youngest spoke and the boy smiled as he waved a little.

"I am one month older than you and you can call me Noona." She giggled and so did everyone else. 

They beckoned the couple inside and made them sit at the center sofa. Jimin sat with Jungkook and the maid brought snacks and refreshments for the boy. Jimin helped Jungkook by handing him a glass. Jungkook looked at it and Jimin smiled. "It's hot chocolate, baby. I know you don't drink coffee." Jungkook could not help the blush. 

"He is so cute and young." The youngest sister spoke and Jungkook bit his lower lip while itching his nose.

"Shush now... Don't embarrass him." Mrs. Park stopped them from talking. They all sat around and Mr. Park asked Jungkook his first question. 

"Son, what do you want to do after school?"  

"I want to go to Seoul Arts University." The boy replied while Jimin kept glancing at him proudly, telling him silently that his Jungkook was doing good.

After a friendly round of questions, they covered things from Jungkook's favorite food, his hobbies, and his likes aside from Jimin. Jungkook ended up having fun. The maids were instructed to quickly start preparing everything that the boy liked.  

Jimin's sisters took the boy to show him around the house and Jimin was left with his parents. "Are you sure, Jimin? I mean he is lovely but he is just too young. He is not even 18 yet." Mr. Park raised his concern and Jimin exhaled out slowly, face serious.

"I am, father. I just need your blessings." 

"You always have my blessings, son. Be safe and take care of him." Mr. Park replied and Mrs. Park nodded. 

"He is such a cutie. You better take good care of him otherwise I will keep him here with us." She threatened her own son and Jimin laughed at the absurdity. He wanted to introduce Jungkook to his family before he took any step.

Jungkook came back giggling after the tour. He was certainly open to the family now. They sat together, Jimin beside Jungkook, as they ate dinner happily. 

After finishing the meal, Jimin excused himself along with Jungkook who felt extremely shy but also did not mind following the man. Everyone else dispersed to their rooms as Jungkook was taken to Jimin's room.

Jimin closed the door gently and turned on the lights. Jungkook felt the room was a little off. Everywhere else in the house was a good balance but here, there was minimal furniture, only a bed with a small table along with a small cupboard. But there was a huge aquarium that occupied a big chunk of space and a weird-looking painting that irked Jungkook. 

He stopped thinking when Jimin held his hand and walked the boy to his bed. Jungkook sat down and Jimin moved towards his cupboard. He took out a box and walked back to the boy.

"This is a small gift for you, a good luck gift for the exams." Jimin handed the box and Jungkook looked at it with wide eyes. It was a new phone.

"Jimin... I can't. My mother will kill me if she finds out." Jungkook said worriedly but Jimin did not say anything for now. He was determined to wait until the end of exams to tell Jungkook that he was taking him away from Busan and was planning to marry him as soon as the boy turned 18.   

"Honey, it's fine. You don't have to use it now. Use it after exams when you are... Not with your family. " Jimin spoke the words thoughtfully.

"I told you, Jimin. They are moving with me. I won't be alone." The boy's happiness went down the drain and Jimin felt furious at that. 

"It's okay, you keep it for now. If your family ends up with you, I will take it back." Jimin assured and hugged the boy to comfort him. 

Chapter Text

"Jimin... Can I ask you something?" Jungkook asked and Jimin nodded, "why did not you tell me you had sisters?"

Jimin looked down. "You never asked," he smiled.

"I am so sorry." Jungkook stammered and his eyes faltered. He realized that he knew nothing about Jimin. Jungkook only hoped that he would find a little freedom in days to come so that he could talk to Jimin and get to know him more.

"It's alright, honey! You should stick around a little longer and you will know." Jimin smiled. "So the oldest sister is 2 years older than me and the middle sister, she and I are twins and then my younger sister is your age." 

"Twins?" Jungkook gasped in amazement and Jimin nodded.

"Mmhm..."

**

They bid goodbye a few minutes later, Jungkook hid the phone in his bag as Jimin drove him back home.

The boy reached his place and got out one street before his house so no one would see him. What he did not know was that anything he did was not only restricted to himself. There were multiple eyes on him at all times when he was out of the house. Taehyung was a powerful man indeed.  

Jungkook walked into his house and looked at his mother who was surprised to see the boy. "Jungkook, I told you to call me. I would have sent Uncle Muk. Why did you come alone? Who dropped you?"

"S-sorry mom, I forgot. We were having dinner and Jerry's brother offered to drop me as we planned earlier. I completely forgot the last minute change." Jungkook defended himself because he had really forgotten. 

Shay looked suspiciously at Jungkook and nodded. "If you say so. Get changed and come back to study with Momo." She pointed towards the study area in the living room where Momo was yawning. 

"I will be right back." Jungkook spoke and got in his room. One moment he was happy and enjoying with a family that was not his and in another minute, he was grim as a dark night with his own family. 

He did not even get to open the gift. Jungkook hid the new phone quickly into his wardrobe behind the clothes and changed immediately. He felt that something was wrong. He could not pinpoint but things did not add up. 

Just as he walked out of the room, Jungkook's mother confiscated his phone. "Mom!" Jungkook exclaimed in annoyance but Shay was already walking back after snatching the phone. "What is it?" He asked.

"Don't want you to fail. This is the last week. Focus only and only on your studies." She pointed at the study table again and Jungkook teared up. He hung his head low and walked to the table. Shay went to the kitchen and Momo who was looking at everything, reached out to hold Jungkook's hand.

"Oppa..." She whispered and Jungkook started sniffling and sobbing hard. He also was careful to not let out the sound of his crying. "Take my phone, inform Jimin." She added quickly and teared up herself looking at her brother like this. They both were just the kids and the strictness with which they were brought really made them both anxious and diffident.

Jungkook nodded and quickly took the phone to text Jimin. 

Mother has taken my phone. I will not be able to contact you until the exams. Please come and meet me in school on the first exam at 1.00. I will be waiting. 

Momo hid her phone when Shay came back and both of them acted like nothing was wrong. She surveyed them as they studied. 

Mr. Jeon arrived an hour later with his face red as if he was sick. "Honey, what's wrong?" Shay asked as both kids looked at each other. 

"We need to talk." Mr. Jeon told Shay as he gazed at Jungkook and the woman knew that something was wrong. 

They got inside the room and closed it. "What could it be?" Momo asked.

Jungkook felt a storm raising in his stomach. "They know about me." He closed his eyes and waited for the impact but nothing happened for few minutes. He did not even hear any voice from his parent's room. 

An hour passed, they grew impatient but Shay walked out as if she has been crying just now. No one dared to ask why. She went directly to the kitchen and walked out after fixing the dinner on a tray. "Eat dinner and sleep. Your father will eat in his room." Shay informed the kids and the curiosity burned more now.

"Do you want to talk to Jimin tonight? You can keep my phone." Momo offered but Jungkook shook his head. 

"I am not hungry, Momo. You eat and sleep." The boy stood up with a shaking body and went to his room. He laid down on his bed with millions of questions hovering in his mind. He heard the voices of utensils being kept on the table and clanking of the spoons but his mind did not take a break from the chain of stressful thoughts. 

Soon, he saw the lights turned off outside and he still could not find the sleep. He kept crying and he also did not know why? He knew he had issues with his family and he could not do anything about it. He was scared and dependent, so he could never stand up against them. He did not earn so he could not just run away. He needed a degree to get a fulfilled job. He was not confident at all. He could not even imagine himself getting by with the part-time jobs and the daily struggles of life. He was weak and pathetic. The last thought in his mind was Jimin's offer. The man asked Jungkook to run away with him but he did not want to be a burden.

With so many things floating in his mind, he saw the sun rise again. With a sigh, he stood up and walked to the bathroom to freshen up. Shay was awake early and Jungkook walked to her after brushing his teeth. He saw that the woman was crying. 

"Mom," his face contorted into pain looking at his mother cry. "What's going on?" 

"Sit down, Jungkook." She asked. Jungkook sat down and his anxiety levels were peeking. "Who is Jimin?" She asked while her gaze remained fixed on the floor.

After this bit, Jungkook lost awareness of the world. His throat went dry and his palms started sweating along with his forehead while he felt heat rise up deep in his chest and stomach. 

"I don't know any Jimin." He lied without stuttering. 

"Really? Someone saw you getting in the car with him. He told your dad in his office." Shay scoffed as she finally confronted her kid face to face. 

Jungkook was caught red-handed and he knew that his parents won't believe anything he would tell them. The only question in his mind was, who? 

"I am not lying, mom. I am not." Jungkook spoke but Shay only menacingly looked at him like he had committed a murder or any other crime as heinous as raping someone. 

"Do you know what your father said to me last night? He said he doesn't want you to continue your studies and you won't take the exams now. He said that you have lost your mind and that he will send you to a rehabilitation center." Shay spoke in monotone.

"But mom..."

"I am not finished yet," she rose her hand and Jungkook gulped mouthful. Everything inside his body hurt. "I stopped him. I cried and begged him to at least let you take the exams. I took the guarantee that you will behave. You are our son. Didn't you feel any shame to do all this right below our noses? What did not we do to give you the best life? Hm? Your father works so hard so he can give you the best education or a good home to sleep in. He does extra time so you two can eat well. Didn't you think once about us before doing this to us? A man, Jungkook? A man? I feel disgusted to even look at you. Not only you broke our trust but you broke our hearts. " Shay's tears rolled out of her eyes and she stood up.

"You are taking the exams and you will be going to an online college in Busan after this. You are in no condition to pose demands now. You have lost that privilege." With that, she walked away, crashing Jungkook's little world of hopes and dreams.

Chapter Text

Jungkook carried his heavy heart and legs as he stepped into the room and locked it. He had lost all respect in his family's eyes and also himself. The words made him feel like he was the most worthless thing on earth.

He did not dare to come out and face his father. Momo knocked on his room and looked at him in a corner of the floor. "Oppa, what happened?" She asked and Jungkook did not want her to aid him anymore. He has lost his respect in front of his parents and he did not want the same fate for his sister. 

"Go away. I don't want to talk." Jungkook stood up and tried to push her out but the girl was resilient and strong. 

"I won't. You are telling me everything." She pried herself away from Jungkook's grip.

The boy stood like a mannequin, blank face and pained eyes. "They know. Someone told dad in his office that he saw me getting in the car with Jimin." Jungkook's voice was stable but his eyes were pouring. Momo felt like her heart was hit by a sledgehammer because she knew her parents. This meant that it would be the end of the world of Jungkook. 

"You should talk to Jimin." She offered her phone but the boy shook his head.

"I don't want to."

**

It was already the night. Just 6 days were left now until the final exams. Jungkook wanted to avoid getting in trouble, specially around this time, but he realized that he did everything opposite to not fall into this pit. He regretted everything.

His father never left for office without saying goodbye to both kids but today. When Mr. Jeon ignored Jungkook like he did not exist, he felt like a knife pierced through his skin, cutting the tissues deep inside and finally pricked his heart.

He hated everything. He knew he was pathetic. Now he felt like a complete loser. All the things seemed to him like a laid-out plan. He was so dense to fall into the snare easily as he thought about how he was alarmed by that one call that changed his life.

Only if he told his parents about it, he would have had no problems today. Talking to Jimin seemed like the biggest mistake to him now.

He regretted stepping out of the bus that day, he regretted flunking tuitions, lying to Niz to go and meet Jimin, he regretted catching feelings, and he regretted being someone who brought shame on his family. What would not he do to go back in time and correct everything?

Momo suddenly came running into his room with her phone in hand. "Jimin is on the other line. Talk to him." She said with urgency in her tone and kept looking outside to check on her mother.

"I don't want to talk to anyone. Please, Momo... I won't ever talk to Jimin. I lost my everything because of Jimin." Jungkook spoke blankly. He tried to lock his feelings for Jimin in a corner of his heart and only punished himself in the hands of regret.

Jimin on the other line felt like his heart stopped. He hardly cried but if he did, it was when he was truly hurt. Tears ran right out of his eyes as he heard his precious baby's broken voice and the eerie words. "MOMO... PUT ME ON SPEAKER." The man yelled and the girl did.

"You are on, but hurry. Mom will be back any minute." 

Momo threw the phone on Jungkook's bed and closed the door to restrict the loud voice inside as she ran out. "Honey... Jungkook? Baby talk to me. I know you are hurt and I know you think you hurt your parents but they are equally hurting you. You don't deserve to be treated like this. Trust me. You can love anyone you want, it is you who gets to decide who you love and not your parents. Baby? Please say something." Jimin was desperate but Jungkook only stared at the phone while tears ran through his eyes. 

"Jungkook, Love... Don't worry about a thing. It's good that they know. Okay? They would have found out anyway. You worry only about your exams. I am taking you away from them after you are done with school here. Baby? You there? Please talk to me. At least let me hear your voice." Jimin begged and begged but Jungkook did not speak.

When the line disconnected, Jimin's hands itched to call back but he knew that he did not want any more trouble for his baby.

Shay was holding Momo's phone and staring at Jungkook. The boy looked like a walking dead body. He did not care anymore, as if he had engulfed all the emotions inside his body and the pain scratched him inside out, causing him to just cry silently. 

He knew that Momo's phone was also a goner now. Jungkook did not speak and walked out of his room, leaving his mother behind. He looked at Momo crying in the living room and her cheek was swollen and red. He knew she was hit by his mother and he felt his pain intensified. It was all because of him. He brought everyone pain because he decided to greedily fall in love.

**

The next morning, Jungkook woke up with determination. He would make everything right and win back his parent's trust. The only problem was, underneath his smiling face, there was an aching heart that cried for Jimin like a sobbing kid. The love of his life who he lost too soon. 

He went to the dining table and greeted his father, "Good morning, Appa." The man looked down and replied slowly, without looking at Jungkook at all. The determination wavered immediately and Jungkook's face quivered to cry right there. His father did not even want to look at him now.

Shay on the other hand was not as much grim as Jungkook's father. "Honey, I was thinking to go somewhere after the kids are done with the exams. What do you think?" She asked, trying to make the son and the father talk, but it was difficult.

Mr. Jeon stood up and walked away. Shay sighed and sat beside Jungkook, now not uttering a word as she ate. Minutes passed.

"He needs time, but he will come around." She nodded and Jungkook stretched a smile on his face forcefully. 

"I will make sure he does." 

"He trusted you, Jungkook. He always had a soft spot for you more than his daughter but you broke his trust. He had no clue at all and the reality came crashing to him, that too a stranger told him that his son was a homosexual. How shameful must have it been for him? Imagine." Shay spoke slowly.

Jungkook agreed. The way he was brought up, he was instilled with the orthodox thoughts where he was told that anything that was not acceptable by the society, was taboo, and it brought shame to the family. He knew that his father's head was let down by only him but few words rang a bell in Jungkook's mind. "Why did his mother say that only his father had no clue about it? Did it mean his mother knew and did not tell him? But why? Was she waiting for something to happen?"

**

Jimin was with Do Jihan in a sports bar. His veins inside the eyes were red and it looked like he was high on substance. "Did you use again?" The older asked.

"I had to. It helps me think."

"What did you think then?" The older scoffed in sarcasm.

"I have paid the security guard of Mr. Jeon's office. I am not surprised. It was Hoseok who went there. The guard recognized him." Jimin said as he gripped the mug handle of the beer.

"I told you I did not trust Hoseok." Jihan stared at Jimin. "What are you thinking of doing now?"

"Whatever needs to be done. I will make him cry as much as my Jungkook did." Jimin calmly gulped the drink.

"Don't do anything for now. Leave him be... I will investigate further. I am sure he has a weakness too."

"Everyone has. Mine happens to be Jungkook and they know that," Jimin smirked grimly. "They played well. I was stupid to think, even momentarily, that Taehyung will let this go."

"You can't stand against him, Jimin. He has a majority on his side." Jihan stated the obvious.

"But Jungkook is on my side. That has got to count for something. Ain't it?" Jimin smiled and Jihan nodded at him slowly with keen eyes. 

"By the way, did Jungkook come to your house?" Jihan chuckled. 

"How do you know-"

Jihan guffawed and Jimin joined him surprisingly. "Why are you laughing?" Jihan asked. 

"My neighbors- because I know exactly what is happening now. Oh, Taehyung!" Jimin let out another one of his rambunctious laughs.

"What do you mean?" Jihan asked and Jimin stopped all at once.

"You will know once I kill a mother fucker."

Chapter Text

A week passed like that, nothing much changed. Jungkook was silent and nobody talked when Mr. Jeon was around. Though they ate together, Jungkook was ignored at all times. He felt as if he was made to walk really slow in front of his parents after being snatched off of his clothes. He felt naked at all times. He was rushing to go to school for appearing in his first exam. Mr. Jeon was giving him side-eye and Mrs. Jeon was dreading. 

She convinced her husband to let him finish school but she did not know if the man would break at any minute. Jungkook felt giddy excitement and nervousness. He thought that if Jimin remembered his exam date, he might come to see Jungkook.

With a determined sigh, he left home and prayed to God to be merciful on him. As much as he studied and was confident, this last week really sucked. He could not even talk to Jerry or Bush. His confidence was shaking now but he had to glide through. 

Without saying anything, he left the house with his sister and saw a car on the road, a green and familiar one. As if he was dead inside, he ignored it like it was nothing. Uncle Muk was already waiting and the man drove the kids away. Jungkook did not bother to look back on the road and kept his gaze on the book.

**

Jimin was running around the house, trying to find a shirt but he was unable to. "What are you trying to find?" His mother asked and Jimin sighed. 

"How many times do I have to tell you to not put my things away," he was irritated and his face was twitching. Mrs. Park immediately held his hand. 

"Let me." 

She found the shirt for Jimin and the man ran to change. In few minutes, he came back running and Mrs. Park knew that Jimin was anxious to see Jungkook. "He still did not talk?" She asked and Jimin did not say anything. "Give him some space, honey. He will come around."

"One week was space enough," Jimin took his car key and dashed right outside. 

He was late on purpose. He did not want to spoil the day for Jungkook before the exam but he was determined to catch Jungkook after. He did not realize that he was too early for that. He would have to spend three hours waiting. 

**

Shay called Niz and told her everything. Niz was extremely worried about the boy and she wanted to meet him comfort him. She decided to go to Jungkook's place and stay over for two days to reduce the tension at home and also make the boy at ease. 

She was getting ready when Niz's mother called her. "What is it eomma?" She asked.

"Is everything okay with Shay and the kids?" The elder asked.

"Everything is fine, eomma. Jungkook has exams so I want to wish him luck. I will be back tomorrow night." She assured her but the mother knew that something was really wrong. She could tell by Niz's face. 

"Tell Kookie that Nanna misses him. Tell him to do good and I will buy him a nice video game that the kids play these days." The mother said innocently and Niz smiled.

"He already has a video game, eomma. But we will buy him something else," She beamed and the elder also smiled. "I have asked the maid to stay here for tonight. Call me if you have any issues anytime." Niz instructed and the old lady nodded. 

Niz soon left to surprise the boy when he came back from school. She only hoped she could cheer him up. 

**

Jungkook wrote his exam for hours and when he was finally done, he sighed. Thankfully he did well. The year-long studies did not go to waste. Jerry was out and so was Bush. They met in the playground and Jungkook did not feel like telling anything to them. Nevertheless, it felt nice to breathe freely without feeling constant despair.

"How did it go?" Bush asked and Jungkook nodded. 

"It was great. I think I will score greatly," Jungkook replied but his eyes caught a glimpse of Jimin by the school gate. The man had entered inside and was moving towards the Principal's office. "I will be back. You guys go ahead and eat." He told the two boys and rushed towards the exit.

When Jimin saw Jungkook, he stopped and kept looking at him. His eyes were as if thirsty and he wanted to take in all of Jungkook at once. His throat felt tight and his eyes threatened to spill. "What are you doing here?" Jungkook whispered in fear as he inched closer

"I was dying to see you and talk to you baby." Jimin tried to raise his hand to hold Jungkook's face but the boy swatted it away. 

"I can't do this anymore Jimin. I can't. I let my family down and I want to win them back." Jungkook looked away as he spewed those words.

"What are you talking about? Letting down by loving someone? They are the ones who are letting their own kid down by making him feel ashamed of his choices," Jungkook did not speak and just looked at the ground. "Do you not want me anymore Jungkook? Does it mean that I will be cut out of your life?" Jimin asked softly.

"I am doing what I have to Jimin. I cannot be with both of you and I choose my family." 

"The family that doesn't respect you or your choices at all? The same family that does not allow you to do shit?" Jimin raised his voice a little and Jungkook flinched. The man sighed and closed his eyes. "Baby, listen to me. Come with me. I will take care of you with my life. I will love you like you have not ever been loved. Please, don't do this to us. Just say yes and let's go. I will love you... So much. More than my own life." Jimin began to tear up at the end but controlled. 

"I can't Jimin. I won't. I told you, I choose family." Jungkook turned around so he would not have to look. He knew if he looked at Jimin, he would melt.

"Use the phone I gave you if you can. Here is a new sim card," Jimin took out a small packet from his pocket and held it for Jungkook. The boy did not accept but Jimin slid it into Jungkook's pocket. "Please baby, I beg you, don't choose them. I am the right choice." Jimin said slowly and left. 

Jungkook ran back inside the school, the boys were done eating. Jungkook sighed. "Hurry, eat before we leave," Jerry called the boy but Jungkook shook his head.

"I will eat at home."

They soon left and after travelling for one hour, Jungkook reached home. He knew he would face the gruff behaviour of his parents all over again but it all changed and a spike of serotonin ran in his body when he saw his aunt. "Aunty," He ran inside and hugged her. He thought to cry his heart out but he could not. 

Jungkook did not know if Niz knew about him but he did not want her to feel less of him. So he decided to not say anything to her. 

"Jungkook... You did not return." Niz chuckled and Jungkook reciprocated.

"I will definitely come and spend some time with you after exams." The boy promised. 

Chapter Text

Jungkook was busy writing his second last exam. He knew Jimin was right outside the school. He did not talk to the man after that day or never tried to turn on the new phone. He was willing to return the gifts that Jimin gave him on the day of the last exam so he could go back home with all ties cut off. 

Today, Jimin was not at Jungkook's school because he had other things planned. He knocked at the door and after few seconds, a lady opened the door. "Hello maám. You might not know me but I am Jungkook's friend and you are his aunt. Am I right?" He asked the lady.

"I am Nizzie," She nodded. "What's your name?" She suspected only one surprise guest here but she had to be sure.

"Jimin." He replied. 

Niz opened the door and let the younger in. 

"Please come in..." She welcomed him into the house and made him sit in the living room. Jungkook's grandparents usually rested in their rooms as they were old and weak. They did not even detect Jimin's presence in the house. Niz asked the maid to bring water and offered it to Jimin before they started talking.

"What is it, honey? How can I help you?" The lady broke the silence when she sensed hesitation from Jimin.

"I am assuming you know about me." Jimin spoke gently and looked at the lady who sat across the couch.

"I do, but only from one perspective. I want to know the second. Explain it to me." Niz asked calmly

"My full name is Park Jimin. My father owns the Park interior and decor business in Busan," Niz nodded, she was aware of the name. The Parks were prominent.

"Go on, please." Niz encouraged the young man.

Jimin went on to tell everything to Niz without hiding anything except about his illness. He told her how he got in touch with Jungkook through false identity, about the stalking, their date, also about how Jimin introduced Jungkook to his family, and last but not the least, how Jimin wanted to take Jungkook away from here. 

Niz sighed at the end. "I understand. What do you want me to do now?" She asked with a small smile.

Jimin looked down and was perplexed at how well Niz took everything. "I want Jungkook and I know he loves me too. He is just too broken without the support and he thinks he has done wrong to his parents by letting his heart wander in the streets of his feelings. I think you are the only one he would listen to. Please make him understand. He is choosing his parents and they are wrong. Trust me when I say this, I will love him and protect him with my life." Jimin's eyes burned and he blinked them frantically to not let the tears out. 

"I know he is choosing the wrong side." Niz surprised Jimin with her words. The man looked at her in bewilderment. 

"So, you are saying that you are willing to help?" Jimin reconfirmed. 

"I am saying that my Jungkook deserves love. He is far too innocent for this cruelty." Niz had tears in her eyes and Jimin could swear he saw pain behind the tears. 

"I wish to take him away... I don't know if you are going to report this or sit on it. I am telling you anyway as you are the only older I trust from Jungkook's family and he would be at ease to know that you know." Jimin stood up and bowed to leave.

"I won't say anything. Take him away. Take him far away and keep him safe," Niz wiped her tears and smiled. "You have my blessings."

Jimin smiled and held Niz's hands gently in respect. "Thank you,"

"I am your Aunt as well." Niz chuckled and Jimin's heart warmed now. He caught that last sliver of hope that was seemingly getting farther away from him. 

"Thank you, Aunty. I will be going then."

"Don't you want to stay for lunch?" Niz asked with her mischievous smile, making Jimin perplexed.

**

Jungkook was done with his exam and was on his way back home. He got off the bus and saw the cars again. At this point, he did not mind the cars. Oddly enough, he did not see Jimin which worried him but he realized the sooner he cut all ties with Jimin the better. 

Uncle Muk was driving him back home and suddenly he made a sharp turn towards his aunt's house. Jungkook looked around and then at the uncle. "Where are you going?"

"Madam called me and told me to drop you at your aunt's place today." Uncle Muk replied.

Jungkook was happy but also surprised. Shay never let him go anywhere or stay with Niz alone but today she herself allowed it. He thought there must be a reason. Momo went back home with the driver, leaving the boy alone. Nevertheless, he got off and happily rang the bell. 

Jungkook noticed a car parked outside the house but this was a new car he had not seen before. Niz beamed as she opened the door and Jungkook showed her his best smile. "How is my baby?" She asked. 

"I am well, Aunty. How are you?" Jungkook asked and they started walking inside. 

"I am good as usual. Are you hungry? Did you eat?" 

"I am a little hungry. I did not eat at school." Jungkook replied and then his eyes fell on Jimin sitting in the living room. His legs stopped moving as he halted and Niz smiled. She took Jungkook's bag and walked into her room, giving a little privacy to the younger. 

"Jungkook... Baby," Jimin stood up and his eyes threatened to cry looking at Jungkook this close after days. 

The boy's chin started to quiver and Jimin took long steps towards him to hold him. Jungkook let Jimin wrap his arms around his body but he did not hug the man back. He started crying incessantly and Jimin rubbed his back. "It's all good, honey. It's good. You are fine. You are here, I am here with you."

Jungkook did not speak and only pulled away after a minute. Jimin's face turned disheartened. Niz came out of her room and held Jungkook's hand to walk him inside. She made him sit on the couch and gave him water. The boy kept crying and so did Niz. Both the adults were hurt looking at their baby hurt. 

"What are you doing here?" Jungkook at last asked slowly and kept his stare at the ground. 

"I came here to ask your Aunt's blessings but I did not know I could meet you." Jimin crouched down in front of the sofa and wiped Jungkook's tears. 

"I can't be here. Mom will kill me." Jungkook began sobbing hard again and Niz hugged him. Looking at his vulnerable self, it was not easier for the two to stay calm themselves. They tried their best but they could not make Jungkook feel better.

Chapter Text

As they sat to eat, Jungkook did not look at Jimin and the latter only looked at Jungkook. Niz sat beside the boy and served him food. "Honey, I will tell you a story today."

Jungkook looked at Niz and she pointed at his plate to start eating. Jungkook picked up the chopsticks and took his first bite. "It is about two princesses. One was 10 years older than the second one. They were born in a happy family but their parents were strict, just like yours." Jimin started eating after he saw Jungkook eat. 

Niz looked at both the kids and smiled. "One day, a prince came into the city and the older princess fell in love with him but she could not go and meet him because the king did not permit her." She continued while eating.

"But the princess was stubborn. She loved the prince so she asked her younger sister to help her. She wrote a letter to the prince and gave it to the little princess to hand it over to the prince when he came out for the rally." Jungkook tilted his head. 

"Why did not she call the prince?" He asked and Jimin looked down. 

"Because there were no phones in the kingdom at the ancient time."

Jungkook nodded and giggled a little. Jimin suddenly looked up to capture the beautiful sight into his eyes. "Then what happened?" Jungkook was now interested in the story that his hands automatically moved to his mouth with food.

"Then... This kept going on and on. The little princess became the messenger and she would be happy to see her sister happy. The prince loved the little princess and she loved the prince too. The prince gave her candies." Jimin smiled at Niz briefly.

"One day, King found out about the little adventure of two sisters. He imprisoned the princess inside a dark and big room. The little princess was not allowed to see the older one. Days passed. When prince did not hear anything from princess anymore, he left and went on to marry another princess from another kingdom."

"That's sad." Jungkook pouted. 

"It is," Niz caressed his hair up. "Years passed, the little princess was not little anymore. She grew up and another prince came to the city. This time... The little one fell in love."

Jungkook smiled. "What happened then?"

"The little princess was afraid because she had seen how the king got angry with her older sister. She would not dare to talk to the prince. The prince was beautiful. He was tall and had black curly hair, he had blue eyes, and when he smiled everything stopped." Niz said dreamily.  

"Did they end up together?" Asked Jungkook.

"They ended up with the same fate," Niz assured. "The prince wanted to talk but the princess was afraid. One day, when the princess was coming back home from her archery lessons, the prince threw a paper on her feet. Princess became afraid, she thought about her older sister again and her pain. She ignored the paper and lurked towards her mansion's gate when a voice stopped her."

"Whose voice was it?" Jungkook asked, mouth agape in curiosity.

"It was the prince. He had the most melodious voice. When the princess heard the voice, her feet stopped. The prince said, Please, take it with you. This is for you." Niz smiled. "The princess could not say no to that voice. She quickly hid the paper in her bow and got into the house."

"Why did not you tell me this story when I was a kid?" Jungkook asked, almost whined. 

"All in good time, honey. You are listening to this now." Niz ruffled his hair and served him another portion before she continued. "She took the letter and read it in her room. Little did she know, someone was watching her with her envious eyes. The princess did not know. She twirled on her feet happily and sang with what she felt. She was careless, all ready to fly but then something happened." Niz sighed. 

"The princess went to sleep and when she woke up, the queen was standing in front of her and she was angry. The princess got scared, she asked the queen what was her mistake and the queen said, you broke my trust, I trusted you. You deserve punishment too."

The words made Jungkook squirm. "The princess was then dragged to the darkest dungeon and was thrown inside. She cried and begged to let her out but no one listened. She saw her older sister standing outside the dungeon gate. She reached out to her and said, Sister, please help me. I am scared of the dark. Please let me out. Please tell mother that I did nothing wrong."

"The sister smirked, she held out the letter of the prince and spat at the little sister. She asked, you were doing this behind our backs?  The little princess cried. She argued, she asked. Why is it a bad thing to fall in love? My prince is waiting to take me away from this cove." 

"The older princess turned grim, her eyes showed no empathy. She shook her head, You are not stepping foot from this dungeon, for you are the princess, who committed treason. All you deserve is getting beaten by a truncheon."

"But she helped the older princess, why did she do that?" Jungkook asked angrily. 

"I... Don't know." Niz turned around and wiped her tears before turning towards Jungkook and smiled. 

**

Jungkook was back at home night after his father picked him on the way from the office. He could not think anything other than the story of the princess.  

"What did she mean by the prince having the same fate?" He kept thinking when Momo knocked at his door. He let her in.

"I got a text from Jimin. Did you... Decide to leave?" She asked. 

Jungkook breathed in slowly and thought. "No. I choose you. I choose my family." 

Momo felt a flicker of happiness because she did not want to lose her brother but she felt ounces of sadness because she also did not want her brother to go through this ordeal. Nonetheless, she respected his decision. She nodded her head dejectedly and turned to leave.

"Wait," Jungkook stopped her and went to his bed, he leaned down to pull something from under the mattress. "You have the phone, this is something Jimin had given me earlier. You need to return these things to him as soon as possible." 

Momo wanted to say something but she did not. She took the bunny pendant and left the room silently.

Jungkook sighed. "One last exam and I will make everything right, mom." 

**

Later at night, Jungkook found Jin coming into the house. He had a black eye which seemed like it healed to a great extent but the older still did not look his handsome self. "Jin, Hyung... What happened to you?"

Jungkook ran towards the older and tried to touch the spot. Jin pulled away and chuckled. "I hit my head on the car's stereo. Don't worry about it." 

Jungkook sensed something but he could not understand what? Was it Jin's body language or was it his face that looked like he was hiding something or was it something else?

"Okay..." Jungkook blinked slowly. "Mom is in the kitchen." He informed the older and began to walk away but Jin held Jungkook's hand.

"Actually, I am here to talk to you," Jungkook's blood got lost and he suddenly went pale, realizing what could Jin had to say. "I think you know that I know about you and Jimin," he told the boy and Jungkook broke into sweat. "Don't worry, I have not told your mom and I am not going to."

Jungkook puffed but what more could this information do? It was not like his parents did not know already but Jin could tell them more things about him and Jimin. "I saw you in the movie theater," Jin spoke.

Jungkook defensively stepped back. "Were you spying on me?" He asked.

"What? No, no... Jungkook. That day, It was a complete coincidence." 

"What do you mean that day? Did you follow me any other day?" Jungkook was confused.

"Alright alright, I will tell you everything. But you have to hear me out, okay? Listen to my side of story."

Jungkook nodded.

Chapter Text

"Okay, I only followed you and kept an eye on you because... I did not want you with Jimin. I only wanted you to... Be with me." Jin confessed and Jungkook looked at him, disgusted. Initially, Jungkook had a crush on Jin, years back but he did not feel anything for him. 

"Well, you can't have me. I don't love you. I only love Jimin." Jungkook uttered the words out loud and it gave him clarity on his thoughts. No matter how hard he was trying to push him away, he really loved Jimin.

"Choose wisely, Jungkook. I don't think your mother would want to know about your little detours." Jin warned and Jungkook scoffed. He stormed towards his room but Jin caught him. Jungkook swatted his hand away.

"You are blackmailing me, aren't you? Guess what? They already know." Jungkook declared and Jin as if lost the battle.

He only had one ace in his pocket. He wanted to scare and blackmail Jungkook into leaving Jimin and choosing him. He never intended to tell those things to Shay. Otherwise, he would have done it by now. Jin was sitting on that information for so long just to use it at this right moment.

Now that Jin's strategy failed, he suddenly changed his demeanor a bit. "I am sorry, but I really like you Jungkook. Please give me a chance. I am better than Jimin or Taehyung."

"As I said, I don't love you, but even if I did. My parents would never agree to a homosexual relationship."

"Your mother will approve of me."

"No, she won't," Jungkook replied wryly.

"Why not? She trusted me enough to look after you all these months."

"My mother asked you to do what?" Jungkook felt deceived. Jin realized his slip of the tongue. "Tell me Hyung," Jungkook teared up. "Since when are you doing this?"

"About 2 months." 

**

Jimin was at home, peaceful in the solitude of his dark room. He was happy after weeks. Seeing Jungkook and getting the blessings of his Aunt definitely did it for him. He had a small smile on as he hummed a song.

He was arranging things day and night. He was making sure that his actions would not cause any trouble to his family after he was gone. By now, he had arranged a hideout far away from the city. Jungkook was not of legal age to get married yet so Jimin planned to stay hidden until his 18th birthday and then come back in town after Jungkook was rightfully his husband.

Tomorrow was Jungkook's last exam. He had decided that the day after the exam to finally put an end to the boy's misery. He knew Jungkook loved him and he saw the hesitation in the boy today. He was content that Jungkook did not really move on. He still had hope. He knew if he showed up and asked for Jungkook's hand, the boy would go with him. 

He did not realize that his phone was buzzing. He looked and recognized the number. "It must be Momo." He quickly picked the call and spoke. 

"Momo..."

"It's me." Jungkook spoke slowly.

Jimin felt butterflies in his stomach. "Jungkook... I am so happy to hear your voice, once again. How are you, my baby?"

"I have been better." Jungkook replied and Jimin felt the pain and how broken his Jungkook was.

"I will make things right, honey. Just trust me. I will come to get you the day after tomorrow. I am sure Momo had told you everything but I am reminding you again. Don't sleep. I will be there at sharp 3:15. Wear black and loose clothes for the... Travel." Jimin avoided using words like running away. He did not want to set panic in the younger's heart.

"I am not coming, Jimin. I called you to tell you that I am not. I can't do that to my parents." Jungkook was adamant by his words but his thoughts were literally shaking and was hung by a thread. Did his parents really mean well to him? Did his parents really cared about his happiness?

Jimin sighed defeatedly. "I will still wait for you. Keep the phone with you that night." Jimin was also not backing down.

"I wanted to tell you that Jin Hyung came today." Jungkook told everything to Jimin and the man squinted his eyes. Jungkook told him that Jin was spying on him for months after his mother asked him to and also about his confession.

"Wait a minute. Can you repeat the exact sentence he said about giving you a chance?" Jimin sat up on the bed. 

"He said, I am sorry, but I really like you Jungkook. Please give me a chance. I am better than Jimin or Taehyung."

"Baby, Jin does not know Taehyung and Taehyung never knew about Jin. Hell! I did not know Jin before you told me about him." Jimin suddenly connected the dots.

"How does it matter?" Jungkook asked, not really understanding.

"It does baby. Think about it, I don't think I told Jin about Taehyung and you did not tell him either. Jin saw you with me. He did not see you with Taehyung. He should not have known about Taehyung at all. It only means that Jin was in touch with Taehyung somehow." Jimin felt anger all over his body. 

"What are you saying?" Jungkook asked, his heartbeat increasing with Jimin's worried tone.

"I am saying that Jin double-crossed your mother, that mother fucker!" Jimin started chuckling like a maniac. Jungkook felt uneasy at the dark tone that Jimin used but the focus was not on Jimin right now so ignored it. 

"I don't understand anything," Jungkook said with his confused and concerned face. 

"My sweet baby, think. Taehyung was silent all these weeks but was he really? He has been plotting. He wanted to scare you so you would leave me. That phone call, those cars... Nothing worked. You kept talking to me. He then found a perfect candidate for the Job, Jin. The man knew your family inside out, he knew about your weaknesses and Taehyung hit you right where it hurt from behind the shadows. This was a perfect plan. You hate me now and your parents know about us, that's what Taehyung wanted."

"I don't hate you." Jungkook replied quickly but that was not what Jimin was getting at. Even then, Jimin felt relieved.

"I wondered why Hoseok went to your father's office? Baby... Those letters. Those letters were meant to break us up. That is why they were sent to your house so your parents would know, but when that did not happen, Taehyung sent Hoseok directly to your father's office."

Jungkook realized something and began to pant sharply. "Jimin..."

The man noticed Jungkook's panicked breathing. "Baby you don't need to worry, just come with me. Come to me and all will be okay."

"No... Jimin...Listen to me. It was Jin. I smelled the same cologne on him tonight as I smelled that night. It is not suspicion. It was Jin who delivered those letters." Jungkook began to cry again.

"Baby...Shhh... Don't cry. I beat that freak once, next time, I am going to kill him. I really underestimated him." Jimin said menacingly and Jungkook felt panic rose in his stomach. "Don't cry or else I will go shoot him right now."

Jungkook immediately stopped.

"Jimin... When did you beat Jin Hyung?" He asked suspiciously.

Jimin stopped talking before he sighed. "He was spying on you and I was also there to make sure you were safe. I was particularly angry that day... It happened in the heat of the moment." Jimin closed his eyes.

"You knew he was spying on me? You never thought to tell me. And why were you spying on me?" Jungkook felt like no one understood him. His mother broke his trust and his lover lied to him, hid things from him. He was not sure if Jimin was also hiding things from him. He felt misguided.

"Honey, I only was there to make sure you were safe from Taehyung. I did not want you to be afraid or worried and that's why I did not tell you. That's when I saw Jin. I did it only with good intention." Jimin explained. 

"No, Jimin. You did it because you did not want Taehyung to talk to me or get in touch with me. You are a liar. Who knows what you told about Taehyung are not lies either? Maybe Taehyung is not that bad as you made him in front of my eyes." Jungkook spoke what he felt but Jimin did not take it well.

"Oh, is it? You think I would lie to you just so Taehyung could not talk to you, huh? What do you think of me Jungkook?"

"I don't know anymore. Anyone's biggest strength is their family and when the family is the one who broke their trust, it is very unfortunate. Where would the person turn to now? I was misled by my family and manipulated by my lover. I have no one I can trust." Jungkook cried softly and Jimin's demeanor changed to a soft one. 

"Baby, please... Trust me."

"How can I trust you? You have been lying to me and I don't even know if you even lied to me to get me. Maybe Taehyung is not the one I should be scared of. Maybe it is you." Jungkook disconnected the call and turned off the phone. He began to cry and asked God what did he do wrong that he was going through hell?

Jimin looked at the blank screen and felt something hot on his cheeks. He touched to see the wetness of tears. He did not know he was capable of crying before. The words hurt him deeply. 

Chapter Text

Jimin instantly called SeoJoon's older brother who was a doctor and he was also the one who provided medicines to Jimin for Jungkook twice.

Jimin went on to tell the doctor everything and the man promised him that SeoJoon would not be involved in all this. He wanted SeoJoon to become a doctor and not get involved in this tomfoolery at all. The man thanked Jimin to have informed him about all this.

Jimin thought about many things. How did Jin get in touch with Taehyung? What did Taehyung want to do with Jin? Many things were not adding up. Jimin knew that Taehyung was at the play now. 

He also assumed that Taehyung must have asked Jin to perhaps send in the third letter but Jin could not do it. Now that Park SeoJoon was out of the picture, Park Hyunsik, and Choi Minho along with Hosoek and Jin were left. Jimin had no problem dealing with Jin because he knew that the older could not do much harm to Jungkook anyway. He just needed to take care of his neighbors Park Hyunsik, and Choi Minho along with Hoseok. 

Jimin called Do Jihan.

"Hello!" The older spoke.

"What did you find?" Jimin asked. 

"I am still working on it. But what should interest you is that Hoseok left Busan and went back to his hometown."

"That's not the problem now, is it? I will hunt him from anywhere once I am back." Jimin replied calmly.

He kept thinking about the other two people, his neighbors when one of them texted Jimin.

Hey, Let's talk.

Jimin stared at the phone and then kept it aside without responding. "Why do you want to talk, Minho?" He chuckled. "Let's talk then. It should be interesting." Jimin had everything ready either way. He just hoped that Jungkook would go with him. He assumed there was no harm in talking to Minho. Perhaps, it could lead him to what Taehyung might be thinking of doing next.

**

The next morning, Jungkook handed the phone back to Momo. "Tell Jimin to get it out of your hands today. I don't want you to have trouble during holidays and also, don't forget to give him that pendant." 

Momo looked at Jungkook. "Are you sure? You don't seem too happy about it." She asked with sorrow in her voice. On one side, she was happy that Jungkook was staying but she was also worried about her brother's happiness. Jimin was his first love and it broke her heart to see Jungkook walking away from him like that.

"I will wait for uncle Muk outside." Jungkook did not respond and moved away. On the way out, he found Momo's friend Lily running towards the door. Momo had her exam in the second shift of the day so Jungkook was going alone to school. He did not bother to ask her if there was any problem. 

Lily rushed in and Jungkook saw uncle Muk coming his way. He got in the cab and left for school. Today was peaceful, no one was following him and he silently took out his book to start reading. 

**

Taehyung was prancing in his room, checking things and getting anxious. "I will meet my Jungkook today," He smiled as he mumbled those words. "Now that Jimin is out of the picture, I know you will accept me. I can feel it."

On his bed, there was his outfit ready that he would wear and there was one small box kept right on top of his silver blouse. He opened it and his smile widened 10 folds. "You are going to love it, babe. It will look so good on you." Taehyung pulled out a silver chain matching bracelet set. 

His room was knocked and Taehyung looked back. "I am busy." He replied and the maid left breakfast on the table before disappearing. 

Taehyung sighed and took his clothes to get changed. It was about time to see Jungkook. 

**

Jimin was waiting for Minho in a cafe and looking at the time, he was getting late. "Jungkook must be on his way. I should just leave." He mumbled but saw Minho and Hyunsik walk into the cafe. 

"Sorry, we are late." They spoke in unison as if they were practicing it.

"I don't have much time. Hurry, be out with it." Jimin spoke sternly and they both sat on either side of Jimin. 

"We thought to inform you Jimin," The two looked at each other and then slung their arms across Jimin's shoulders. "that you are a corrupt bitch and you don't deserve to get away with the prize after backstabbing your friend." 

Jimin smirked and pushed their hands away, trying to get up but Minho held his hands while Hyunsik attacked his head all of sudden. Hyunsik broke a glass bottle on Jimin's head and the blood started oozing right out. Jimin did not care about his injury but panic rose in his mind for Jungkook. The boy must be in danger. This was all a distraction, he now knew.

"You know what?" Jimin started chuckling. "You are not so different than I." He elbowed Minho who groaned and bent down. Jimin saw Hyunsik charge at him again but before he could actually hit, Jimin used Hyunsik's momentum force to let him collide with Minho and ran right out. Before Minho and Hynsik could follow, the man was already gone in his car. 

Jimin held his head with one hand and drove frantically. The blood was not letting him see clearly so he opened the glove compartment while driving and took out the first aid box. With the same hand, he opened the box and managed to pull out cotton pads. He dabbed the cotton on his head and cotton soaked the blood, not allowing it to drip for some time. 

He increased over the speed limit and rushed towards Jungkook's route. 

**

Jungkook had tears in his eyes when he got off the bus. The last day of school and bidding adieu from his friends made him emotional. He missed Jimin badly and felt the dread of not being able to continue his relationship. Moreover, he did not see Jimin today so his heart was not in a stable condition. He saw Momo was at the bus stop, all ready to get on the bus for her second shift exam. 

"Check under your bed." The girl told Jungkook hastily. Jungkook got confused and eager as he began to move towards his cab. Uncle Muk was here as always. Jungkook got inside the cab and they moved towards the house. It was the same highway where Jungkook first saw Taehyung or where he first saw Taehyung and Jimin together. If he moved few miles ahead, his grandparent's home was on the right and his own house was further one mile away. 

The road was not so busy, few vehicles were moving but Jungkook suddenly saw a familiar green one. He sighed, thinking it was the last day that he would have to go through this. Anyway, his dream to go to Seoul Arts University was shattered. He did not know what the future held for him. He assumed his mother will make him attend online school.

As he levelled with the green car, it started following him. This was strange to Jungkook. He had the cars follow him but not up close like this. Jungkook asked Uncle to slow down. The car slowed down as well. Jungkook was now sure that something was wrong. "Uncle, please hurry up." He panicked and the driver sensed the signal. He looked at the rearview mirror and saw the car indicating with its bumpers to stop and park aside. 

The driver of course did not follow and only increased the speed as they felt the loud crash from behind after Taehyung hit Jungkook's cab. The cab skewed and the driver pushed the brakes before it spiraled out of control. Jungkook yelled and saw the driver stuck between the steering wheel and the seat. "UNCLE!" He called the driver again but the man did not reply. He was in extreme pain as his body was squished, making it hard for him to breathe. 

Jungkook gasped himself. He did not have a seatbelt on so he collided with the front seat and leaped back to the back passenger seat, hurting his ribs. Taehyung got out of his car and rushed to open the backseat door. "Jungkook..." He called and Jungkook's hair on his body stood erect in a frenzy of fear. 

Chapter Text

Jungkook's head spun and he tried to look straight but he could not. The impact was not fatal but it was enough for the boy to be disoriented. He still yelled, "LEAVE ME! SOMEBODY HELP,THIS MAN IS KILLING ME!"

Taehyung chuckled. "I am not killing you, Kookie. I will take care of you. I will save you from the harsh world." He charged ahead and pulled Jungkook out. The boy could not stand on his feet and he dropped. Taehyung held him and carried him to his car. He made Jungkook sit on the front seat and tied the seatbelt around him before rushing to get on the driver's seat.

His phone suddenly rang and he saw Yoongi. Taehyung of course disconnected the call and floored it. Uncle Muk saw the green car whizzed past him, straight towards Jungkook's house. 

**

Earlier in the morning

Lily collided with Momo while panting. "What the hell is wrong with you?" She asked.

Lily shushed her. "Can we go and talk somewhere in private?" 

"Well, not here. My parents won't let us." Momo told her and Lily suddenly dragged the girl outside. As Momo walked out, she saw Jungkook leaving in Uncle Muk's cab. Lily kept dragging the girl to a big tree and they stood behind it. 

"Are you crazy? Trying to get me killed?" Momo looked back at her house gate that was open. 

"This is important," Lily was able to communicate this much with her words and body language.  "You know my brother has like the biggest crush on Jungkook Oppa, right?"

Momo scoffed. "Even that dog knows." She pointed at the stray that was scanning through the trashcan. 

"Zayn has found something. I think you should know about this." Lily took out a xerox copy of paper and Momo tilted her head to read it. 

**

Jimin's heart jumped up to his ears and sunk back to his stomach when he saw a crashed car and a little clamor around it. He pulled up and ran out of his car to see the horror. It was Jungkook's driver. He felt like the earth was lost under his feet. He heard no voices and just static ringing. His feet trudged him towards the driver and he leaned down to help the man get out of his stuck seat. 

He successfully pulled the man and Muk fell on the ground while weeping and yelling in pain. It was now that Jimin regained hearing voices. "Where is Jungkook?" He asked quickly.

"He took him. I saw his face and he had a green car. He pulled Jungkook out... They... They went this way." Muk pointed ahead while holding his stomach with one hand. Jimin ran back to his car. "Call an ambulance for him." He yelled at the people who were standing to watch the drama before speeding away.

He started panting and crying with loud voices. "My Jungkook. I told you to come with me... I will kill him if he lays a finger on you." He wept his tears. His left side including forehead, neck, and shoulder was drenched in blood. He called Do Jihan to tell him everything.

**

Taehyung drove for about 30 minutes. Jungkook was droopy as his head was hit, he had no scratch physically but he was hurt internally. The older reached this farmhouse he had bought and carried Jungkook inside. The boy was still not in full consciousness but he was aware of the surrounding. The place was cold and he started shivering. "Is my Kookie cold?" Taehyung asked slowly and held him even closer. 

"Jimin..." The boy spoke slowly and Taehyung felt anger. 

"No. It's Taehyung, Kookie. Your Taehyung. See, I bought you a new house. We will live here today and then I will take you far apart. Far from your mother and Jimin. They both hurt you. Didn't they? I knew you would be broken and alone. I knew you would need a shoulder to cry on. I am here, look. I am here for you. " 

"You did those things. You sent Jin to my house." Jungkook spoke slowly while his eyes remained close. 

"I did. But only to save you from Jimin. He is a monster, but let's not talk about him anymore. It is our first day together. I want us to start afresh. No more Jimin. He hurt you, I know."

"Why did you do that? Jin was my friend." Jungkook asked instead. 

"Kookie, he was never your friend. He was with you because he liked you. I could see it in his filthy eyes. He betrayed me too when he decided to confess his love to you." Taehyung chuckled. "He thought I would let a meager peasant like him to have you." 

Jungkook opened his eyes slowly and saw Taehyung was already tying him up to a bedpost. "I will never love you." Jungkook spoke with his teary eyes and squirmed to get out of the ties but he could not even look straight due to dizziness. 

"Oh Kookie, you have no option now. Your parents hate you and Jimin will never find you. You have no one else than me. The sooner you accept, the better it is for you. If you ask my opinion, I choose sooner, because I will make you the happiest. I will bring you everything you ask for. You would just have to name it. You will rule the world with me. Don't you want that?" Taehyung raised his hand to caress Jungkook's face and wiped his tears. "I will not hurt you, okay? I have a gift for you." He reached for the side pocket and pulled out a red velvet sleek box. 

"I hate you Taehyung. Jimin was right. You are not someone to trust. You are not even a human, you are the real monster." Taehyung's face discerned into silence before he looked down. Jungkook kept shaking and crying but he was not afraid anymore as he found himself face to face with his source of fear. 

Taehyung looked up slowly and held Jungkook by the neck, pulling him close and leaning towards him. Jungkook tried with all his strength to pull away. Taehyung joined his forehead with Jungkook while holding his nape. "The sooner the better Kookie. Hate me or love me. You only have me now." He took the hand away from Jungkook's nape and stood up from the bed. 

He took out the bracelets and slid them on both of Jungkook's wrists that were already tied. "This is the first. I will get you many more." Taehyung leaned to kiss Jungkook this time but the door started banging. Taehyung looked back and then looked at Jungkook. 

"JIMIN! IS THAT YOU? I AM IN HERE JIMIN!" Jungkook yelled with full strength and the banging on the door intensified. Taehyung walked towards it and looked through the peephole. He smiled and opened it.

Jungkook's eyes widened when he saw Do Jihan walk in. The older smiled and hugged Taehyung. Jungkook now lost all his hope. Do Jihan was someone Jimin trusted and if he was in on this, Jimin was alone now. Do Jihan broke the hug hastily and lurked towards Jungkook to tape his mouth shut. All the equipment to hold Jungkook hostage was in the room. Taehyung has been busy. 

"Hey, Easy there," Taehyung spoke. "Dont want my Kookie hurt." 

Do Jihan turned towards Taehyung and laughed. "You do care for him, huh?" Jihan laughed and Taehyung smirked. "I loved your planning. You were very thorough, except that there was one little flaw." Jihan stopped laughing all of the sudden and Taehyung squinted his eyes. " He loves Jimin." Do Jihan stated and Taehyung slyly stepped back to reach for an iron bar kept behind him.

Before Taehyung could hit Jihan, Jimin barged in and held Taehyung's hand. 

"Take him out," Jimin asked Jihan and the man quickly started untying Jungkook. The boy was confused and it was a lot to take in. As soon as his hands were freed, he waddled ahead to help Jimin who was fighting barehand with Taehyung. 

Jimin was already weak as he had lost a lot of blood but he was putting up a good fight. "You are not going out alive out of here, Jimin-ah." Taehyung spoke and hit the bar freely at Jimin's head in quick swift motions. Jimin dodged twice but got hit on the third blow. 

Jihan ran behind Jungkook to take him away but the boy was not willing to leave Jimin alone to die there. 

"JIMIN!" He kept yelling as he saw blood spill through his skull. "Jimin... Please stop, Taehyung. Don't hit him. Please..." He cried and begged but Jihan did what he had to. He forcefully dragged the boy outside and then they heard a loud clank followed by a thud like a body fell onto the ground. 

In the next moment, Taehyung walked out with his eyes noted at Jihan and Jungkook like a predator inching close towards his prey. "Jimin?" Jungkook looked back and hoped Jimin would follow but that did not happen. Jimin was unconscious, lying on the ground.

Jihan forced Jungkook into Jimin's car at the same time as Taehyung reached them. He locked the car and held on to the keys tightly. "You are next, you pathetic piece of shit. You think you can survive after betraying me?" Taheyung blew the bar freely at Jihan. 

Chapter Text

In the next moment, Jungkook's fear-stricken eyes looked at Yoongi and Namjoon running in. Namjoon held Taehyung's torso while Yoongi began to snatch the weapon from his hand. Taehyung as if was burning in the rage that it was extremely hard to stop him even with the collective efforts of two adult males. 

"LEAVE ME ALONE! He is mine." Taehyung yelled.

"JIHAN!" Namjoon yelled at the oldest who was guarding the car window.  The man ran to help them. 

"Call Dr. Park," Yoongi spoke, trying hard to make a grip on the rod but the end he was holding was slippery due to blood on it. 

Jungkook was crying uncontrollably inside the closed car and feeling hypoxic due to his hyperventilation. "Jihan Hyung, Call Dr. Park." Yoongi asked the man again after he succeeded to grab the iron bar and fell back with the momentum. 

Jihan now looked back at the lifeless body of Jimin, barely breathing from where he could see. He called Park SeoJoon's older brother who was Jimin's doctor while Namjoon crashed Taehyung's body with the help of Yoongi on the wall, encasing him until he came back in senses. "Taehyung-ah! Calm down. You should not have done this brother. You don't realize what you have done. You kidnapped him and you could be in the highest trouble."

The younger only tried to break free. Their heads turned around to see Park SeoJoon walked into the house and Namjoon looked at Yoongi. The man nodded to assure him that he called SeoJoon.

"SeoJoon! A little help." Yoongi called the boy who was otherwise perplexed at what he was seeing. There was bloody Jimin on the floor, Jungkook was crying in the car, Jihan was collecting the cable ties and tapes while Yoongi and Namjoon were holding Taehyung in place who was trying hard to break free. 

"What did you do, Taehyung? If I knew you would do this, I would never have helped you." SeoJoon claimed, his hands shaking as he held Taehyung.

"YES! I FUCKING DID IT BECAUSE YOU KNOW WHAT? NOBODY CARES FOR MY FEELINGS. ALL YOU CARE ABOUT IS MONEY. But what did I do wrong huh? WHAT DID I DO WRONG?" Taehyung began to cry in anger. "He was mine to begin with. I saw him first. I liked him first."

"He is not an object Taehyung. He is a free human with feelings. So what if you saw him first? I told you Taehyung-ah... I told you Jungkook is someone who is hungry for love. You could never have won his love back by forcing him." Namjoon replied disappointedly.

"I don't think you even love him Taehyung. It is your ego that is not letting you make a peace with the fact that Jungkook fell for your best friend." As Taehyung heard the words from Yoongi, he started yelling frantically.

Namjoon suddenly felt that Taehyung stopped pushing and let his body drop to the ground while sobbing. Yoongi looked at SeoJoon and Jihan while Namjoon sat with his cousin. "I know how it feels, Taehyung-ah. But love is never forced. We have been telling you this since forever. Look at him." He pointed at Jungkook and Taehyung's head whipped at the boy who was coughing loudly while crying. "Did you want to see him like this? Is this your love?"

Taehyung felt a pang of guilt with the words but his adamant love still wanted Jungkook. "I... Want Jungkook, Hyung. I want him. I can't live without him. Not after this... Not after I got him. Please... Please let me have him. I want to take him away." The broken man hugged Namjoon and cried. 

Namjoon caressed his back and his eyes started brimming himself. Jungkook was banging at the door and Jihan looked at Namjoon. The taller motioned him to open the door as he believed that Taehyung was in control now. Jihan quickly unlocked the car with the remote keys and Jungkook opened the car door before he fell while coughing. Jihan held him and the boy stood up to rush inside the house.

Jihan followed him and looked at Jimin in a pool of blood. The carpet underneath him was all red and Jungkook's throat tightened. His hands shivered as he touched Jimin's face."Jimin, Jimin wake up." He asked in his small voice. 

Yoongi walked in and sat beside Jungkook. "Yoongi Hyung!" Jungkook turned and hugged the older tight. "Please make Jimin okay. Please help him." He cried in the crook of Yoongi's neck. 

The older wrapped his arms around Jungkook and patted his back slowly. "He is going to be okay. An ambulance is on the way, Gguk." The older was emotionally strong but this moment made him grunt in pain. 

Jungkook turned around again and shook Jimin slowly, careful to not hurt him further. "Jimin... Please get up. Please get up just once. Jimin." The younger continued to cry inside the house while Taehyung cried outside. 

"You have to leave the city until everything is calm." Namjoon spoke after some time and Taehyung shook his head. 

"I am not leaving. I am not going anywhere without Jungkook. He will go with me."

"Taehyung-ah!" Namjoon cupped his face tightly and made him look up. "This is different. You will get in trouble this time. Don't think that Jimin will let this slide."

Taehyung scoffed and pushed Namjoon's hand away. "He will do something only if he survives." 

Namjoon got up while dragging Taehyung harshly outside. "You better pray he does otherwise you are in the biggest mess of your life." He shoved Taehyung forcefully into his car and the man did not resist. He looked back at Jungkook on the floor, crying. His eyes never leaving Jungkook as if he was in a daze when Namjoon burned the ignition.

A tear escaped Taehyung's eye.

**

Shay was walking back and forth in her living room. Jungkook did not have a phone with him after she snatched it from him a few days ago. She was cursing herself inwardly but was adamant outside. She called her sister. "Niz, is Jungkook there?"

"He is not. What happened?"

"He did not come back yet and it is past one hour. He should be here."

Niz thought if Jungkook already left with Jimin. She was almost certain that he did. "Unnie, calm down okay? He will come back. Did you call Muk?" 

"Muk is not picking up. I don't know what to do? I am calling Jungkook's father."

Niz was impatient but she remembered what Jimin said earlier when he came to her house. He told her that he would not call anyone for the next two days after taking Jungkook away. He also told her that he would probably text her rather than calling. 

She assured herself that she took the right decision by letting Jungkook go with Jimin but there was something in her heart that made her feel uneasy. Nevertheless, she was determined to stay put about this whole situation and not say a word about Jimin to anyone. 

Meanwhile, Momo reached school and was rushing in to get into the examination hall. She wondered if Jungkook remembered to check under the bed. She had left Jungkook's phone along with the papers that Lily showed him and a small bag that she prepared for Jungkook with essentials that he might require on an immediate basis after leaving home.

She had no clue what trouble Jimin was in or her own brother. She just hoped that Jimin showed up tonight and Jungkook would change his decision to stay back at home after looking at those papers. 

**

Namjoon was rushing to send Taehyung out of the country. He drove to the airport and bought the tickets for the man. On the way there, Namjoon called Taehyung's house to help and bring his passport and other necessary documents he might require. "Don't come back. I will call you once everything is okay here." He hugged Taehyung and the man only silently stood, looking away at the blotches walking here and there while the wind drifted his hair here and there.

"I don't want to go, Hyung. I want to stay with Jungkook."

"When will you understand Taehyung? He is not one of your games. Do you think your friends will support you in this? No, they won't. This was not your night out or drunken fun. You risked two lives. No matter how much money you squander on them, in the end, everyone will run for their lives. They only helped you because they thought Jimin was wrong but what you did is unforgivable." Namjoon argued and held his forehead. 

"Why are you here then? Why are you not with them?" Taehyung spoke while he looked away.

"You are my younger brother. You are my family and I stand by my family. Even if they are wrong." He spoke the last sentence shamefully. 

"I am... Sorry, Hyung. But I really loved Jungkook."

"Love is over now, kid. I know you had feelings for him but only if you listened to us rather than your friends who were just there to have the daily dose of entertainment. Do you see them here now?" Namjoon asked, his throat tightening and eyes brimming. "Go now, go before I start crying." Namjoon chuckled while wiping his tears. 

Chapter Text

Jungkook was in the ambulance with Jimin, Yoongi, SeoJoon, and Jihan. He stopped crying and his own head was dizzy. He has started feeling the pain in his ribs as the impact of being hit in the car surfaced. Yoongi was someone familiar to him so he could lean on him for comfort. The older did not even think that Jungkook's parents must be looking for him as everyone was worried about Jimin's wellness. 

In Jeon's house, the clamor had begun. Mrs. Jeon had called the cops and they all started scouting and investigating. The police were able to find out about Muk's accident and the hospital he was brought to. Shay and Mr. Jeon were on their way to visit the hospital. Shay was crying and Mr. Jeon was stressed as well. "What if he was hurt too? What if someone took him? Can we tell Police about Jimin?" Shay asked Mr. Jeon who shook his head.

"Have a little patience. We will find our son." He squeezed Shay's hand as they sat on the backseat of the cop's car.

"If he did something to Jungkook, I will kill him. We tried so hard to not let anyone know about him and we were almost there. This had to happen now?" Shay cried harder. 

"Our respect in the society is gone for. I just hope we find him now." Mr. Jeon spoke in anger. 

**

Another hour had passed since Jimin was brought to the hospital. He had the glass shrapnel into his scalp that was carefully removed and the iron bar punctured his tissues on the head that was stitched together by suture. Due to blood loss, he lost consciousness and the doctor was yet to examine his mental state to monitor his existing illness. Dr. Park, Park Seojoon's older brother, was Jimin's doctor and he was also Mr. Jeon's family doctor that no one knew about. 

As doctors had to protect patient's confidentiality, Dr. Park never told Jimin about Jungkook or he never discussed with Jeon's about Jimin. When Jimin reached out to him to get the medicines for Jungkook for his cold and fever, the older knew who this Jungkook was but he did not mention it to Jimin. 

After the operation was done, Dr. Park informed Jeon's about Jungkook's unfortunate arrival and he was yet to examine the boy for any stress and trauma. Jungkook did not tell anyone about his little accident as his pain seemed far too less to him as compared to what Jimin was going through.

Everyone had left the room but the youngest held onto Jimin's hand as he sat where his lover laid with his eyes closed. "Jimin, get up." He kept mumbling and felt Jimin's grip tightening on his hand. The man could hear him and feel him but he was still not conscious, perhaps under the effect of the anesthesia. Jungkook's lips curved up in happiness and he took shaky breaths. "Jimin, can you hear me?" The boy asked and felt Jimin's eyelids moved under closed eyes.

"I am sorry for saying those things to you, Jimin. I know you love me and I love you too but we can't be together. Now more than ever. I don't feel safe anymore. I should do as my parents ask me to. It's for the best for my and your safety. You don't have to fight with T-tae... Him anymore. You don't have to worry about me or keep an eye on me. I won't be a trouble. I love you Jimin but I need to let go. My parents will never understand us or our relationship." The boy spoke slowly and let the heartbroken tears fall. 

Suddenly he felt a hand on his school uniform's shirt collar. Mr. Jeon pulled him back and the boy fell from the chair he was sitting and his hand was pried away from Jimin. "Dad," the boy innocently began to hug the father whom he thought he had lost when Taehyung took him but the father was blind in anger with the thought of his reputation gone astray. 

"You sick kid, you could not keep your desire in yourself and made us suffer. We lost all respect because of you." The words made Jimin squirm and Jungkook step back in fear. Shay closed the door they were in so the voice would not go out. 

"We were so proud of you, Jungkook. We did everything for you to see this." Shay pointed at Jimin and Jungkook began sobbing hard. 

"Mom, dad. Please forgive me. I won't ever do anything. I won't talk to Jimin from now on. Please..." Just as he walked ahead to hold his father's hand, Mr. Jeon pushed him hard and the boy fell with his head first and collided with the stool on which he was sitting. 

"Honey, not here." Shay held Mr. Jeon's hand and the man huffed. He pulled Jungkook up spewed the hateful words. "No more tears. If I see one more tear from your eye, I will starve you to death." Jungkook sobbed only harder while Jimin's tears fell from the corner of his eyes. "And I will see this bastard later." He pointed at Jimin.

They heard a bang on the door and opened it. Dr. Park walked in. "Is everything alright, Mr. Jeon?" He asked suspiciously when he looked at Jungkook's skewed shirt and his incessant crying. The boy began to control himself to protect his parents. 

"He is just scared, Dr. Park. So many things happened today. I want to take him back home." Mr. Jeon replied quickly.

"But I have not examined him yet. He needs to be checked." 

Mr. Jeon glared at Jungkook. "I am fine, doctor. I was just scared and happy to see my parents. I will be going now." The teenager replied and looked back at Jimin one last time. 

His heart felt the pain of such high magnitude that he forgot about all other pains in his body. His eyes were overflowing that he could not see anything. While sniffling, he walked like his soul has departed from his body and stayed behind with Jimin and this physical presence was going back home.

No one spoke while driving, Mr. Jeon had to pick Momo as Muk was injured so he drove fast. They reached the bus stop that Jungkook was at 4 hours back. A few minutes later, the school bus arrived and Momo got off the bus. She was beaming as she ran to the car but her smile disappeared quicker than cotton candy melts in a mouth when she spotted Jungkook. 

The brother felt ashamed to cry in front of a younger sibling but Momo knew everything. She read the atmosphere and did not say anything. "How was the exam honey?" Shay asked the girl who sat with her brother in the back seat.

"It was great mom." She replied briefly and worriedly glanced at Jungkook. She knew that something was really wrong. She wanted to talk to Jungkook but it was not possible. 

She took out the pen and quickly wrote on her palm. "Did you check the bed?" Jungkook looked at it and shook his head slowly, tears forming in his eyes again. 

They soon reached the house. Police came to interview Jungkook but Jeon's did not let him talk. They only said that Jungkook was traumatic and he needed rest. They wanted Jungkook to give the statement against Jimin, they got rid of the police for now so that they can threaten Jungkook to lie in front of the police later. 

Momo could not breathe freely with such tension in the house and specially when she did not know what went down. The dusk was cracking its darkness on the city and Jungkook was in his room worried sick about Jimin. 

Mr. Jeon suddenly entered his room once everything was settled with the police and closed the door from inside. Shay ran after the door, yelling. "Honey, please don't hit him anymore. Please." She knocked continuously. After hearing the sound, Momo came running from her room.

"DAD!" She also knocked at the door and cried. "DAD PLEASE DON'T HIT OPPA! PLEASE, DAD! OPEN THE DOOR!" Both mother and daughter cried hugging each other while imagining Jungkook's condition. 

Mr. Jeon took off his belt from his pants and folded it in his hands with the buckle dangling at the end. He did not speak at all. Momo and Shay heard the clang of belt buckle against Jungkook's body and the sound of swishing, the belt being hit on multiple times, and the heart-breaking yelling of the innocent boy.

"DAD!"

"HONEY!"

The two kept yelling and crying, not able to hear the painful voice of their son and brother. At one point, Mr. Jeon hit Jungkook's cheek and it got a long scratch as the buckle cut deeply through his soft skin. The boy never imagined that a body could bear such pain, all at once. He shut his mouth close so his voice would not get out of the room and cried uncontrollably on the floor.

Once Mr. Jeon felt tired, he stopped. "Remember this day if you start to have feelings for any other man in the future." He spat and got out of the room. 

Shay and Momo immediately ran inside while crying. The little sister hugged her older brother delicately and cried. Shay could not see the boy's condition and she ran to get the first aid box. The sister wished she could share half of the injuries of her brother but that was not possible. 

"He is a monster." She cried with hatred towards her father while she observed how much damage he had done to the boy. 

Shay immediately shut her mouth. "Baby, no... He is angry. Go to your room and don't come out. Go." She tried to push the girl away but the 15 year old sat adamantly with her brother until Shay dressed his wounds. 

Chapter Text

Hours had passed. Shay informed Niz about Jungkook's arrival and the lady wondered what happened. It was late at night as Shay made food and brought it to Momo's room. "I won't eat. I don't want to live here. Please drop me at aunty's house." The girl looked away.

"Honey, eat and sleep. I will drop you at your aunt's tomorrow." Shay promised the girl and left the food on her table. 

Shay took another plate and brought it to Jungkook's room. The boy was laying and moaning in pain on his bed, holding his ribs. Just as he saw his mother, he wiped his tears without turning his head around. "Eat before sleep." Shay sat beside him and caressed his head slowly. 

Jungkook did not say anything or look back. On one side, there was Jimin who risked his life to save him. Even if they met 3 months ago. On the other side, there were his parents who gave him birth and lived with him for 17 years, still did not accept him or understand him. He did not mind his father beating him but the reason behind the beating pierced his heart open.

They did not even bother to ask what happened and just assumed that Jungkook must have gone out with Jimin. He lost his own self-respect in his eyes. As he always thought, today proved that he had no self-worth and no matter what he did, he would always be irrelevant and a scar on the reputation of his family. 

He sat up and groaned. Suddenly, he wanted to run away and Jimin's words crossed his mind. He had no clue how Jimin was. Thinking about it made him cry even more. He dragged his body on the floor and walked up to the washroom. He looked at his swelled face and congested red eyes.

His eyes suddenly widened as he remembered something. He limped back to the bed and dropped down with a groan. There was a small bag kept there. Jungkook's heartbeat accelerated. He ran towards the door to locked it before anybody barged in and walked back quickly. He slumped on the floor and dragged the bag out. 

There were few documents and a handwritten note in Momo's writing. There was another box that Jungkook recognized, it contained a phone and the pendant from Jimin. He quickly opened the letter and began to read.

Jungkook Oppa,

Jimin will come tonight. You have to leave. The attached documents are from a center that dad is planning on sending you in. It is in the US where Zayn's friend works. Dad wants to treat your homosexuality. As if.

The friend knew about you and he sent these documents to Zayn to confirm if this was the same Jungkook that Zayn always talked about. Lily came this morning and she told me about this center and how they treat patients with cruelty. As an asylum, they use electric shock and whatnot. I googled it and there is not much information available as they run it illegally.

Please go before Dad kills you. Mom has an agreement with the decision. As per Zayn's friend, they have signed all the things and your room is also ready. Please Oppa, please leave. I don't want you to die. 

I have charged the phone and kept it in the box. I also prepared a bag for you. There are few clothes and medicines. There is also my pocket money in it. I know it's not enough but it will help you. 

Go and never turn back. Jimin Oppa loves you. I can feel it even if I am not experienced enough. 

I will miss you but I will come to you as soon as I can.

I love you Oppa. Bye... Hopefully, see you soon. I don't know how but we will find a way.

Jungkook went numb and tried hard to get out of this trance. Suddenly, he did not feel bad for his parents anymore. What did not he do to make them happy? Since his birth, he lived as per his parent's customary beliefs. He did not make friends, he never went out, never played and only studied, never did anything he liked or he never got to discover what he actually liked.

He went against them once, just once. He listened to his heart just once, and this is what he got in return. He reached an impasse at this point. He was hurt to an extreme and there was the only way up. He wiped his tears and looked at the time. It was 11.00 PM. A hopeful smile crossed his lips but then he remembered, Jimin was in the hospital and as far as he knew, Jimin could not make it tonight.

Just as he made up his mind to leave the house behind, he now felt suffocated to live here even for one minute. He knew Jimin could not come to him and honestly, he felt like leaving without Jimin and run away anywhere.  "It's ok. I can leave tomorrow morning. If it's me alone, I don't have to leave at night." The boy comforted himself. 

He ate a little, thinking that he might not be able to acquire his next meal so soon. He could literally imagine himself living on the streets and struggling with cold and hunger already. But he did not feel scared about it anymore like he did before. Anything would be better than this home. 

He got up quickly in determination and opened his wardrobe. Quickly he pulled out his clothes, the money that he had saved over the years, and everything expensive he owned in the hope to sell it if need be. After packing a bag, he slid it under the bed and tried to sleep in the comfortable warm room one last time but the pain, the anticipation of the future, or the worry for Jimin did not let him close his eyes.

Albeit he decided now to leave alone, he still could not shake off Jimin and the faint possibility that he might come tonight from his mind. He looked at the time and it was 1:45. "3:15," Jungkook mumbled. "He said 3:15." Somewhere Jungkook believed that Jimin might come as his heart told him, but his mind knew better. 

Nonetheless, he was not going to sleep until 3:15. The time passed utterly slow. Jungook's eyes were burning. No matter what his mind said, he was inclined towards his heart's voice. All of the sudden, he got up at 2:30 and washed up quickly in the dark without turning on any lights.

A black loose tracksuit was kept on the bed as Jimin asked him to. He got into them and put the phone on the bed with its screen upward so he would know if there was any notification. 

At sharp 3, his door was knocked gingerly. Jungkook jumped so high and his heart started beatboxing inside his chest. "Jimin?" He called but no voice came out. He rushed to the door and saw Momo standing outside and looking around.

Jungkook quickly opened the door and Momo crash into him and squeezed the boy in a hug. "Are you all set?" She asked and looked at a bigger bag that Jungkook had arranged for himself. He only nodded and did not tell Momo that he was planning to leave alone if Jimin did not come. 

"I will miss you Oppa. But take care, eat well and I will soon join the college. I will get the phone back and you can always text me." The girl began to weep softly and Jungkook patted her head. 

"Don't cry. I will meet you soon. I will make you proud." He nodded and Momo hugged him tighter.

"I am already proud of you."  

Chapter Text

The whole minute passed like a whiz. The clock slowly moved on and showed 3:16 on the screen. Momo looked at Jungkook's dejected face and held his hand. "I am sorry." She said, she still had no idea what happened during the day. Jungkook shook his head and wrapped his arm around Momo. Both of them jumped as the phone vibrated. Their lips lifted up in a smile like the notes on piano keys.

Before Momo started jumping and squealing, Jungkook held her in place. "Shhh..." He leaned down, not able to contain his own happiness and forgetting everything else.

He picked the call, "Hello?" Jungkook's gruff voice spoke slowly.

"Baby," Jungkook heard Jimin sigh slowly. "Come out of your room."

Jungkook opened the door slowly and Momo remained by the door. He saw Jimin standing inside his house. It was dark but Jungkook could see him smiling under the little moonlight. As if all reservations fell and the boy ran towards Jimin.

He crashed his body onto the older and Jimin held the boy tightly, kissing his head repeatedly and just inhaling the scent of his Jungkook, the scent of his new home.

"Are you okay?" Jungkook pulled away while crying so much that Jimin automatically reached out to wipe his tears.

"I am okay..." Jimin breathed out slowly while Momo was crying in the back, holding her mouth. 

"Are you hurt?" Jimin's brows knitted together in concern as his hand brushed against the bandage on Jungkook's cheek.

"No, I am fine." Jungkook shook his head and that's when Momo approached them.

"Oppa, dad beat him." She whispered and the man thought to bang the door open and kill Jungkook's father in his sleep.

"I am okay." Jungkook quickly held Jimin's hand and tugged at it.

Jimin turned to the girl. "Momo, take care of yourself and don't worry about your Oppa." He whispered. "I will take good care of him. And don't miss him too much, don't talk about us with anyone. We will be back soon and contact you, okay?" he instructed the little girl.

The girl nodded quickly while wiping her tears. "Your aunty knows, talk to her if there is anything. She will guide you." Jimin patted her head the girl hugged Jimin and Jungkook together. The siblings were crying and Jimin felt too bad to separate them. But this was the need of the hour.

**

Momo handed the bags to Jimin and the man asked Jungkook to step towards the stairs first. Jungkook was determined to leave but he was also dicey to leave with Jimin. He did not want to be a burden on him. He looked back at the house and a crying sister and tried to run back to Momo but Jimin held his wrist tightly with his own gloved hands. 

"Go, Momo. Get into your room." He asked the girl and the 15-year old nodded. Her feet did not agree with her and she did not want her brother to go all of the sudden, but she had to be strong for his happiness. She ran back to her room and banged the door shut.

"Jimin, I can't. I can't do this." Jungkook cried and Jimin understood the feelings of the young boy, but he could not let him go back now. He was not sure if the bang of the door was loud enough to wake up Jungkook's parents but one way or the other, Jimin was leaving with Jungkook tonight, even if he had to use force. 

"Come on, baby! You can do this," Jimin had bags in one hand and pushed the boy up with another but Jungkook only cried more and the older knew he could not force his little love. He put the bags down and cupped Jungkook's face. "Listen to me baby, listen." He shook Jungkook's face a little and the boy stopped to keep his gaze at the older. 

"I love you so much that I can leave you here if you say so. But I also love you to the point where I cannot live without you after leaving you here, with them. I promise you... I will bring you back soon and we will talk to your parents together. We will make them understand, I promise you. Do you trust me?" Jimin looked deeply into Jungkook's eyes and the boy nodded. 

"Then let me take care of you for a while. I promise you we will come back." Jimin heard the sound of a door opening on the floor and his heart picked up the pace. 

Jungkook hugged Jimin and pressed his face in his neck. Jimin quickly picked the boy and walked all the way up to the terrace. He thought he did not have to come back for the luggage in the worst case as he put Jungkook down and the boy looked at a man. He clung to Jimin's hand but the older pushed him towards the figure. "That's my uncle. Go stand with him. I will get your bags." Jimin hastily turned around. 

Jimin's driver came forward and held Jungkook's hand. "Son! It's okay." He caressed Jungkook's head while Jungkook's heart jumped in his throat as Jimin walked back. 

The older realized that the light was on in the living room and he debated if Jungkook really needed those bags. Blithely, he leaned down and walked. The staircase was still dark as compared to the living room. He successfully reached and picked the bags while looking downstairs.

A man sat facing Jungkook's room, more like guarding it. A smirk and an airy chuckle left Jimin's mouth as he turned around and climbed back up. 

"What happened? Are they up?" Jungkook asked and Jimin shook his head. He motioned his driver to get down from the terrace with the help of a ladder that they had set at the back of the house wall.

The driver was quick and he climbed down smoothly like a gliding snake. Jungkook was wide-eyed and also scared. He could only see one end of the ladder but the other end was way down and he could not see its edge from the terrace in the darkness. 

Jimin pulled out gloves from his pocket and set them over Jungkook's hands. "Come on, honey. You can do it. These will help with the grip. You will not fall. Uncle is there to help you." Jimin pecked Jungkook's forehead quickly and kept looking towards the stairs.

Jungkook gripped on one end of the ladder and turned his body to face Jimin as he climbed down, one step at a time. Jimin worriedly held on to his arm but the boy descended down from his reach soon. Jimin kept checking if Jungkook's father suspected the voice on the terrace but no. To his comfort, Mr. Jeon still sat like a clueless moron in the living room. 

He pulled out a string with a pulley and fixed the clamp with the bigger bag. Once Jungkook was on the ground he suspended the bag with the help of string and Jimin's driver quickly loosened it on the ground. Jimin threw the pulley and it fell down. The driver rushed to put the bag in the trunk and Jimin was last to climb down the ladder carrying one small bag.

In midway, Jimin felt a sting of pain inside his head and he closed his eyes. He had removed his bandages and the dressings before coming here so Jungkook would not panic. He shook his head slowly and breathed deeply before he continued descending. Jungkook's breath hitched when he saw Jimin stop in the middle. "Jimin!" He called slowly and kept switching his feet at the ground in nervousness.

Once Jimin finally reached the ground, Jungkook's thoughts hit his mind again. He was so close to his house but he was really not. His old life was just a flake away. He still thought about it, he could still go back but once he left, there was no coming back ever.

"Jungkook," Jimin caressed his cheek with the bandage and the boy's eyes remained on the ladder that the driver was taking down. "Honey, I will bring you back soon." Jimin took hold of the younger's palm and moved him towards the car.

After folding the ladder, the driver put it inside the trunk and was all set to leave, only that was left was Jimin's command. The older made Jungkook sit in the car and finally breathed. He was also scared if Jungkook said no or did go come with him. Now that the boy was inside the car, Jimin could breathe again.

The car finally moved from Jungkook's house, taking him farther away with each minute. The boy sat looking outside the window behind the driver while Jimin sat beside Jungkook, curiously watching him. "Sweetie," Jimin called slowly and Jungkook looked at him. "Please say something."

Chapter Text

"Can you please tell me what happened today?" Jimin held Jungkook's hand gently.

"I was coming from school. It was nothing out of the ordinary but Momo met me and told me to look under my bed," Jimin drew his brows together. "I was lost in thoughts and was not careful. I saw Tae-, the green car and I knew he was following me." Jungkook was so afraid of Taehyung that he could not even speak his name.

"He hit my cab from behind and I got a little hurt. I could not run away and he took me in that house." Jungkook went on to tell Jimin everything and remembered about Taehyung's gift.

He looked at his wrists and immediately started to squirm. Jimin pulled the boy closer as he struggled to throw the chain silver bracelet set on the car mat. Jimin's gaze averted to see it sparkling as he hugged the boy. He had assumed everything when he saw the cab in ruins. What he wanted to know was what happened after he was taken back home because he heard everything in the hospital.

"What did your father do?" Jimin's face discerned into anger while his expressions remained somewhat stoic.

"This," Jungkook chuckled. "No, I fell." The boy blinked the gloss in his eyes and looked down.

"Jungkook," Jimin held his wrist tightly. "Don't lie to me." The man had a strict undertone and Jungkook felt scared of this aura.

"I am not lying... He did not do anything. He was just angry so he slapped me once." Jungkook replied.

The car was moving fast and through the suburbs, all set to leave the city. The man kept his keen gaze at the boy and the younger knew that Jimin was picking his lies. He did not speak further and backed away, looking out of the window.

He had no clue where they were going and he did not even want to ask. He felt he had no choice now. Jimin closed his eyes and kept his head on the seat thinking about Jungkook before he fell into slumber.

There were many unsaid things but Jimin did not want to scare the younger away just yet. He decided to be patient and give him some time. The younger sat silently and Jimin's driver suddenly stopped the car to call his boss after few minutes. It was now 4 in the morning. "You need to get checked."

"I am fine," Jimin replied and was quick to turn towards Jungkook to look at his bandaged cheek. "But let's make a stop. I need Jungkook checked by her." Jimin noted and the driver smiled.

He took a turn towards a pavement that was rocky and surrounded by trees on both sides. Jungkook's wide eyes looked at Jimin and back at the surrounding. "Jimin, I am fine." The boy affirmed, afraid of what might Jimin do if he knew how his father beat him.

There was a medical practitioner who was the driver's relative and she stayed in a small village. Jimin has been in touch with her just in case of urgent requirements. They pulled in front of her small house slowly and Jimin got out. Jungkook also followed hesitantly.

Jimin waited for Jungkook to come around so he could hold his hand. He led him ahead and the driver knocked at the door. The girl was awake, she quickly opened and welcomed the couple and her uncle inside.

**

"Please don't tell Jimin." Jungkook hissed as the doctor pressed slowly on Jungkook's ribs to examine any disfiguration. She was crestfallen at the marks that the belt had left on his skin.

"Who did this to you?" She asked.

"No one." Jungkook sat up and pulled down his shirt quickly.

The doctor kept staring at Jungkook and he stared at the ground after getting up from the diagnosis table. "You have to take medicines for inflammation and avoid any kind of extreme physical sport that involves jumping and sprinting for at least a year. Your ribs need to heel completely otherwise the pain will resurface, specially in winters." She stated and before Jungkook could say anything, Jimin walked around from behind the curtain.

"Thank you, doctor. I will take care of him. Where can I get the medicines?" Jimin startled Jungkook and his heart dropped in his stomach.

"We are not done, Mr. Park. You are next." She pointed at the table and Jimin looked at his driver who was sitting outside in the living room.

Both of the lovers were diagnosed and the doctor's honest comments were something the lovers wanted to hide from each other. Jungkook worriedly looked at Jimin from a distance when the doctor dressed his open wounds again. "Do not keep them open for a week." She told Jimin and indicated Jungkook to move closer. The boy did.

"I will come to check up on you both next week, but I will show you how to dress the wound so you can help Jimin. Okay?" She instructed.

Jungkook nodded slightly and Jimin stole a circumspective glance at the boy who had concern in his innocent doe eyes. He never wanted that. 

Jimin made Jungkook wait outside while he talked to the girl alone. The boy walked out and stood beside the driver. "Hey!" The man smiled at him, "How do you feel?"

"I am good. A little thirsty." He looked around to see the kitchen. The man took the liberty to get water for the boy and Jungkook looked inside the small medical room to find Jimin and the doctor laughing. He averted his gaze back to the ground and bit his lips unknowingly. The driver brought water for him and the boy smiled while accepting the glass. 

"Thank you." He bowed. 

"You are welcome." The man patted Jungkook's head and sat beside him. "It's all going to be okay, son. You will be happy and healthy in no time." He assured and Jungkook nodded while thinking about what would happen in the morning back at home. 

Soon, they resumed their drive ahead and left the main highway. They kept going straight towards the mountains. Jungkook was really curious and also afraid as he saw the dense shadow of trees and nothing around. Hardly any other vehicle passed by. The sun was up and Jimin had his eyes closed. 

Jungkook felt lonely all of the sudden. Nonetheless, his gaze scanned everything outside.

**

Back at Jeon's house. Momo was asleep. She could only sleep a lot later and woke up with her mother's crying. She ran out for obvious reasons but she knew she had to act surprised. Both Shay and Mr. Jeon looked at her and then at each other while the lady wiped her tears quickly. "What's wrong? Is Oppa alright?" She ran towards Jungkook's room and found it empty. She stood there for few minutes, reminiscing their conversation from last night and how they were exhilarated when Jimin arrived. 

Tears escaped her eyes, both from happiness and sorrow. Her heart was swelling in pride that she helped save her brother and at the same time, it was sinking to not see Jungkook in front of her eyes. Ever since she was born, Jungkook was always there for her to help her in her studies or to even give his own pocket money to her. 

She did not know that they were so attached to each other before but when problems struck them, they were closer than ever. As she began crying, Shay hugged her. The girl cried more, she could not say anything but at last, the prince finally found his prince, no king or the dungeon could stop him. 

**

Jungkook was asleep when Jimin woke up and put a blanket over him before he slept again. They kept travelling for hours without stopping, not even for food because both of them were asleep and the driver was relieved, knowing that they were getting some rest. He did not care about his hunger that much as he filled himself with some snacks they brought for the travel. 

The sun was at its peak at 1 in the afternoon when Jimin woke up again. He looked at the time and blocked his puffy eyes from the sun. "Uncle," he called and the driver flashed him a smile through the rearview mirror. "I think we should take a break. How far along until we reach Jaingyin now?" He looked around at Jungkook who was still asleep, his entire face was puffy.

"It will take 3 more hours if we keep driving but if we stop, it might take longer." The driver informed. 

"That's okay. We are in the safe zone now. Let's eat and get medicines somewhere." Jimin told the driver and opened a bag to get out two new phones from its zipper. He turned them on and smiled. He put one phone in Jungkook's small bag and put on in his pocket. 

"Honey," he called gently. "Wake up, aren't you hungry?" His hand raised up and caressed Jungkook's bandaged cheek. Sunshine was filled in the car and it was making Jungkook's baby soft skin glow like honey. Jungkook did not budge and Jimin was in the biggest surprise. He did not know how difficult was it to wake up the boy from his morning sleep. 

Chapter Text

The driver sat beside Jimin. Jungkook was hardly eating as Jimin looked at him in front of him. "Baby, eat. You have not eaten in more than 12 hours. Don't you like the food? We can go someplace else." Jimin asked the boy and the driver also looked at him.

"No, it's good. Food is fine. I am just not hungry." The boy replied slowly.

"Come this side." Jimin held Jungkook's hand suddenly, pulling him from his chair. Jungkook walked around and sat on the chair where the older sat previously while Jimin pulled another chair and sat beside the younger.

He picked rice with the chopsticks and held it for Jungkook to eat. The boy tried to take it from Jimin's hand but the man did not let him. He fed Jungkook rice with beef stew. The younger was embarrassed. He looked around but thankfully only a few people sat there and that too on the back side of their table.

He took the chopsticks from Jimin's hands and started eating. The driver smiled at Jimin who cocked his head around to cough and bit his lips.

Jungkook was eating slowly, the bandage on his face was restricting his facial muscles from chewing freely. Jimin had worn a bucket hat to hide his bandages from people and he also made Jungkook wear one along with a mask that he slid down a little to eat.

**

S

hay was hugging Niz. The younger sister was consoling the older one. She felt bad but she was also secretly happy. "Unnie, I am sure he will come back if he is not with Jerry or Bush. He has no other friends."

Shay was dejected like she was when Mia died 19 years ago. At least Jungkook was safe and healthy, just not with them. Momo was in the room where Jungkook used to stay. She was silently crying because she missed her brother.

"What did the police say?" Niz asked when Shay did not respond to her.

"They have filed a missing person's report but your brother-in-law is saying that they will not start the search until 24 hours. The chief is new and he was posted here just yesterday. He has strict rules." She replied groggily.

"It's going to be fine, Unnie. Please have happy thoughts, try to be optimistic."

The doorbell rang and Shay rushed to get it along with Niz. Mr. Jeon walked in. "Anything?" They both asked and the man shook his head, looking at the ground.

"You did it. You drove him away. Why did you have to beat him like that?" Shay started yelling at his husband. Momo also walked out as she heard the commotion. 

"STOP IT!" She yelled and everyone looked back at her. "It is the both of you. All you ever did was to scare us, forced your wishes on us, made us breathe on your terms, you made us dance on your atrocities. You both are equally responsible for the situation Oppa is in right now. You both are the monsters."

Shay and Mr. Jeon were flabbergasted at the outburst of their 15 year old, to say the least. Shay broke down completely as Momo ran back inside. Mr. Jeon dejectedly sat on the floor and Niz left the two alone. 

**

It was the crack of the dusk, Jungkook was sleeping and Jimin was wide awake, looking at him with adoration. The driver stopped as they entered Jiangyin and stopped in front of a house. "Should we wake him?" The driver asked.

Jimin shook his head. "Let him sleep."

The driver got off and so did Jimin. They gently closed the doors and left Jungkook sleeping inside the cool car as they walked into a house. A man welcomed both. "Mr. Lee, It is good to finally reach here." Jimin bowed. 

"I hope you had no trouble on the way." Mr. Lee stepped ahead and kept his hand on the driver's and Jimin's arms.

"No, sir. It was all clear." The driver smiled. 

"Good to hear. Where is the little one?" Mr. Lee peered at the door. 

"He is asleep, I am afraid we cannot stay for long." Jimin politely replied. 

"That's a shame." Mr. Lee sighed. "I would have loved if you stayed for dinner. You are a guest of Jiangyin after all. Why don't you wake him up and we hang around a little bit?" The man insisted and the driver looked at Jimin. 

"No, Mr. Lee. I am afraid we cannot stay. I just wanted to thank you for arranging the residence for us. I am looking forward to your continuous support for the next few months." Jimin smiled and Mr. Lee stared deeply at him in defeat. 

Mr. Lee was a prosecutor who had many references and relatives working for law and order. He was like a godfather of the place and no one stepped inside Jiangyin without him knowing about it. Jimin's driver used to previously work for Mr. Lee and he was the one who convinced him to help Jimin in hiding until Jungkook turns 18. 

He even made the chief from Busan transfer and sent in his own man to replace him. Jimin had been in touch with Mr. Lee for a long time but it was the first time they were seeing each other face to face. 

Jimin wanted to thank him first before he started living in Jiangyin, which was kind of Mr. Lee's territory. "You are a stubborn young man, I see." Mr. Lee chuckled intensely. "You sure pick the good ones." He told the driver.

"I would like to disagree on that. He is someone who saved my life so it is actually the opposite." Jimin interjected with a polite smile. 

Mr. Lee cupped the driver's face firmly and shook him a little. "He has been saving lives, this angel." He smiled.

The driver bowed earnestly as he was freed from Mr. Lee's grip. "It's fine then, you go ahead and finish your journey. Call me in case of anything. I have arranged the maids who have cleaned the place and cooked tonight. Are you staying?" Mr. Lee asked the driver.

"I am not Mr. Lee. I will go back." 

"Well, you come back after dropping the kids and stay the night here. Let's refresh our old memories." He sighed dreamily thinking about the old days. 

While Jimin could, the driver could not say no to the man. He bowed, accepting the offer and they left immediately. 

As Jimin got inside the car, he saw Jungkook still sleeping. The driver quickly started and left Mr. Lee's cottage in a jiffy.

8 miles ahead was the cabin that was arranged for Jimin and Jungkook. As they reached, Jungkook woke up with the sound of luggage being dragged and looked around. It was a darker area and secluded, mostly because it was surrounded by trees. It was perhaps due to this reason, the cabin was colder. He felt a shiver that trickled down his spine.

By then, Jimin and the driver came back to get the remaining bags and saw Jungkook standing as he cluelessly looked around. "Welcome home, honey." Jimin smiled and stopped while the driver walked all the way towards the car and resumed putting the luggage out. 

Jungkook did not say anything. "I know, it's not much but this is for a month and a half. We will move to a bigger house in the city after... Your birthday." Jimin cupped Jungkook's face who only nodded. He honestly did not care if the house was small but he was afraid of the surrounding. It was almost like a jungle where wild animals would roam in the nights. 

Jimin held Jungkook's hand and led him into the cabin. The boy breathed now as he saw the inside. The cabin was made of brown wood through and through. It smelled fresh and was warm, unlike the outside. The square living room had a fireplace, two big couches, and a TV. 

There was a connecting kitchen island at one end of the living room and two rooms were at the back. Jungkook looked towards the rooms and looked back towards the door when the driver put their bags on the floor. 

Jimin walked back and took out some money from his wallet. He handed it to the driver and whispered something in his ear. Jungkook then saw the driver pointing at a small bag and Jimin quickly opened it to check something. 

He sniffed the fresh food aroma that was coming from the kitchen counter as if someone had made and left it there. He looked back to the room and slowly trudged towards it.

One room was locked and he could only unlock one door to peek inside. A big bed was kept at the center and the big glass windows were showing the outside through drawn-out curtains.

As he walked in, he saw a bathroom towards the right-hand side. There was a big wardrobe cupboard in front of the bed and a door was on the left that opened on the outside. 

Jungkook flinched when Jimin hugged him from the back. "Did you like our room?" 

"Our room?" Jungkook turned around and saw Jimin smiling at him. "I don't want to stay in the same room." He embarrassedly looked away. 

Chapter Text

"What's wrong with sleeping on the same bed?" Jimin cupped Jungkook's face gently but the boy suddenly felt like he was standing in a house with a stranger. The relationship was 3 months old, he took one big step, a leap of faith. He left his parents who gave birth to him and brought him up for 17 years. He overthrew his entire existence, his life in a jiffy.

He rethought if this was what he wanted? To live in a secluded place like he did not matter or was reliant on someone else entirely. "Baby?" Jimin made him look up and saw resilience in the younger's eyes. "Are you angry at me now? Trust me, you took a wise decision leaving that life behind." Jimin tried to give assurance to little Jungkook but the boy was re-thinking everything.

He now realized that his decision to run away was mostly influenced by Jimin. The way older put that thought in his mind and also his sister's. Sure, things were ugly at home but if it was not for Jimin, he would not be in the situation he was before.

"I am tired, can I please sleep? You can take the next room." Jungkook announced sternly to finish the discussion right there.

Jimin sighed, closing his eyes and his face twitched a little. He opened them and left Jungkook's face. "Aren't you hungry, baby?" He asked.

"I am just sleepy."

"I insist. Eat before you sleep." Jimin dragged the boy outside and made him sit on the couch.

Jungkook kept his gaze at everything but Jimin. He only looked at him when he knew Jimin's back was facing him. The man moved to the kitchen and brought the covered dishes to the table. He himself sunk back and impelled his eyes for Jungkook to eat.

The boy picked the chopsticks placed on the plastic wrap and used them to mix the cold bean noodles with sauce. "Aren't you going to eat?"

"I will, not right now." Jimin shrugged. Jungkook ate quietly and uncomfortably as Jimin kept his stare at him. He got up and left the half-eaten noodles.

Jimin took the bowl from Jungkook's hands quickly and walked over to the kitchen. He placed it in the sink after throwing the leftovers and looked at Jungkook. "Go, sleep." He smiled with few words.

Jungkook hesitantly turned around and walked away. As he went inside, he realized that he needed clothes and a shower but he did not want to go back and face Jimin for the night again. He sighed and walked into the washroom. There was nothing there, not even a toothbrush. Jungkook did not pack toiletries either. "What do I do?" He panicked just at that, realizing he did not have much money and even with the small amount he had, he did not think he could go out to buy anything in the jungle.

His little panic bout was interrupted when he heard a light knock on the door. He quickly opened it and saw Jimin with the bags. "Let me put your luggage in there." He pointed at the wardrobe.

"I will do it." Jungkook replied and began to take the trolley and a small bag from Jimin's hand.

"No," Jimin said sternly. "I said let me do this. You go rest." He ignored the younger's helping hand and barged in. Jungkook sank back on the edge of the bed and saw Jimin taking out Jungkook's clothes, his wristwatches, his little money, at which Jimin smiled but did not stop working.

At last, he found the bunny pendant that he had given Jungkook earlier. Thinking back to that time, Jimin realized that the boy was much happier and freed as compared to now. But, he also knew the situation was different now.

Taking the bunny pendant, he walked back to Jungkook and sat beside him. As he began to lock the chain around Jungkook's neck, the boy looked at it. He had no excuse now to not wear it.

Jimin sighed and took off his bucket hat he had been wearing from the afternoon. Jungkook looked at Jimin now and all his second thoughts wavered again as the feelings of care came rushing back, all the events recollected, and all the love restored. He did not have any reason to regret this decision because he loved Jimin.

"Jimin, I should change your dressing. There is a little blood spot here." Jungkook touched above Jimin's temple and the man smiled at him.

"Let me take care of you, Jungkook. Don't worry about it." Jimin said and Jungkook felt a sudden wave of anger wash over him.

"Why do you always say that Jimin? It is the least I can do for you." The last words had a pinch of disappointment in them. Jungkook was not capable of doing anything for Jimin and in reality, the older did not need more than just him.

Jimin's keen gaze with an amused smile kept lingering on Jungkook's face, feeling happy that the boy cared. "The dressing is in the bag." He pointed towards a small brown pouch.

Jungkook's lips almost stretched into a smile and he quickly moved to grab the bag. His forehead scrunched into creases as he concentrated on the package and unwrapped it. Slowly he walked back towards the man who was sitting on the bed. He stood against Jimin and began to unwrap the bloodied dressing.

"Honey! Stead hands." Jimin placed his own hands over Jungkook's waist as he realized that the younger's fingers were trembling. He had not seen blood like this in his life before. Jungkook sighed and bravely finished what he started. He stepped aside to indicate that Jimin was free to go. The man stood up and slowly walked out only to come back in. Jungkook stared at him as he started unpacking and setting his own clothes in the wardrobe.

"Jimin..." He called again and the man ignored him with a playful smirk. A moment later, he turned back.

"My bad!" He turned with bathing items in a small basket. "Here, you can use the bathroom, shower if you want." Jimin smiled and walked back again as if nothing affected him. Jungkook did not say much as he took the basket to the bathroom and returned to get fresh pair of clothes.

Jimin sighed happily, looking at everything he set with his own hands. When Jungkook came out, he saw Jimin laying down on the bed. "I... I can't sleep with you Jimin." The boy said, sternly. He felt a little annoyed by now. Why was not Jimin listening to him?

"That's okay. Come lay down. I will sleep on the floor." Jimin patted the bed and Jungkook sighed. He slowly walked towards the bed and sat down. Jimin turned and pecked the boy's forehead so suddenly that he could not get time to anticipate anything.

The man stood up and pulled one duvet that was tucked under the mattress along with a pillow. He turned off the lights right after. "Good night, baby."

"Good night, Jimin." Jungkook replied slowly.

A few minutes passed, Jungkook realized that the room was never opened and Jimin never walked out. Where did Jimin go? He could not find sleep either. He tossed on the left and turned on the small lamp light to see Jimin actually laying on the bare, hard floor.

This was a man who lived in luxury, all more than Jungkook did and this was the man that made Jungkook sleep on the soft and comfortable bed while he silently laid down on the floor as if roses were laid for him. Not to forget, Jimin had faced injuries, more than Jungkook knew of but the ones he was familiar with were enough for him to realize everything all at once, he felt at fault and his eyes started to tear.

"Jimin," He sobbed and the man suddenly pulled away from the duvet that was covering his body and rushed to Jungkook.

"Hey, hey... Baby, it's all good. You are safe, I am here with you." He hugged the boy and rubbed his back smoothly. Jungkook broke down completely in the embrace of his lover. Jimin's heart clenched at the loud and broken sobs. He turned on the lights while yanking his hand away to see Jungkook clearly.

The boy did not let his face be shown to Jimin as he tightly wrapped his arms around the older's neck, letting his tears sink into the fabric of the white shirt. The older began to gently rock Jungkook in his lap and saw the marks on his back in the wall mirror through the scrunched-up t-shirt of the boy.

He was quick to pull it all the way up and before Jungkook could resist, Jimin's eyes appeared with a grim look. "Who did this?" He asked sternly and Jungkook shook his head.

"Jungkook, tell me." Jimin's voice getting stricter.

"Dad," the boy replied and started crying more intensely.

Chapter Text

Jimin put Jungkook to sleep after tending to his wounds but his own sleep was lost. His eyes burned with the intention of rage and revenge. When he punished himself for raising his voice on Jungkook, he thought of what he would do with the man who beat his Jungkook senseless.

The boy was bearing the pain all this while without saying a word. The thought alone brought Jimin into tears. He looked at Jungkook's calm face as he sighed in his sleep due to crying too much.

Sleep, baby. Don't wake up just yet...
Sleep, baby. No one gave your mind any rest...
Sleep, baby. Because we have to walk abreast...
Sleep, baby. Me and you... We are on the quest...
Sleep, baby. I am obsessed...
And
Sleep, baby. Be with me... That's a request...

Jimin kept singing in his soothing voice while patting Jungkook's head and his eyes were dropping the elixir of sadness his heart was squeezing. Jungkook kept sleeping voicelessly and soon, the sweet voice rested as Jimin fell into slumber while holding the boy's finger in his fist. 

**

Taehyung was in his new apartment and he looked around. His new home was as luxurious as his old one but he hated every second here. He hated not only the fact that he had to leave his life behind, he also hated that his friendships meant nothing, he hated that his love was lost, he hated to have feelings for anyone, he hated that he was now a monster in Jungkook's eyes and he also hated that Jimin got his love away while he ran off to a strange country with no one beside him.

As he laid with his eyes doted at the ceiling fan, he tried to keep up with the speed of it and he did not know where the actual wings were. The disrupting image that formed due to the speed at which the fan rotated, created only an illusion that there were wings everywhere but in reality, they were not. He wondered if his feelings were like the same distorted image, non-existential. 

"No, how could it? I never felt like I did for Jungkook before," he spoke slowly and tears fell from the corner of his eyes. He rose his thumb and wiped them. "You are pathetic. Crying now?" He chuckled right after.

His mind convulsed all of the sudden and he got up quickly to pack his bag again when his phone rang. He stared at the screen and his thumb reached over the red icon to disconnect but something in him stopped him. He pressed on the green icon instead and picked the call.

"Taehyung-ah! Did you settle well?" Taehyung heard a slight tremble in Namjoon's voice but overall the man presented himself as jolly as he could.

"No, Hyung." Taehyung replied looking at the bags he was packing and sat on the floor. 

"Well, you should. It must be morning for you. Go out there, go for a run and buy some healthy food. You have been eating far too much filth. Now that you are starting afresh, get in shape, make a schedule, follow a routine. I know you are going to make me proud." Namjoon encouraged the young cousin.

"Why are you calling me at this time? It is past midnight for you." Taehyung smiled. 

"Who cares? You know I don't sleep early and now the schools are closed, I have no more tuitions to tend. I can sleep during the day. I will come to visit you soon, okay? Just hang in there for a week." Namjoon kept the zeal in his voice but Taehyung was breaking within 4 empty walls.

"You know what! I will go now. I am tired and I have to get the groceries. Setting up a new house ain't an easy job. But then again, how would you know? You get babied by aunty." Taehyung chuckled and wiped his tears to bring a smile to his face. 

"Yeah, coming from someone who lived with his parents until yesterday." Namjoon shot back.

"I will prove it to you Hyung. I will show you I am capable of doing things on my own." The younger replied and Namjoon's heart filled with pride sensing the determination in Taehyung's voice. 

"Let's bet. If you can pull yourself through for one month, I will quit smoking. And if you pull through three months, I will also join the gym. We can go together once you are back. But if you lose. You have to quit drinking or any other substance use."

"Accepted." Taehyung replied confidently. 

**

Time really healed all wounds. As morning approached, Jimin woke up with less hostile thoughts and looked at the precious boy who was sleeping peacefully. Back at home, Jimin's parents were calm and composed. Everything was under control, thanks to Mr. Lee and his help. Shay woke up devastated and so did Mr. Jeon. Niz was dying with anxiety but she knew that she had to be patient for some more time. Momo woke up with a sense of accomplishment and everyone held onto the same thing. Hope. 

The parents hoped that their kids will come back soon. The sister hoped for her brother's happiness and security, an aunt hoped for a different fate for her nephew than of her own, and a lover hoped to fulfil his soon-to-be husband's life with so much happiness that he will disremember every shred of pain he ever felt. 

Jungkook opened his eyes and found no one in the room. He sat up on the bed and recollected the events from last night. It did not take him more than a minute to be filled in with everything. Nervously, he cradled his feet in his slippers and walked out. 

Looking at Jimin cooking silently, he felt happy and walked ahead. When Jimin looked back at the boy, he stopped working. "Good morning." Jungkook greeted Jimin and the older smiled brightly, causing his eyes to disappear. 

He met Jungkook halfway and held his hand. "Good morning, baby. Did you sleep well?" He asked as if he did not wake up every hour to check on him. 

"I slept well." Jungkook smiled and it put Jimin at ease, a heavy weight lifted off his chest which somehow found its place last night when the boy seemed distant. 

"I have made you pancakes. Do you like them?" Jimin asked as he fixed Jungkook's hair. 

"Mhm," Jungkook nodded. "Do we have honey?" He asked. 

"We?" Jimin repeated. "We do have honey," he smiled. "But we need to sit together and you need to tell me what all do you want so I can go and buy all the groceries. Hm?" 

Jungkook nodded again and peeked at the pan from where a nice and sweet aroma was originating. Jimin walked Jungkook to the kitchen and grabbed a stool for him. "Sit here. It will be done in a few minutes." 

Jungkook did not sit and instead, he walked around the counter. "I want to help." He grabbed the spatula but Jimin caught his arm. 

"No, give it back," Jungkook looked up at Jimin. "If you want to help, go and brush your teeth. We will eat together." Jungkook smiled and walked back to his room. He felt much better now after crying last night. All the second thoughts were put to rest and he decided to start and get accustomed to this new life. 

Soon after, they ate and again, Jimin did not let Jungkook touch the dishes and did them himself. They were now free for the entire day. Jimin was off work for one and a half months and so was Jungkook. 

They sat in the living room together. Jungkook maintained a little distance and Jimin also respected the younger's wish. "Can we talk now?" He asked and Jungkook nodded. 

"So, I have looked up everything about the Seoul Arts University. They will start the entrance examination in two months. I will get the forms for you and you can start the preparation online," Jimin informed Jungkook who suddenly looked down, only listening and not saying anything. "Don't feel stressed, okay? I will help you and you still have two months. You can easily crack it even while enjoying your vacation." 

Jimin's keen eyes remained on the boy but he did not say anything. "What's going on in your mind? You have to talk to me now, baby. I am all you have now. I don't want you to be uncomfortable or stressed about anything. You can tell me whatever it is." He slowly moved a little closer and held Jungkook's hand gently. 

"I don't know how would I pay for it or even if you pay for me, I won't be able to pay you back in a long time. I don't want to be a burden on you, Jimin." Albeit Jimin already knew, he wanted Jungkook to tell him what was going on in his mind. He sighed and pulled Jungkook closer that the boy was now almost sitting on his lap.

Chapter Text

"Jungkook, baby. Look at me," Jimin asked softly and the boy did. Since they arrived here, Jungkook was having difficulty to look Jimin in the eye. "You will not have to ever think about that. We are one now. What's mine is yours and it will legally be yours soon."

Jungkook thought about what Jimin was saying and his heart sank in his stomach. The speed with which everything was happening was scaring him. Jimin did mention once about the marriage but Jungkook had not thought it would happen too soon. Was he even allowed to say no now? Not because he did not love Jimin, but he needed to discover his love. It was just the beginning after all. He could not stop himself to think like this.

"But Jimin, is not it too soon?" He voiced out his concern and Jimin's face twitched. He sure looked away to not let Jungkook see it and stood up so quickly that the younger felt his words angered the man. Jimin looked around frantically and spotted the small bag. He sighed as he walked towards it and quickly engulfed one tablet. 

Jungkook could not see what Jimin did with the bag and he worriedly stood up. "Jimin?" He called, his feet slowly moving towards the older who stood breathing deeply to calm his thoughts. "Jimin, are you okay? Is it something I said?" 

Jimin turned and smiled at Jungkook, putting him at ease at once. "Let's talk." He walked back to sit on the couch while Jungkook's eyes never left his face. 

"I don't know, Jimin. It seems too soon. I am just 17." Jungkook spoke even if he was scared. 

"Honey, I know," Jimin caressed Jungkook's face. "If you don't marry me, they can put me in jail for many years for kidnapping. If we have each other then we both will be fine. The spouses have the privilege, legal one. You are not the legal age but you will be when you turn 18. If we get married, you will be assured that I will hold you forever. You will be mine, officially. We can go back to your parents to even ask for their blessings."

"No, they won't bless us. They will kill me." Jungkook shook his head. Everything Jimin was saying was imprinting on the young mind. At first, he thought Jimin was manipulating him but now that he found the logic and sense in his argument, Jungkook believed Jimin. Poor kid did not know that the manipulation was done when Jimin first asked him to run away with him, let aside the intentions of the man, good or bad. He did manipulate the innocent soul. 

"That's the thing, baby. They cannot touch you. I will be your husband. They won't be your legal guardians anymore if we get married, I will be. I will have all the legal rights on you. I will protect you from everyone including your parents. This is why we are living in the hide-out now. You are a minor. If you were an adult, we would not have to hide and if we were married, we would not even have to go away from Busan." Jimin cupped Jungkook's face and leaned in to whisper everything as gently as he could. He knew his baby was afraid and it was a lot to take in for his mind.

"Can I please still think about it?" Jungkook asked.

Jimin left the face he was holding, "sure, you don't turn 18 for another one and a half months," Jimin looked down at Jungkook's hands and held them. "I would not think too much. Do you trust me, Jungkook?"

Jungkook nodded. "I am older than you. I will give you the right advice. You don't have anyone else now to look up to." 

The words set panic in the boy's heart that he was trying to hide. Jimin saw his face scrunching and he hid it behind his big palms as he began to sob softly. The man realized he did not choose the best words. "Baby, I am sorry, I did not mean it like that. Honey, please stop crying." Jimin tried to pull Jungkook's hands from his face but he kept them in place with hook or crook.

Jimin did not delay picking him up and walked into the bedroom. His head started hurting but he did not care about it for now. He lowered the boy on the bed and laid beside him. Jungkook hugged himself into the older and hiccuped. "Baby, I really didn't mean it like this. Okay, let's talk to your aunty. Do you want to talk to her?" Jimin held the boy close and kissed his head. 

He felt Jungkook nodding and it brought a small smile to Jimin's face. "Okay, get up and wash your face so we can video call her. You don't want her to see crying baby Jungkook. Do you?" Jimin poked Jungkook's ribs to tickle him and the boy stared giggling uncontrollably as the man kept going and finally hovered on top of him. 

The crying turned to giggle and then to silence. Jungkook was blushing now. Jimin slowly clasped his hands with Jungkook's, racing his heart in the process.

Before Jimin joined their lips together, Jungkook looked up in Jimin's eyes beautifully and only saw love and care for himself. Jimin's lips moved slowly over his own. Their eyes closed and the tender kiss turned devilish hot when Jimin pushed open Jungkook's mouth and licked his tongue across the bottom's lips.

Jimin's tongue invaded inside. The sweet after-taste of honey made Jimin paint a perfect picture in his mind even with his eyes closed of how beautiful Jungkook looked, and evidently, tasted. Jungkook did not dominate in any of their kisses. The boy was inexperienced before Jimin came along. Whatever Jimin did to him made him feel like he was in heaven.

The wet and hot tongue just slid across inside his wet mouth freely, feeling every corner, and the lips remained wrapped around his own. He lost breath too soon. Jimin pulled back after their saliva exchanged. Jungkook breathed heavily and Jimin's thumb wiped his wet lower lip that was pink. Jungkook's eyes were still closed so the man pushed his lips into a soft peck one more time. 

"Open your eyes, baby." Jimin asked softly. Jungkook did. "I love you," The man confessed. 

"I love you too." Jungkook smiled with his red ears and cheeks. 

Jimin pulled him up and the boy soon went to wash his face to make himself presentable. Jimin did the same.

As he walked out of the bathroom, he looked around but Jungkook was outside, in the living room. "Let's make a call from here and not the bedroom." The boy asked and Jimin understood the reference. He didn't want his aunt to think that they were sleeping together but Jimin knew that Niz knew that already. It was just them who have not done anything yet but no one would believe them. 

While smirking mischievously, Jimin did follow Jungkook out. The man handed Jungkook his own phone that he had put in his bag on their way here but the younger was not aware of it. "There is a sim inside, all contact numbers are saved but don't call anyone else for sometime, okay?" Jimin asked of the young boy who immediately grinned and opened his aunt's number to facetime her. 

Jimin sat beside him, maintaining a decent distance. Jungkook pressed the video call icon and the phone rang for some time before a lady appeared in her mid-30s. "Hey... My baby." Niz beamed and Jungkook's grin became wider. 

"Aunty!" He beamed.

"How are you and where are you? What happened to your face?" Niz tried to control her overwhelming emotions. 

"I am good and I don't know where I am." Jungkook looked at Jimin to answer but the man pulled the phone towards himself. 

As he came in focus, he greeted the lady. "Aunty, I am sorry I cannot tell you where I am for now. I hope you understand." The lady nodded quickly.

"Don't worry about it. What happened to your head?" She asked worriedly.

"Just a little accident, nothing big. Please do not worry about this. I am fine and so is Jungkook. I will take care of him." Jimin promised. 

"I know you will, honey. Who will take care of you? That doesn't look like nothing to me." Niz was genuinely worried now.

"Seriously aunty, don't worry. Jungkook is here and I have my friends along with a doctor. She will keep visiting me. Kindly don't worry. This call was just to let you know that we arrived safe and sound." Jimin nodded and Jungkook slid closer to the man to get in frame.

Niz sighed. Jimin handed the phone back to Jungkook.

"Kookie, your mom and dad are here. Momo is here too. I can't go to her but you should call me later. I will make her talk to you. She cried way too much." Niz informed and Jungkook teared up at the mention of his sibling. 

"Aww, is my baby crying? Don't cry, baby. She is happy that you left and I got to know about how you got that scar. So don't think for one minute that you did anything wrong. Be happy and good, okay. Don't trouble Jimin much." The lady was quickly winding up the call as she sensed the movement outside her room. 

Jungkook nodded. "Good, I have to go now. Don't cry and live your life from today onwards, however, you want. Do whatever you always wanted to do."

Chapter Text

Jimin was shopping and he was looking at the things to bring back to Jungkook for his entertainment.

Even though the boy loved him, it did not mean he did not need to spend some time to himself. Jimin wanted him to feel at home and he had picked a PlayStation from the store that he had pre-ordered.

As he put it in the trunk, he had no more space left in the car. Everywhere was filled with either groceries, liquor, clothes for Jungkook, or something else.

Jimin felt content with today's shopping as he returned home. When he got inside, he called out, "I am home."

No one responded and Jimin walked in slowly to see Jungkook sleeping on the couch by hugging himself. It was a little cold. The older walked in slowly and got a blanket from the room to cover the boy. He did not waste any minute and quickly, but very slowly, to not disturb the little one's nap, started unpacking and setting up the place with new things. 

At last, he put the wine and scotch bottles in the glass shelves of the kitchen. By then, it was afternoon and Jimin found himself starving. He got the ice cream from the freezer and sat beside the sleeping boy. He started eating slowly and kept his gaze at Jungkook. The boy was sleeping with one hand covering one eye and lips slightly apart.

Out of nowhere, Jimin dripped some ice cream over Jungkook's lips and he licked it. This caused Jimin to chuckle out loud and Jungkook woke up. "When did you come back?" He asked while sitting up. 

"Just now." Jimin held out a spoonful for him.

Jungkook took the sweet and creamy chocolate chips ice cream in and nodded. Looking around slowly as the cold indulgence brought his consciousness back, he found the place a bit different, filled with groceries morelike. "Jimin, I miss home." The boy looked down. 

The man put the ice cream container on the table and held Jungkook's hand. "Come with me," the boy did not question and went along with a blanket around his shoulders. Jimin opened the sliding door of the living room that allowed them to walk on the wooden porch ahead. He pulled the boy close by his shoulder as they both stood, gazing at a far distance. 

"If it snows, you can see it from inside. All of this," Jimin depicted an arc by his finger, "it turns white. Do you like snow?" He asked.

"I do." Jungkook replied. 

"Do you have any idea what all we can do here?" Jimin craned his neck towards the boy who was looking straight. Jungkook shook his head. "We can go and sled, build a snowman, make snow angels, we can drink eggnog and celebrate early Christmas. We can just throw snow bombs at each other."

Jungkook was smiling as Jimin's slow and soothing voice melted in the air like butterscotch. He envisioned the ideas turning in reality, them playing in the snow as Jimin was saying it. "Can we lit fireworks here at night?" He asked. 

"We can. We can do anything you want. Absolutely anything." Jimin turned his frame towards Jungkook and made him face himself while wrapping the blanket tightly. Jungkook smiled at the wild thought. This was way above his expectations, to be able to do anything he wanted. He was letting the idea now sink in. 

"You know, I never slept around the day so carelessly like this before." He looked back at the couch. "I was never allowed to."

Jimin pulled him in a hug. "You can now, you have earned it after working hard for school and exams." He said patting Jungkook's back of the head. The boy listened to Jimin's heartbeats and smiled softly. Suddenly, this did not look so bad. In fact, this was not bad at all.

"What do you want to do now?" We have the whole evening and night and then tomorrow and then the day after. Jimin giggled. 

"Let's see," Jungkook pulled away to look around and then walked back in slowly. Jimin followed behind and slid the door close behind him. "Can I have wine?" Jungkook asked and pointed at the shelf in the kitchen. 

Jimin chuckled at that. "You can have half a glass, sure."

"But I want to have more." Jungkook pouted.

Jimin wanted to kiss him. The pout was something that made him weak. As he looked at those lips wobbling out, he knew he would happily give his life if that's what Jungkook wanted at that moment. "Baby, you are not going to like it. It is bittersweet." Jungkook then sighed in defeat. He walked ahead and slumped on the couch. Jimin walked up to him, "you did not check our room. Maybe you will change your mind about the wine once you see what's inside. Hm?" 

Jungkook's lips edged up from corners. He threw the blanket and ran inside. "Is that a PS5?" His round eyes were bigger and rounder than usual as he peaked his head out from behind the door after a minute and saw Jimin having such a pretty smile on that his heart felt fuzzy. He saw Jimin nodding and immediately ran towards him. Jimin groaned lowly followed by exhaling out a chuckle when the boy crashed into him, "thank you, I never had one of these. Dad told me he would buy me one if I had good grades in highschool." 

Jimin did not want Jungkook to think about his home again when he has finally pepped the boy up. "Do you want to eat or set up the game first?" 

"Can we set up the game first?" The 17-year-old asked.

"Anything you want." Jimin tickled his tummy on the side and the boy started laughing in high pitch.

Soon, they walked back into the room and set up the station. The man had bought a comfortable gamer's chair along with some neon lights to make the station look cool for the boy. Jungkook wanted to install it in the next room but Jimin did not mind having it in their bedroom. 

As they finally succeeded after 45 minutes, Jungkook slouched on the chair with the controller in his hands, all set to get spoiled by his boyfriend. Jimin smiled at the boy to his heart's content, looking at him all exhilarated. "Do you want to play with me?" Jungkook asked. 

"I will play with you, not just yet." Jimin replied and Jungkook understood what the older meant by that or his flirtitious tone. He just pretended that he did not.

His ears and neck turned red as he looked down and nodded. Jimin walked back out with the same triumphant smirk.

He knew Jungkook would not get out of that chair for the next few hours. He opened the second room after shutting the bedroom door so Jungkook could not see him. There they were, an aquarium like he had back at home, only smaller, and the broken doll portrait that was hung by his bed back at home.

He looked around carefully and fed the two fishes that were swimming in the tank. Not staying for long, he rushed outside and started taking out the ingredients to cook the meal. As he was washing the onions in the sink, his phone rang. He looked at the phone which was kept on the table and walked towards it after wiping his hands in the washcloth. 

Swiping the green icon, he answered. "Hello, Mr. Lee."

"Jimin, how are you son?"

"I am well, how are you and uncle?" Jimin asked. 

"Your uncle just left for Busan. I am okay, just wanted to check up on you. Was everything per your expectations?"

"It was, Mr. Lee. I did not want the maids so I sent them away. I will be able to do everything by myself. Besides, Jungkook is shy and he can get uncomfortable around strangers. He still has not gotten used to the place yet or me."

Mr. Lee chuckled. "You do care about him a lot."

"I do, I... Love him." Jimin replied blankly.

"Very well then, now that you have implied that Jungkook does not appreciate the company, I will not visit you. Maybe once the boy has settled well." The older stated. 

"He really is very edgy as of now. He misses home and he is in a dilemma if he did the right thing. I really appreciate your understanding in this matter, Mr. Lee."

"He will come around and don't worry about me. I am just an overly enthusiastic old fella who is close to retirement. I like to meet new people, specially the young ones, they remind me of my lost adolescence. Don't mind me, please carry on and contact me if you need anything anytime." 

**

Jimin finished cooking and Jungkook was still playing games. It was late afternoon and Jimin wanted to just eat, relax with Jungkook in his arms, and drink some wine later in the night with the take-out. 

He called the boy and Jungkook left the game after a lot of reluctance. They ate together and then sat down to discuss things they both had to get done in this one and a half month. Jungkook had to prepare for his university exam and Jimin had to prepare for the marriage. Both of them had their own set of challenges but they were determined to get through. 

As they laid down, Jungkook felt a little shy around Jimin. The older wanted to kiss the boy so much but he was opposing the idea inwardly. He wanted to give Jungkook as much breathing space as he needed. His thoughts were put to rest when Jungkook turned towards Jimin so suddenly and started breathing heavily into his neck. 

Chapter Text

Jimin's hand wrapped around Jungkook after he managed to come out of the frenzy that the boy has put him in before. "Tell me you are okay." He let out in a desperate rasp against Jungkook's ears. 

Jungkook did not know how to answer that. Physically he was okay, except his muscles hurt, but this yearning made him feeble all of the sudden. "Hmm," he hummed as his nose drew out the sharp exhalations. 

Jimin felt the younger's boner against his thighs. "It's not wise to keep things in when you can represent." The words gave just a moment to think before Jungkook felt Jimin cupping his face and as he looked up, the man had pulled him in for a kiss. 

Jungkook moaned in the kiss and Jimin could feel the butterflies in his stomach with the sound that the boy just made. It was so precious and carefree, helpless, and seductive for him to lose control. But he could not, not yet. Jimin pulled the boy on top of him so he would not find himself on the top and kept kissing the pink and soft pouty lips as if they belonged to him and only him. The feeling of care and protection emerged deep within. His one hand remained on the top of the boy's head and the other hand moved down to grab the side of his waist at which Jungkook gasped.

Their eyes were closed but their lips met perfectly, not needing the light to guide them. The tongue inside the younger's mouth went deeper and it explored the sweetness from the core. Jungkook was shuddering and Jimin broke the kiss to look at the boy so beautiful that his heart felt like jelly. His hands met to cup Jungkook's face and his head lifted up from the pillow to peck his lips again. Jungkook's eyes opened slowly and he looked at Jimin for a moment before wandering his gaze down on his chest. 

Jimin knew why the boy's body was rubbing against him. The friction that Jungkook was building down there did not stop. "Represent then," Jungkook asked boldly after breaking many shells. 

But Jimin could not. Earlier, he wanted Jungkook's body but then he fell in love with the entire Jungkook, his body, and his soul. He did not want Jungkook to feel that he was being taken advantage of in the future. Albiet Jimin would never exploit the boy in that way but no one has seen the future and the man did not want Jungkook to look back and regret anything.

His first should be really special and it was important for Jimin. He wanted to wait until the marriage. On the other hand, it was impossible to not give his boy something he wanted and asked for, specially when Jungkook hardly asked for anything. 

"Baby, listen to me." Jimin sighed and Jungkook did not like the way those words rolled out from of his mouth sympathetically. Jungkook looked up and his body suddenly stopped moving.

"You need to get better for me first." 

Jimin's eyes were slightly wet. Jungkook nodded, feeling dirty to even ask.

"I- I have to go to the bathroom." He quickly fell from above Jimin and ran to the bathroom door before the older adjusted his clothes and hung his legs down the bed. Jimin looked at the bathroom door close and he moved his gaze to the floor in contemplation.

This was the first time when he said no to his boy for anything and he hated himself for that. What made it worst was his determination to do it again if Jungkook asked for it again. 

**

They ignored talking about it for the next few days and Jungkook only hugged Jimin in his sleep. While the boy was awake, he would not go very near to the man. He was not angry at Jimin but ashamed of himself and he did not let his feelings show. They still talked, laughed sometimes when Jimin told him stories or they played video games together, but the icepick was still there in Jungkook's heart and he felt extremely embarrassed at times when he looked at Jimin silently as the older was involved with house chores or busy talking over the phone call. 

"Are you liking your schedule?" Jimin asked in the evening as Jungkook wound up his study session and stretched his body. 

"I do, I did not think I will get used to the new things so quickly. This house is so cozy." Jungkook said dreamily. Jimin was proud to bring comfort to the boy. Over days, he has seen Jungkook go from being very uptight to someone who was now more relaxed and comfortable with himself. Like he allowed himself to be content.

"Don't get too used to it. We will have to move into a new house soon." Jimin coughed as he dusted the centerpiece of the living room and waved his hand in front of his face to get the dust away. 

Jungkook pouted. "But I like it here. Can't we stay here forever?"

Jimin put the dusting brush aside and walked near the boy. "You want to live with me forever. Hmmm..." He hummed in a relaxed manner as if he was thinking something. "Does it mean I am the good roommate?" Jimin leaned down, supporting his palms over the study table. 

"You cook, clean, let me sleep for however long I want. I think you are the best roommate anyone can ever get." Jungkook zestily looped his hands across Jimin's neck and the older straightened up his posture at the same time, causing Jungkook to lurk ahead and collide with the man's chest. 

Jungkook's face suddenly wiped clean of the grin and he gulped while Jimin did not touch the boy with dirty hands. "Sorry," Jimin mumbled and before Jungkook could think to retreat the hands, he pecked the boy's lips with a smile playing on his lips after. 

Jungkook's eyes fluttered and his neck craned towards the table. He untangled his arms and let the man walk away quickly to wash his hands. "It's alright." He said to himself rather than to Jimin.

They both looked towards the door when they heard the doorbell ring for the first time in a week that they have been here. Jimin looked at Jungkook rushing towards him and held onto his shirt. "Go inside the room, I will go check." Jimin asked in a gentle voice.

"No," Jungkook shook his head and Jimin held his hand strongly as he moved towards the door. He was sure that there was no one unexpected but Jungkook was terrified as his heart threatened to morph into jelly. What if his parents found him?

His face that broke into sweat flipped into relief when he saw the doctor that they have seen a week ago on their way here. 

She flashed a smile with a small wave and Jungkook gasped majorly. Both Jimin and the doctor looked at Jungkook with concern. 

"You okay?" Jimin squeezed and rubbed his thumb over Jungkook's hand. 

"Hello doctor," Jungkook greeted the lady after he gave an assuring nod. 

"How are you two?" The doctor asked as she was beckoned inside. 

Jimin shrugged and she keened her eyes at the man. "You have to do better than that Mr. Park." She chuckled. 

Jungkook fidgeted with his fingers. He was not used to social interactions in presence of Jimin, this was new. "Let's check Jungkook first and then we will talk." Jimin requested the doctor furtively and she understood that Jungkook did not know about his disorders. She had to keep it that way.

The youngest in the room did not get the hint. To him, it seemed like a normal thing. Jimin always put him above himself, fed him first, did not let him work, always let him choose the things and accept what was not chosen by him, e.g. Side of the bed or the last slice of pizza. 

Jimin was present in the room along with the doctor. "Your wounds have healed, the marks will leave in time. You don't have to worry about them but if you want, apply the ointment I am prescribing and they will be gone before you know it."

Jungkook smiled happily and looked over at Jimin who had worn concerned expressions for no reason.

When it was Jimin's turn, the man asked Jungkook to wait outside. The younger did not feel too good about it but he did what Jimin asked. "Why do I have to wait here? You also looked at me without shirt."  He thought and pouted when he heard the door shut behind him. He immediately turned around and his hands raised to knock but he retreated before he could. Jealousy crept up in him so suddenly, out of nowhere. 

Chapter Text

Taehyung's phone buzzed and he ignored it for the 50th time as he groaned while tossing and a bottle of liquor fell from his bed to crash in bits. The sun was up, he squinted his bulging eyes and his face indignant as he looked at Namjoon's name on the phone. He felt like a total failure and a loser. Namjoon had hopes that he could cleave through this turmoil but he failed his cousin who always that trust in him.

Hot tears burned in his eyes and he let them roll out. A shaky and painful guttural groan left his mouth. What was he doing? His heart was pounding like it was constantly hit by a sledgehammer just like a pendulum. It was haywire and his thoughts were drowning in shame and pain. 

"Jungkook," his lips were repeating the name over and over again and anger kept building inside for Jimin. His fists were closed into a pale shade of white. 

The pessimism in his mind grew overwhelmingly that he sat straight against the wall, closed his ears, and screamed. The judging voices in his head grew louder. "Please make it stop." He said wearily, all drained of energy, and his eyes turned to the phone's screen again.

Like a scared kid who has just entered into the house after running for his life from the outside world, he cowered himself into the corner of the bed and picked the call, heart withering away at the thought that his cousin will vanquish him. Just as he answered, a soothing voice spoke, "Taehyung-ah, Aish I thought you would not pick today too. I wanted to tell you that I am coming there tomorrow."

Taehyung did not say anything and kept sniffling. "You know where am I? In your bar. We used to drink here a lot. Remember your first drink?"

"Whiskey on the rocks." Taehyung's lips slipped the words slowly. He stopped crying as he listened intently.

"Yes, whiskey on the rocks. You could not walk by yourself and I had to carry you to your room." Namjoon laughed and Taehyung chuckled softly too.

After a moment of laughing and dipping into nostalgia, Namjoon just sighed. "I know it is tough and I understand you are hurt right now. But trust me, it will be okay. It will all be gone. Just hold on a little longer and you don't have to be alone anymore. I am coming."

Taehyung disconnected the call as fresh tears hit his eyes. Why was not Namjoon giving up on him when he himself had? He brought the pillow to his chest and cried silently in it. There was no one to barge in his room and drag him away to party or even to stay and talk. He missed Jimin and how they spent time before everything was ruined. He missed his friends and above all, he missed his Namjoon Hyung. 

"But you are coming tomorrow," Taehyung suddenly wiped his tears and shoved the pillow to the bed. "You are coming." A smile spread across his face and he jumped down. 

It was the happiness that found him in a long time, giving him a serotonin boost that was so strong that it put arrest to his pain for a moment. With new determination, he looked around, and for the first time in a week, he knew he could not disappoint Namjoon anymore. 

He ran to the kitchen and fetched a big trash bag. Soon, he was collecting all the empty liquor bottles, food delivery boxes, and a lot of filthy tissues from the ground. After picking the trash, he cleaned the place. At first, he did not know how vacuum cleaners worked but it wasn't difficult than driving a car, so he figured. 

The place was clean but there was still an empty kitchen to deal with. He needed to go grocery shopping. He had not done it ever before so he sat down for a moment and realized he also needed to change the sheets. The thought of sheets brought him to towels, he needed to clean the bathroom too and change towels. Everything that came to his mind like a whooshing dart, he made a list. All set to go out there and come back victoriously. The only thing he could not figure out was what should he bring for the kitchen. 

**

Jungkook was back at his studies when it was his time to just hang around the house and ask Jimin many questions, including why don't you let me help and not limited to what is in that room? Jimin kept looking at him with oblique eyes. "Are you sure you are okay, Jungkook?" The man asked from the kitchen as he looked towards the living room where the boy sat at his study table.

"Mhm," Jungkook hummed and acted as if he was immersed in the book but that wasn't the case. 

Jimin sighed before wiping his hands in the clothe and walked over to the boy. "Do you need my help?" He asked as he sat on the chair after dragging it near the table. 

"I am good. Why don't you go and cook? You don't let me help you anyhow. I will study on my own." The boy replied curtly without looking up.

Jimin snatched the book from Jungkook's hand and shoved it away. "Talk to me. I won't know what is wrong to fix it. You have to tell me, I cannot figure it out on my own." Jimin asked sternly. 

"I am fine, why don't you trust me? I don't know why you think that I am not." Jungkook huffed in annoyance. 

"You were reading the game manual, Jungkook." Jimin raised his brow and Jungkook's eyes fluttered as he got up to bolt but the former held onto his wrist to hold him back. "I am sorry baby, but you have to talk to me. I won't let you go unless you tell me what is wrong." His voice turned gentler and yet, it remained authoritative.  

The gullible boy had no clue how to form a sentence. He did not want to sound stupid for the first time expressing his feelings. He took in a shaky breath. "Why did you lock me out when she was checking up on you?" he asked, his face was desolate and eyes as innocent as ever but there was pain in them. 

Jimin wanted to take this opportunity and tease the boy but he held back. He knew he had to give assurance that he belonged to him and not to any doctor. He needed to make him feel secure. "I am sorry." Though he could give a speech to Jungkook, he decided to just apologize. 

Jungkook was now dumbfounded. What was the convention here? To say that he accepted the apology, just like that, or to carry on and ignore the fact that he missed Jimin even though the man was right in front of him. Jimin slowly got up and moved to the comfortable couch before letting Jungkook sit on his lap to snuggle.

"Don't worry about it." The boy shook his head and Jimin held his chin up to make eye contact.

"That's it? That's the best you can do?" He teased, a playful and teasing grin already forming on his lips. 

"Jimiiiiin~" The boy whined and the grin turned to a fond smile. Jimin hugged the boy tighter and put his head on his shoulders. Jungkook's heart raced on the little action. His hand quickly raised up to play with Jimin's hair who closed his eyes and kept inhaling the baby talcum powder fragrance from him.  

"Do you want to go out, doll? It's been a week since we arrived in Jiangyin, you must feel like you are stuck here." Jimin asked in his soothing rasp.

Jungkook shook his head and also realized that Jimin never told him before where they were. Perhaps Jimin did not think he could keep it a secret. Nonetheless, he did not mind. His voice was not willing to come out in the moment of close proximity, but he had to speak. "I am fine... I don't get bored. You made sure of it that I would not." Jungkook did not stop playing with Jimin's hair that only caused the older to relax.

Jimin chuckled softly after he hummed and Jungkook noticed that the man has fallen asleep a few moments later. In honesty, this was the first time he had seen Jimin sleep. The older always went to bed after him and also woke up before him. Never before he slept during the day. 

The boy smiled and very carefully, he let Jimin down on the couch. He brought a blanket to cover his boyfriend's body in and then he sat down on the floor, right across Jimin's face, staring at him. Jungkook knew his man was ethereal and he has seen him so many times before but right now, his heart was filled with so much love to give Jimin and his innocence. He leaned in slowly and placed an extremely gentle feather-light kiss on his lips.

Chapter Text

The sun pricked Taehyung's eyes making them tear up. He wept his face with his shirt and finally reached the nearest Target store. Just as he entered inside, he breathed in the cold air. His mouth was dry and he was parched. The dehydration that he felt after the non-stop drinking was unbelievable.

He lurked towards the fridge and picked a bottle of juice, but just as he pulled it up, he noticed someone else was holding on to it. Taehyung had no energy in him to look at the person or even fight for the drink but that did not mean his nature had changed. With a hard pull, he succeeded in owning the bottle, and in the next moment, he was gulping it down.

As the drink made its way through this throat into his stomach, he felt the coldness also radiating within his body. Taehyung huffed and walked past the aisles to get the things he needed as per his list, not sparing a glance at the person at all.

"How am I supposed to know which one is spicy?" He looked at the ready-to-eat noodle bowl with a frown.

"It's right there, the red chilly symbol." Taehyung heard the voice of a boy. He turned around and murmured.

"Crazy and rich Asians are everywhere-" Taehyung stopped talking in between as his gaze fell at the boy who looked familiar.

"Speak for yourself asshole! I am neither crazy nor rich. You don't own America." The boy moved past him, regretting helping. 

Taehyung ran after him, forgetting he had to buy the groceries. "Hey! Wait!"

The boy did not stop and only kept moving. "Jungkook?" Taehyung bellowed and the boy turned exasperatedly sighing and rolling his eyes. 

"Juhwan, Jeon Juhwan." He raised his brows in a threatening way as if he was ready to throw hands. 

Taehyung was now standing face to face with him. How could he make a mistake? The boy looked similar, same big eyes and broad forehead, same fluffy cheeks but the lips, they were a little different. This boy had more filled lips than Jungkook and the mole beneath them was missing. Taehyung could not believe that this boy was not Jungkook even though he was not. 

"Jungkook would never speak like that." Taehyung thought. "How old are you?"

"Who are you? Age Police?" Juhwan started walking away. 

"Hey hey!" Taheyung lurked behind him again. "I am sorry, okay. I just need to know because you... You remind me of someone." 

"Get away from me, you creep!" Juhwan eyed Taehyung head to toe as he backed away little by little, gawking around at the walls. "There are cameras up here. You could not possibly harm me."

"What?! I would never harm you, Jungkook." Taehyung said agitatedly and tried one more time to reach over to hold the boy but Juhwan took a bottle of shampoo from the aisle and threw it at Taehyung's face to get a window and scurry away.

By the time Taehyung recovered from the attack, Juhwan was gone. He ran straight and then scrutinized the aisle rows to get a glimpse. He ran back to the exit gate and there he found the boy getting on the motorbike from the front parking. "Jungkook!" He yelled and was about to step outside when the security guard held him. 

"Sir, you need to pay for that." He pointed at the bottle. 

"I will pay, let me go," He tried to pry his hands away but the guard held onto him tighter. "Sir, I don't want to call the cops. Please pay before you leave." 

Taehyung looked at the boy go who turned his head around from his bike just once and looked at him through his helmet. "Sir," The security guard shook Taehyung.

Once the boy was gone, Taehyung swatted his hands away from the security guard harshly and went back inside. If this was back in Korea, the guard would be on the floor by now or he would not even dare to stop this mighty man. Or, if Taehyung wanted, he could still do the same to him here if it was not for that boy.

He turned back in and panted, running off to the fridge again and chucked down a can of coke. The security guard kept staring at him from the outside door. 

**

Jungkook burned the Ramen when Jimin woke up and he gasped as if something bad had happened. He ran towards the kitchen and Jungkook looked like a scared kid who had lost his pencil again. "I am sorry," he coughed and Jimin's face twitched. 

"It's okay, go. I will check fix it." Jimin tried to not look at Jungkook and the latter thought it was because the older was angry. 

"I will make it again." Jungkook tried to get his hands on the pan but Jimin was not having it.

"NO!" He yelled and flinched the boy. "I said, I will do it. Now go." He pointed towards the room and Jungkook looked at him.

"Jimin, are you okay?" The man was breathing heavily and his fists were closed tightly that even Jimin did not notice or was not in a condition to notice anything. This was the first time when Jungkook had seen Jimin behaving like this or has seen his face twitching. He tried to hold Jimin's face but the man sharply pulled himself away as if Jungkook's touch will electrocute him.

He turned around and pulled the drawer to pick out his medicine box. "Jungkook, go to your room." He asked calmly albeit his condition was worsening. He knew he needed a lot of perseverance and self-control right now to not latch out on Jungkook. 

"You cannot do that to me, Jimin. You are not my mother and I am not a kid." Jungkook bickered indignantly. Why was it that Jimin never allowed him to do anything for him? What was so bad if he wanted to take care of Jimin for once? 

"It's good that I am not your mother otherwise you would be locked up in the room by now." Jimin replied tartly as he needed Jungkook to not see him in this vulnerable condition. It hurt the boy so much that he left the house immediately.  

Jimin had no time to waste and he knew that the pill won't work quicker than the injection, so he pulled out the medication via syringe from a vial, injected it in his veins with the same shaky hand, and then slumped against the kitchen counter while pulling on his hair. It took him a few seconds before his head felt warm again and he jolted it side to side before blinking a few times. 

As he suddenly looked towards the room, he shut his ears as if he was blocking out the voices, in a similar way that he did back at home at nights. Soon, the medicine kicked in and Jimin looked around, eyes falling over the open door from where he could feel a gush of cold wind come in.

He quickly picked Jungkook's sweater that he had bought last week and ran out only to see the him sitting in the corner of the porch. Jimin felt a sense of relief wash over him as he walked over to the boy.

He slowly wrapped the sweater around him gently and sat beside him to see that Jungkook's eyes were obviously tearing up. The boy had been sobbing silently and Jimin felt like all strength leave his body. "Jungkook... Baby, I am sorry." He courageously put his arm across the boy's shoulder and when Jungkook did not push him away, he pulled the boy towards himself.

Jungkook kept crying with his head on Jimin's shoulder and the sobs only intensified. "I should not have said that." Jimin said slowly.

"Why don't you let me help you? Do you think I am not capable of it?" Jungkook asked instead.

It tugged at Jimin's heart that Jungkook was not mad at him for the words he said but for not letting him help him. Tears build in his eyes and his throat felt like it would explode with pain as if someone was choking him.

He could have hurt Jungkook if he'd let him stay, and he would never choose to hurt the boy over anything else, even if he had to suffer solely. "Honey, I cannot tell you how helpless I am." He spoke, his voice shaky and dejected that it made Jungkook look up at him. 

"Don't cry," The boy raised his hands and wiped the tears that rolled out of Jimin's eyes. 

The older held Jungkook's both hands and kissed them as if he was worshipping them. "I don't want to be weak in front of you. I want you to feel that you are not safe with me or that I can't protect you."

"You are not weak, Jimin. You are so strong to have taken this step for me, to fight with everyone for the right thing," Jungkook replied as he hugged the man. "I love you and I admire you. We all can be vulnerable sometimes and if I can cry in front of you, you can too. Please don't hide anything from me. I lost everyone and you should realize that you might be the only one for me now. I don't want to lose you too. So, please let me in."

Jimin wrapped his arms around Jungkook and nodded. "I sometimes get panic attacks." He said, almost ashamed of himself.  

Chapter Text

"What is so wrong in it? I mean, don't we all feel anxious sometimes? It is nothing to be ashamed of." Jungkook spoke softly as his hand remained on Jimin's shoulders, caressing his body from above the piece of fabric. 

Jimin did not say anything. As much as he wanted to speak up and have heart to heart, he could not just yet."Baby, are you ready for the wedding?" He asked instead.

"No," said Jungkook. "I am not ready but I want it." He assured the man by tightening the hug. The things that Jimin had told him earlier about how he did not have any other way out than marriage was absorbed in his mind like water into the sponge. He believed that he ought to marry now, not only for his own security but also for Jimin's protection. The older was clear and loud when he said he might end up in jail for kidnapping Jungkook because he was still a minor. 

"I will try my best that you don't dislike it." Jimin chuckled softly. 

"If we could date a little longer like any normal couple, it would have been amazing. Don't you think?" The boy asked. 

"True," Jimin kept patting Jungkook's head constantly. "But nothing was normal for you. Your parents would not have allowed you to date."

Jungkook hesitated, "Should I tell Jimin about the asylum?"

"But you know what? It would really have been fine. I would have beaten your father's ass to stop him if need be." Jimin tested Jungkook. 

Jungkook immediately gasped. "What?!" He pulled away from the hug to see grinning Jimin. "Noooo... No." He whined. The idea of Jimin beating his father was something he could not bear to even imagine, albeit his father was unsupportive of his life's decision.

"I am kidding," Jimin chuckled and pulled Jungkook closer again. "What if he beats me? What should I do then?" Jimin asked. 

"We have to make sure that you two never meet. Yeah, that's the solution to all our problems." Jungkook stood up all of the sudden, wrapping his arms across his body. 

"Ohhh~" Jimin punctuated. "Meaning you would be okay if he hit me." 

Jungkook pulled Jimin's hand to get into the house. "I'd rather have him hit me than you."

Jimin pushed Jungkook against the wall to halt him and firmly held his cheeks between his own palms. "Don't ever say that. I will go to hell and back if someone even points their finger at you. I am that petty when it comes to people I love." Jungkook saw the look in Jimin's eyes which scared him a little but he smiled. "Hungry?" The older asked, loosening the grip of his hands while his eyes moved to Jungkook's lips that he was nibbling. 

"Sorry I burnt it. I got busy." Jungkook said slowly.

"You did not do it on purpose and you should not say sorry to me either way." Jimin held the younger's hand and walked inside before he kissed him senselessly. 

After eating, Jimin sat with Jungkook on the hammock that he had newly installed by the living room. "How is your preparation going?" Jimin asked as he rubbed the boy's scalp with his fingertips softly, making Jungkook fall asleep gradually.

"I am... Doing it." Jungkook replied wearily while he tried hard to not snooze. 

"What were you busy in that you burned the food?" He further asked when he knew Jungkook would respond to anything now that he was half asleep.

"I was texting aunty," Jungkook said slowly and Jimin's finger's stopped running over the younger's scalp before he resumed again without Jungkook realizing it.

"What do you want as a wedding gift?" Jimin asked very slowly, almost in a whisper. 

"I want - I want, I want you," Jungkook replied and Jimin smiled so wide that his cheeks started hurting. He did not speak on purpose so the boy would fall asleep and then slowly got out of the hammock. 

He made sure that Jungkook really was asleep and then walked out in the backyard, closing the door carefully behind him. He dialed Jungkook's aunt's number. As soon as the phone was picked, Jimin turned back again to see if Jungkook was still sleeping through the big glass door. 

"Hello, Jimin!"

"Hi Aunty, how are you doing?" He beamed

"I am well, how are you and Jungkook?" The lady asked quickly.

"We are good here. Jungkook had just fallen asleep. He is busy with his university entrance exam preparation. I will make him call you tomorrow," Jimin replied.

"It's fine. He texted me. The poor boy was worried about his family. I could not reply to him yet." Aunt replied.

"How is everything else?" Jimin hindered.

"Things are not well at Jungkook's place. I mean how can they? His father keeps going to the police and coming back with no resolution. I am quite edgy too. I don't want them to find out, yet I cannot help but think if they did. Amidst all this, he was attacked by goons while coming back from work. His car was completely smashed and he got hurt quite badly." 

"Oh!" Jimin looked down at the floor and stared at nothing. "I am sorry to hear that. I hope he recovers soon."

"He is not resting enough to recover. But hopefully soon."

"Aunty, if you don't mind, please don't tell Jungkook about this. He misses home and this will only stress him more. He needs to focus on studies so he can get into the University he was dreaming of since I don't even know when." Jimin requested. 

"Sure honey. I was not planning on telling him anything either, that's why I did not respond to him right away. But tell Jungkook to not contact Momo. They have surveillance on her phone now. They think that Jungkook will contact her."

"Don't worry about that. I am not letting Jungkook use his phone often." Jimin replied, "I mean he is young and naive. I want things to stay under the water for at least a month or two. We will come back soon."

**

Taehyung was sitting in front of his laptop in his apartment. The groceries he has bought were just laying on the floor casually as he focused on finding the motorbike owner with the help of the numbers that he learned earlier from his number plate. 

"Come on, come one, come on!" He gritted his teeth and hit harshly at the laptop keys. After efforts of almost one and a half hours, he did finally succeed. 

"Felix Jones?" He read the name with a frown. "Who the fuck are you?"

Before Taehyung could get into it, his phone rang. "Hyung!" He quickly closed the laptop screen and picked up the call.

"Hyung? Where are you?"

"Getting ready for the airport. I have a flight in 6 hours. Do you want me to bring anything from home?"

"No, I am good. I can get everything I want here. Did- did mom and dad come back?" Taehyung asked falteringly

"Yup," Namjoon replied with punctuating the pop of P, looking directly at them. "They are quite angry, specially your mom."

"Fuck! What did you tell them?"

"Nothing yet. I have been mostly cleaning up after you. Met your lousy friends and ensured them that they won't be harmed. I had to talk to each one of them to not spill anything if anyone from your family goes threatening them. It was more than difficult if you ask me." Namjoon chided. 

"Sorry." Taehyung replied softly.

"You should be you little brat. I will kill you after I come there."

"Then what was the point to save me in the first place?" Taehyung guffawed. 

"It was to kill you with my own hands. Geez, Taehyung! I forgot you had no brains." Namjoon chuckled. "Okay, I gotta go. I will tell you everything later."

"Hyung?" Taehyung interrupted. 

"Hmm?"

"Thank you." He spoke heartily and then heard Namjoon chuckle and could imagine his dimples setting on his cheeks while he smiled. The call disconnected and it left Taehyung to feel good. For a moment, he forgot what he was doing and got up from the chair, stretching his arms and body.

He walked over to the balcony and breathed deeply. The feeling of serenity only held for a moment before Taehyung pounced back to find out who Felix Jones was. Without eating anything, he looked on every social media and every university's other website to find Felix Jones in and around the area. He found 13 that matched the name.

By the time his preliminary scrutinization was done, it was afternoon. All he had to do now was to go and check all 13 people's profiles and hope to spot one of them Felixes with the bike. His stomach was growling and was killing him but he worked dedicatedly and only stopped when he found a picture of the guy with the same motorbike. 

"EUREKA!"

Chapter Text

Taehyung ran to open the door and crashed into the big body of the taller cousin. "I did not know you were capable of acting like Yeontan." Namjoon groaned because Taehyung was not any less with the amount of weightlifting he had done and steroids he had taken in the past few months. 

"Shut up," Taehyung replied coldly and crushed the man who smelled like home. Something that was vaguely closer to what he has been missing all this while. 

"I am older than you," Namjoon scolded unamusedly.

"By one year, consider it a headstart I gave you." Taehyung snickered as he pulled away.

"That you gave me?" Namjoon pointed between Taehyung and himself one by one as he punctuated the words. "I did not know my mother and father had no role in making me."

"Come on in." Taehyung chuckled and brought the older brother in excitedly like a kid that eagerly showed his first drawing. 

"Consider me impressed, Kim. The place smells like flowers. I cannot remember when was the last time your room smelled like that." Namjoon complimented the younger's efforts.

"Don't get too used to it. This will all be downhill from right now." Taehyung took the bags from Namjoon's hands and strolled them towards the corner to stack them for now. "How long are you going to stay. I hope you don't over welcome yourself." He discerned.

Namjoon looked around. He jumped on the couch and a creaking noise emerged, "Last time I checked, this house was mine." The taller winked. 

"Yeah yeah!" Taehyung rolled his eyes and swayed his head simultaneously at his words, walking towards the couch. 

"But I like it, so you have to turn in the papers to me. I am the new owner now." He fell on the couch too and it broke from the middle, causing the two to tumble together and fall. The laughter emerged in the house as it had never. They laughed to their heart's extent. 

"Let's go shopping." Taehyung pulled Namjoon up. 

"You go shopping." Namjoon pulled away from Taehyung's grip. "I am going to bed." He pointed at the room as he walked away. 

"Take it easy in there otherwise you are sleeping on the floor!" Taehyung yelled as he sighed scornfully, looking at the couch.

"How could we possibly break the couch? Wait, this sounds so wrong."

"EWWW!!!" Taehyung bellowed while running out of the house. 

"What?!" Namjoon asked from the bedroom but the younger was already out of the house. 

**

Do-Jihan was calling Jimin for two days straight but the latter was so busy preparing everything for the wedding that he did not have time or rather he did not want to have any thoughts other than Jungkook or their wedding. 

The phone stopped ringing and Jimin picked it to dial the banquet.

"Hello, Mr. Park."

"Mr. Kwan, I  had certain changes in mind and hopefully you will be kind enough to make them as I need."

"Most definitely, Mr. Park. We are here to serve you. What is it?" The manager asked. 

"I want wedding moved to 2 Sep from 3. This should be at the late evening."

"Very well, I can arrange that," The man replied, "did you think about the number of guests, sir?"

"Why does it matter? I am paying you by the maximum capacity."

"That you are sir, it's just that we don't want to waste food so we need the exact number of guests who will be attending the wedding. We are also working with many NGO's and if we have anything extra, we provide it all to the underprivileged kids. I wanted to clarify that we don't encourage wasting resources."

"You are working for a good cause, Mr. Kwan. I would like to help. What is the demography and quantity of the kids?"

"We have around 3000 children including our staff." Mr. Kwan replied. 

"Perfect. I will bring 3000+ 6 guests. And I don't want even a single one of them to complain about anything."

"Be assured on that front. Thank you for the confirmation." The man replied. 

Mr. Kwan turned to his secretary. "This guy is holding one of the biggest weddings we have had and he is only bringing 6 people."

The secretary laughed, "He sounds like he is in love, Mr. Kwan."

**

Jimin walked inside the room to see Jungkook at his gaming station but he was not really playing and the computer's mode was selected as the game's demo played itself. He walked closer slowly and leaned on the chair from behind. Jungkook defiantly jumped a little and tried to get up when Jimin pushed him back down. 

"What were you thinking sweetheart?" He asked.

"I don't want to say. Somethings have to stay personal." Jungkook replied cheekily, sinking back into the comfortable chair.

"Whoever taught you that was wrong. I have to make you unlearn everything and teach you like a kid from the beginning." Jimin nodded while looking down right after to affirm as Jungkook looked above his head.

He walked around and sat on the ground on his knees, "it's true. I am your would-be husband and I should know if my boyfriend is having any second thoughts or if he wants something." Jimin had a smile that was not his fond one but it was more towards flirting. 

Jungkook looked down, feeling something inside his pants burn. He didn't allow himself to go that far with Jimin after he had denied him, but that only made it really hard for him to hide his condition. He felt arousal every night. It was extremely painful to sleep beside a man who looked like Jimin did, and to have feelings for that man, but still to not engage in intimacy.

Jungkook crossed his legs while his forehead formed a slight layer of sweat on the sides of the temple. Jimin's smile dropped when he looked at Jungkook in a little trouble. "If we could have dated, it would have been good." The words found their place inside Jimin's head.

"You know, people do a lot of things when they date. Aside from the dinner we are going to have tonight, I want you to experience something else today." Jimin proposed and Jungkook's eyes widened his shoulders slouched to fix his palms over his crotch. 

"You certainly don't have to hide it from me. I know every time you are aroused." Jimin stated blankly and Jungkook's flabbergasted expressions gave him away. He looked back at the bed and then the door but he could not escape Jimin when the man was between his legs on the floor.

"Jimin..." His breath quickened. He was not ready for this now, he realized. 

"Shhh..."

Jimin stood up and switched off the lights so the only illumination in the room was through the windows. His hands reached over to Jungkook's waist and he opened his button followed by pulling the zipper down slowly. 

"Mnm," Jungkook whimpered and Jimin yanked the pants down to the younger's knees. His thighs were so scrumptious that Jimin drooled, his own member throbbing inside his tracksuit but he ignored it for now. 

The plain underwear that Jungkook wore did not stay for long, although Jungkook held Jimin's hand tightly when he was sliding it down. Jungkook looked at Jimin and the man reached up to kiss his lips gently. The tender kiss broke in a moment of mere seconds and he slowly pushed the boy back on the chair. "I need you to relax. Can you do that?"

Jungkook shook his head and Jimin chuckled airily. "Yes, you can my sweet boy." Jimin's lips moved and sucked over Jungkook's neck skin. 

A high pitch moan left the boy and Jimin kept kissing and licking along his collar bones on both sides. Jungkook started moaning constantly and it made Jimin smile. He pulled back and looked at Jungkook's beautiful red face, lips slightly parted, eyes closed as he breathed through the mouth. A hickey was forming which was a very soft shade of pink but Jimin knew it would turn blue by the night and he would have to hide it before they could go out for dinner. 

Jimin's hand raised up and he caressed Jungkook's flushed cheeks by the back of his hand while his other hand moved over the member of his boy. Jungkook gasped and arched his back but his eyes remained close. Jimin slightly pressed on his chest to push him back on the chair and pressed the lever to recline it all the way back. 

Another loud whimper escaped Jungkook's mouth at the swift movement as he gasped and his eyes shot open to the ceiling. The good thing was, he did not have to look into Jimin's eye now. His hands remained on the hand rests on either side. His brows twitched before they came closer, a few creases forming on his forehead and then he felt something soft and warm wrap around his member's head.

Chapter Text

Warning: Mature

A shaky breath left Jungkook's mouth and his legs curled up but Jimin pushed them back down forcefully. He opened his mouth and swirled his tongue around the cock's head. Jungkook's body flinched. This immense pleasure was making itself known to him just now and he did not know what to do with it or how to handle it except calling Jimin's name with guttural moans. 

Jimin licked the slit and Jungkook felt another jolt through his body as another loud ecstatic moan left him but he knew that there was more on the way. His hands tightly held onto the hand rests of the chair to brace himself.  "AHhh- Jimin!" He yelled again. 

A few moans later, Jimin closed his mouth again at the tip and slid halfway down on the boy's big cock. Jungkook groaned through his gritted teeth and panted with his chest heaving heavily. His mouth not stopping to recite Jimin's name.

The older started bobbing his head slowly at first and then hollowed out his cheeks to put a little pressure. He tasted precum just in a few seconds of work and he knew that this would not take much time, but he wanted Jungkook to stay in the vulnerable position for as long as he could make him, to please him a little more.

Jimin breathed through the nose while his hands kept playing with Jungkook's balls, slowly moving around them and caressing them. He reduced the pressure and licked the shaft across the length. Jungkook groaned, trembled, and tried to control his climax.

He has touched himself a few times before after he discovered how it was done. He was 14 and a half when he figured it out. Since then, he tried to touch himself once or twice a week but he always felt wrong and guilty after it as he would fantasize himself with a boy at that time. 

Right now, as if all weight was drawn from his chest and he knew that Jimin would be there to protect him, no matter what. He freely let his mind wander to the grounds he never could before. As Jimin licked every inched, he placed the soft kisses across the length simultaneously. Jungkook's mouth only left moans as he kept himself from the screaming.

He gasped suddenly when he felt his cock restricted deep inside Jimin's throat. Was it happening? He wanted to look to enhance the sensation but he was not brave enough or confident enough to get up and look at Jimin in the action. Few deep thrusts and Jungkook's toes curled. 

"JIMIN!" He yelled out to announce that he was close and began to slid his hips away so he could take his cock out of Jimin's mouth but the older held him firmly in place and hummed loudly. The vibrations that generated made Jungkook lose his mind. The pleasure started from the groin and it radiated all the way from his abdomen, thighs, to the tip of his toes. His mind went fuzzy and numb and he could only feel a surge of intense pleasure, his cheeks warmed up, his heartbeat sped up and then he released his first cum inside his partner's mouth. 

Right after the pressure left his body, making all his muscles relaxed, he felt like he could breathe again and see things again. His grip on the hand rests loosened as he started to take deep inhales while Jimin drained his cock of every last droplet. The cock was suddenly limp and looked lifeless, just like Jungkook when Jimin got up and straightened the chair. 

Jungkook did not delay and wrapped his arms around Jimin's shoulders, breathing heavily. "You did good." Jimin spoke softly in his ear and picked him up to lay him on the bed. Jungkook did not let go of Jimin so he also laid down beside him and pulled the duvet over them with the help of his toe. 

"Jungkook, are you okay? Are you feeling shy with me?" Jimin caressed his cheek but Jungkook licked his lips before he gulped and shook his head with his eyes closed, already drifting towards the slumber." 

Jimin's phone buzzed again but Jungkook had his arms wrapped around him so the older did not want to move. He pressed a soft kiss in between the younger's eyebrows before he closed his eyes. 

**

"What are you doing?" Namjoon came out of his room after a power nap and found Taehyung figuring out the... Kitchen. 

"Isn't it obvious? I am cooking for the two of us."

"I'd rather eat stones than what you cook." The older shrugged and Taehyung stared at him. 

"You ungrateful giant! I went shopping for you. I did not even know what all to buy." Taehyung flung a box of baby food he had bought. 

Namjoon caught the box and read the details, "it is my age to make babies, not to eat their food." He threw the box back at Taehyung who also caught it and scratch the back of his head.

"I have to go return these." He pointed at many other boxes that were still lying on the floor but their position changed from the living room to the kitchen. 

"How many of them you actually bought?" Namjoon walked forward and sighed before their gazes met and they both burst out laughing. 

"I will come back real quick." Taehyung collected the boxes and was out of the house in a jiffy. As he walked towards his car that was transferred by Namjoon just this morning, his mind compelled him to go look for Felix and Juhwan.

He burned the ignition and only stopped in front of a compact building. For a minute or two, he looked at the students wandering about like ants crawling, carrying books or backpack. He got out and went inside. Felix lived on the second floor, he waited by the door for it to be opened so he could enter without having to be buzzed in. 

He knocked and hoped that Juhwan answered but another boy answered whom he had seen in a picture. "Hey Felix," Taehyung flashed him a smile. 

"Do I know you?" Felix asked and stuffed a wafer in his mouth while walking inside. Taehyung hesitated but then followed the boy in.

"I need Juhwan's number." He told the boy. "I am his friend and I came from Korea, I lost my cellphone but thankfully I had your address written in my diary. So I thought I would swing by and take it from you."

"What kind of dumb bitch doesn't take a back up on cloud?" Felix chuckled and Taehyung flared his nostrils in anger, he knew he had to behave, at least until he got more details on Juhwan. "Don't be a buzzkill, alight? I am heading there. Do you want to follow?"

"Sure." Taehyung shrugged unbelievably. He did not think it would be that easy.

They were outside and Taehyung saw the same motorbike as they walked towards it. "Cool bike." He complimented. 

"Yeah, got from my dad as a present. I love her." Felix caressed the leather seat of the motorbike. 

"You take good care of her. I bet you don't loan it to your friends." Taehyung asked, investigating. 

"I don't. Not at least by my wish." Felix scoffed and then stared at Taehyung. "Sit properly. Don't want her to get any scratch." He warned. 

Taehyung knew that Felix was high so he silently sat behind him and saw the boy just turning the bike around the corner and stopped in front of the building which was only a few meters away. He could literally look at Felix's building gate from here. 

"Go on," Felix spoke over his shoulders when he noticed Taehyung still straddling the bike. 

"Which floor is it?" He asked. 

"Top floor, room A3," Felix replied as Taehyung got down and then he sped off. 

"Guess I am not the only one in this world." Taehyung chuckled and looked up. 

In a matter of minutes, he was waiting outside the door when Jeon Juhwan answered and before he could close the door back, Taehyung held it. 

"Please, just listen to me."

"What the fuck are you doing here?" Juhwan asked, trying to hide behind the door that Taehyung was keeping open with force. "How did you find me?"

"I have my resources," Taehyung said blankly before smirking. "Now, you should know that I want to have dinner and I am alone in this city. So I will come to pick you up at sharp 7. Be ready."

"Dude!" Juhwan now let go of the door and walked right out. "I don't know what was it that gave you a wrong impression. I am not gay." He told Taehyung.

"I was not aware that only gays are allowed to eat here in America." Taehyung leaned in and Juhwan gulped before stepping back. He smirked and turned around as Juhwan watched him getting away in horror. 

Chapter Text

"Where the fuck were you?"  Namjoon threw a tennis ball at Taehyung.

"I got myself a date," Taehyung replied, rubbing his abs where Namjoon hit him. 

"You picked a date from the baby food section of the grocery store?" Namjoon walked closer with a concerned face. "Who is it? A teenage mom?"

"He-" Taehyung corrected. "I am not into girls anymore." The younger shook his head. 

Namjoon stared deeply at Taehyung. "How did you find a date?" His concern was genuine, he did not want another person to become Jungkook in Taehyung's hand but little did he know, his cousin had already found his Jungkook.

"Don't worry, Hyung." Taehyung held Namjoon's arms and kept them there while he gazed at the older with an assuring small smile. "I know you are worried and you might think it is too fast but I am okay. I have been okay since I moved here."

"You mean you were okay when you have not returned any of my calls for one week straight?" Namjoon raised his brow. 

"Come on! Trust me on this one, Hyung. I know you must feel that I ruin everything and I will do it again." Namjoon opened his mouth to form the words but Taehyung stopped him in between. "Just trust me, okay. I won't let you down." 

Namjoon was not convinced, but still he smiled in affirmation. Taehyung walked around him and slouched on the new couch. "Where is the food?" Namjoon asked when he looked for the tennis ball on the floor. 

"What food?" Taehyung asked as he stared at the ceiling. "Oh, Shit!" He ran out immediately before Namjoon found the ball again. 

**

Jimin did not sleep so he decided to get the things ready for their date. If they were back at their homes and everything was whole, they would have set this date to decide on the wedding date. Jimin felt sad that he could not propose to Jungkook, or fall more deeply in love with him before getting married. He knew how must Jungkook feel about it too. But Jungkook was naive and innocent. He never imagined his life that far from his present so he had never thought about a wedding date or a proposal. 

His phone was now annoying him so Jimin stepped out of the room and picked the call. 

"What? Please don't call me. I don't want him to worry about anything. If you keep calling me like this, he's going to think that something is wrong." Jimin blurted out in exasperation.

"She's missing," Do-Jihan replied. "Kitty is gone."

The silence fell on both sides after that until Jimin spoke again. 

"Well, find her. I have no time to deal with another disaster right now. I am getting married in 4 weeks for fuck's sake."

"What do you think we are doing here? I cannot talk to your family about it or your friends because guess what? You have got none. I am still trying to figure it out but I wanted to tell you, freak!"

"What did you call me?" Jimin raised his voice.

"Save your energy for the wedding night." Jihan scoffed sardonically. "I am talking to Mr. Lee, he is helping me and a few of his students are my Hyung's friends so it all worked out. I just did not want you to be unaware."

Jimin sighed, "I am sorry, do what you need to, I am just not in the right mind." 

"You sure you wanna play with those words, Park?" Do-Jihan chuckled out loud and Jimin shook his head with a big sheepish smile on his face.      

Jimin heard the bathroom door close in the room and he rushed back in. Jungkook was up so he quickly separated the two outfits on the bed while putting back everything else inside the wardrobe.  

Jimin waited for Jungkook to come out but it seemed to him that minutes had passed but the boy did not come out yet. Jimin only realized when he almost finished up the cleaning. He looked at the bathroom door and squinted his eyes. "Jungkook?" He decided to call at last.

No one replied, so he called again by walking near the bathroom door. "Baby, are you okay in there?" The thought that Jungkook might be a little awkward about what happened earlier fluttered Jimin's mind. 

"I am- I am good." Jungkook stuttered. 

"Then come out baby, I want to see you." Jimin smiled at the ground while he held himself against the door.

"I-I think I will stay here." Jungkook replied from inside. 

"What?!" Jimin's lips left a chuckle. "We have a date in an hour, baby. I have to shower." Jimin now knocked lightly.

"Use the next room, Jimin." Jungkook spoke louder.

Jimin sighed, banging on the door now. "Open, or else I will break it open. I now want to shower with you. Let me in."

"No!" Jungkook yelled.

"Okay then, I will just have to break in." Jimin stepped away and Jungkook panicked. He opened the door a little to peek and Jimin was not around. He decided to go out so he could lock the bedroom because he was bored in the bathroom. If it was the bedroom, he could play video games, as he thought. 

He could not close the bedroom door and found Jimin right behind him. "Jimin..." He looked down suddenly and the man wrapped his arm around the younger's torso.

"We have a date, baby. Let's get ready." Jimin did not tease Jungkook as the boy was already the reddest he had ever been in front of him. Jimin's voice remained so honeyed that it made Jungkook look up at him.

"Wh-where are we going?"

"It's 15 Kilometers from here, you will see." Jimin caressed his cheeks and fixed his hair before placing a peck on the forehead. 

"Should we shower together?" Jimin could not control his simper and Jungkook awkwardly looked away, shaking his head a bit. "You should hurry then because we don't have much time left." He caressed Jungkook's cheek again, it was so soft that the older did not want to pry his hand away from him, but he needed to let go. 

After getting ready, Jimin walked out with Jungkook and breathed contently. "You look gorgeous my boy." He complimented as they sat inside the car and the younger smiled gratefully.

"You look gorgeous even in your sleep," Jungkook replied and Jimin shook his head with the biggest smile on his face while he burned the ignition.

They drove nice and slow, savoring the beauty of Jiangyin. Jimin held Jungkook's hand and kissed it, they listened to the music, they forgot all the worries during those few minutes of the journey and just worked together to create beautiful giggles all around them. When they reached a barren place, Jimin stopped the car and Jungkook looked outside. There was just one little house in between the dense trees.

Albeit the sun was still setting, it felt like daylight was gone and the dark night arrived. Jungkook rubbed his palms together as he felt the nip in the air when Jimin walked around and fixed his hand over Jungkook's waist. "Let's go in."

Jungkook did not question anything, he loved and trusted Jimin so he knew that the place was safe for him, even though it did not look like it.

They knocked on the door, and to Jungkook's surprise, it opened into a big house that looked more like a restaurant with a few workers in uniform. "This way sir." A man greeted and escorted them as Jimin walked with Jungkook, both in black suits. 

The concierge took them to the table by the veranda from where Jungkook could see the last crescent of the orange setting sun in grey skies and also a full moon on its peak, both in view together. 

"It's beautiful." His eyes crinkled at the scenic beauty while Jimin's eyes shone as he looked at Jungkook. He moved and held Jungkook's forearms from behind while hugging him from the back. 

"It is beautiful." He repeated. 

"Thank you." Jungkook cocked his head around and Jimin let go of Jungkook so he could turn around and face him. 

"You are welcome, my gorgeous boy." Jimin joined their foreheads together after he gently pecked Jungkook's nose. 

Jimin had to put an end to the moment they were having in calmness and he pulled the chair for Jungkook to sit. When they were ready, Jimin pressed the buzzer on the table to order. 

The steward took their requests and the food arrived fairly quickly. Jungkook was impressed by the service of the place. It did not look much from the outside but it was absolutely magical inside with calming lights, good music, and the view of nature that could arrest one's breath. 

"Sorry that we are not having wine, but I promise that you can have it at home on your birthday." Jimin smiled as he poured a non-alcoholic version of the cocktail that was made of juices.

"I don't need alcohol to enjoy. I am loving this as it is." Jungkook assured Jimin who smiled as he looked down and brought up a small velvet box from the inside pocket of his coat. Jungkook only looked at the box and then Jimin standing in the next moment. 

"Is it-" He wanted to ask but he could not when Jimin moved over to bend down on his one knee and opened the box in front of Jungkook's eyes. 

"I know it is not the same and this moment is irrelevant now that we have already decided to get married. But I wanted you to feel and experience what a normal proposal felt like. I am sorry to have snatched a chance at a normal relationship from you, doll. I hope you would forgive me and accept me. I promise I will always love you and change for you." Jimin's eyes became glossy and he gulped a mouthful. His throat tightened as he spoke the words. 

Jungkook's eyes teared up in the next moment. "You don't need to ask me for forgiveness, Jimin. You are perfect and this is not irrelevant. I am sure I would not have felt the way you have made me. It's not normal and that is why it is very special." Jungkook cried as he held Jimin's hand that carried the box.

It brought a smile to Jimin's lips and he picked the platinum ring with a single diamond stud in the middle from its pillow. He wiped his tears and held the ring out to ask the question. "Will you marry me then?" He chuckled.

"You already know the answer," Jungkook got up from his chair and sat down on the rug, facing Jimin. "Yes." He replied slowly. 

Chapter Text

Jimin stood up after he slipped the ring into Jungkook's finger and stared at it for a good minute, his eyes brimming again as he observed how perfect his Jungkook looked with the ring of his name on his finger. 

Jungkook could not contain his happiness. During the entire time he spent with Jimin, he felt a lot of things. Excitement and fear in the beginning,  longing after he met Jimin, and then he again felt afraid and mostly, dubious of his life choices. He always thought if he took the correct path to get Jimin.

But standing here right now with an engagement ring on his finger changed everything, cured every doubt he had, and brought immense pleasure. From a runaway boyfriend to a Fiance, he felt that Jimin always meant to keep him as someone special. He did not want to cry and only wanted to live the moment, to let it sink in that he had finally made it in life, albeit he still had many hurdles to cope with, but this felt like a success. 

"Jimin, I love you so much." Jungkook smiled while his eyes remained on the shining diamond. The sun was now set but the boy was beaming.

"Come here," Jimin pulled the boy gently and filled him into his own arms, letting Jungkook rest his face on his own shoulders. He patted Jungkook's hair, softly, brushing them with his fingers. "I love you so much myself." He whispered strongly. 

Jungkook closed his eyes and wished he did not have to pull away but they were in a restaurant. Although they were the only guests of the place,  there was still staff present.

"I want to go home." Jungkook said, his voice came out raspy as if he was sleepy all of the sudden. 

Jimin chuckled. "Eat first, I am in no mood to cook tonight and you will get hungry soon." 

Jungkook laughed at that as he pulled away and pecked Jimin's cheek. "Thank you for always cooking for me."

"You are welcome, my boy." Jimin held the hand of Jungkook and moved him towards the table. They sat down and ate while Jimin mostly stared at his little fiance with his blushed pink cheeks and ears. He developed an urge so strong to make love to him but he had to repress. He could not lose control and he could not wait for the wedding day.

They drove back home and after locking the doors, Jimin picked Jungkook off his feet, startling him as he twirled. The boy giggled. "What are you doing?" He asked as his hands wrapped around Jimin's neck for support. 

"I wish I could take you somewhere nice." Jimin stopped and just gazed at the Jungkook's lips that were stretched out but they shrunk to their original state after he heard what Jimin said. 

"Jimin, you are already doing so much, please don't think I need more. I am very happy with you, I am happy at this moment." The boy cupped Jimin's cheeks and the older smirked slightly. 

He stepped towards the couch and fell back causing Jungkook to giggle. In the next moment, he separated Jungkook's legs to straddle the boy on his thighs. Jungkook gasped but he did not move away. Jimin let his back slumped against the backrest and pulled Jungkook's head to lean him in for the kiss. 

Jungkook took the hint and Jimin did not have to push him anymore. He applied certain force as he started the kiss. Jimin kissed back, returning the same passion to match Jungkook's intensity. The heated kiss turned excessively needy. Jimin's hands that were pulling Jungkook's body in by grabbing his waist moved up slowly to cup his face. Jungkook forgot everything and his hands that were cupping Jimin's face moved down to caress the man's coat fabric. 

He harshly tugged at the black coat, pushing it off Jimin's shoulders and that's when Jimin started to pull back but Jungkook was wild. Jimin had to stop instantly so he slipped his hands under the boy's hips and stood up. It did not stop Jungkook, he still did not break the kiss, and Jimin walked almost blinded. He had to hold Jungkook's weight with only one hand while his left hand was used by him to guide them into the bedroom. 

The messy kiss kept going, their heavy breaths and sloppy wet sounds were quite audible as Jimin shut the room's door with his leg, harshly. Jimin lowered Jungkook on the bed and now he was on the top. The first thing he did was to pull Jungkook's hands away from his face while his entire body laid on top of Jungkook, his legs looped around the bottom so he could not move.

Jimin took over completely and all he had to do was part their lips. Just as Jimin pulled back, a strong forced whine left Jungkook's mouth and he lurked his head up to capture Jimin's lips again and tried to pry his hands away from the strong grip, so he could use them to pull Jimin back. Their clothed boners rubbed on each other like they were iron stake.

"Baby, baby, baby..." Jimin breathed in the air that Jungkook breathed too. "Look at me, shhh..." Jungkook looked up, his eyes were desperate, and tears pooled in them.

"I love you so much my precious boy. It will sound stupid but I want to wait till the wedding." Jimin told Jungkook quickly because the boy was almost heartbroken. 

Jungkook breathed steadily, calming himself down a little, and blinked his eyes. "That would be... Beautiful." He admitted slowly and stopped struggling. Jimin smiled at the understanding boy and slowly pressed another kiss on the wet pink lips. This time, he took command and continued the kiss in slow and tender way. Jungkook moaned and tightly hugged Jimin who was still on top of him but was not possessing him.

"Let's call our homes and share the good news." Jimin asked the boy after breaking the kiss.

Jungkook nodded and Jimin rolled down on the bed. He pulled out his phone as Jungkook sat against the head post of the bed, straightening his shirt and coat.

Jimin video called his mother and Jungkook saw everyone gathered around her, as if they knew that they would have a news.

An inaudible chorus emerged from everyone and Jungkook saw their lit-up faces. He then heard Mrs. Park shushing everyone as Jimin chuckled. A pin-drop silence fell on the other side when Jimin said beamingly, "he said yes." 

Another round of yelling and hooting followed before Jimin tilted the phone towards Jungkook who flashed his finger with the ring. "Eomoni," he called out. 

"Congratulations my Jungkook-ie. I wish I was there but I will see you soon, okay?" Mrs. Park told the boy and teared up. Jungkook also cried and Jimin sat up to pull the boy close. 

One by one, they talked to everyone.

"Bye, Mom. I will call you all later and thank you everyone." He smiled widely and Jungkook also waved them goodbye while wiping his tears. 

"Now your turn," Jimin handed his phone to Jungkook. "Call your aunt."

Jungkook dialed his aunt in the next moment and it was all very emotional. She cried and Jungkook cried harder while Jimin only comforted him.

After both the families were informed, the older felt a sense of relief. He kept diddling over Jungkook's head as he laid the boy on top of him and sang to him in his angelic voice. They had gotten into sleeping clothes and Jungkook slept not soon after with his hand holding Jimin's shoulder, a ring on his finger that proudly flexed. 

"Good night, my little fiance." Jimin stopped singing and pressed a kiss on Jungkook's head. 

**

Taehyung was ringing Juhwan's house doorbell for almost 3 minutes. He felt like kicking the door open but he also did not want to scare the boy. He waited patiently for a long time, an hour to be precise, but no one answered the door, nor he heard any voice inside.

After almost an hour, he saw a few students unlocking the next door. Taehyung stood up from the floor and rushed to them. "Hey, by any chance do you know if Juhwan is at home?" He asked.

"I think he went to his uncle's place. I had seen him in the morning with a trolley bag. He usually goes to them in his free time." The groggy boy replied. 

"Do you know where his uncle lives?" Taehyung asked, creases appearing on his forehead.

The boy shook his head dumbfoundedly and looked at Taehyung's hands that were carrying flowers.

They got inside when Taehyung stepped back, hardly pulling his hair. He wanted to scream but he could not. 

After leaving the flowers in front of Juhwan's door, he came back home.

Namjoon was watching TV in the living room when he saw Taehyung enter the house and observed his reeling self. "Did not go well?" He asked carefully and picked the remote from the table to turn off the TV. 

Taehyung walked straight to sit beside Namjoon and sighed while rolling his hair up. His head hung low. "He... Stood me up." He replied in a small voice.

Chapter Text

"I need a cake to celebrate, can I bake one?" Jungkook asked, pouting hard so Jimin would not say no to him.

"Have you ever baked, baby?" Jimin chuckled from his chair. He has been sitting with his laptop for the last one hour. 

"No, but-"

"Then no, I will order one for us. Just worry about your studies and you should only be seen doing your studies." Jimin pulled down his glasses a little on his nose and looked through there, emphasizing with his curved brows. 

"But I study all the time."

"Correction, you play video games and sleep more than half the time. You study for only 3 hours a day." Jimin looked at Jungkook sighing as he sulked in the hammock. The older exhaled and put down his glasses to walk over Jungkook.

"And 3 hours should be enough," he said crouching down. "I am sorry, I just don't want things to go the way we have not planned. You still want to get admission to Seoul University, right?"

Jungkook nibbled on his bottom lip and nodded at Jimin. "I would have been angry at you but since this is the next day of our engagement, I am going to let it slide." Jungkook said earnestly, Jimin bit his inner cheeks and nodded to show Jungkook that he definitely could have. 

**

Taehyung tried to get in touch with Juhwan for four days but he could not find any success. Today was no different when he was coming back from Juhwan's place when his luck finally decided to shine upon him. He saw a boy with a blue trolley making his way towards him. 

Taheyung turned around and pretended to talk over the phone so that the boy would not run away. As Juhwan approached and was only mere inches away from him, Taehyung turned around and the breath was caught in the student's lungs. 

"Hey, Jung- Juhwan..." Taehyung called the boy with the sweetest smile.

Juhwan flinched back and positioned himself to run away. "I don't want to talk to you. Please stop or I am calling cops." The boy told him. 

"Okay, okay," Taehyung made sure to take a few steps back and held his hands up to ensure the boy that he would not harm him, "listen to me. Just hear me out once. I might be coming off pushy and a stalking creep but please trust me, I am mean no harm." Taehyung paused momentarily. 

Juhwan frowned as he waited for the older one to finish. "Here," Taehyung took out a large paper from his pocket. "This is a copy of my identity card, my phone number is written at the bottom. I am from Daegu but our home is in Busan. We own the petrol and gas stations across Korea and in America." Juhwan looked up as Taehyung said that.

"I am from a family of respectable folks and I just want a few minutes of your time. With all my information in your hands, it should be easy for you to trust me. If you want, share these details with your trustworthy friends too. Go out with me once, and I won't ask you to meet me again if you sill decide on it." 

"Why do you want my time?" Juhwan asked after a moment.

"I just want to talk to you. That's it." Taheyung smiled. 

Juhwan nodded, multiplying the smile on Taehyung's face. "6:00 PM, meet me at Starbucks around the block." He told the man. 

Taehyung wanted to ask him out for dinner but the coffee was a good start too. In his heart, he was already celebrating. 

After that he returned, slowly walking through the pavement to reach his car which was parked near a subway station, he stopped to buy milk so Namjoon would not kill him when he got back. 

His hand was hit by a basketball which in turn made the milk carton fall. If the packaging was glass, it would have been done for. Taehyung stared at the ball and traced a young man approaching in his basketball shorts and tank top. He had a cap on which was flipped back. His body was drenched in sweat and he was huffing. Taehyung noticed he had pale grey eyes. "Do you mind?" He asked, his voice heavy, not as heavy as Taehyung himself but it had some weight in it.

Taehyung smirked with his crooked smile and picked the milk carton, completely ignoring the ball that was right beside it. "New here?" The man interrupted and opened the net boundary gate that separated the playground and the road.

Taehyung did not say anything as the man approached him confidently, wiping his forehead with the black support wrist he had worn. "Are you mute, my man?" The man asked when Taehyung only stared at him blankly.

In the next moment, he threw the milk carton inside the car through the window and locked it. Next, he picked the ball from the ground but the man snatched it from him.

"8 to 10, my time. You cannot play around now. I have it fixed from Monday to Friday." He stated.

"Hey, Leo! What's the delay?" Another man yelled and they both turned to look inside the court. 

Taehyung silently turned around and got into his car.

"Pity, I thought you were the sort to put up a fight."

"You can thank your lucky star that I did not," Taehyung replied calmly before he rolled up his windows. The man stepped in front of his car and Taehyung rolled the windows down.

"I was checking if the lucky stars were still working," Leo replied sheepishly and it caused Taehyung to laugh but he tried his best to bite back the grin. 

"Swing by tomorrow, I might let you play." Leo told Taehyung as he stepped back and ran away.

**

Jungkook was sleeping but suddenly his eyes opened and he looked around. There was an empty bed so he waited for Jimin to come back. The washroom door was closed and he could not see lights on the inside through the gaps. He got up to pee sluggishly and when he came back, he thought he heard voices. 

At first, he ignored them but then he thought perhaps Jimin was talking over the phone. The voice did not let him sleep after he got on the bed, so he decided to go out and ask Jimin to talk in the morning, whoever he might be talking to in the middle of the night. 

He walked out and saw the second room door was open. Jungkook had never seen what the room looked like from the inside. He wanted to step in but then he heard Jimin chuckle.

Until now, he did not feel anything suspicious but now he felt a little jealous. Who was Jimin talking to at this time of the night?

Instead of going into the room, Jungkook stepped towards the couch where Jimin sat facing the kitchen, so he did not see Jungkook coming. When the younger approached and called out his name, Jimin flinched and turned around.

"Who are you talking to?" Albeit the man was sitting in the dark, Jungkook could see the color drained from his face at the question.

Jimin got up agitatedly and looked at the room. "I was on the phone with mother," Jimin replied quickly and held Jungkook by his arm, walking him back towards their shared room. "Why are you up, baby? Did you have a bad dream?"

Jungkook's eyes were trained on the second room but before he could say anything, Jimin lurked ahead and closed the door. "What's there?" Jungkook asked and he felt Jimin's hand went cold against his skin. 

"Nothing baby, I opened it for the ventilation. Let's go back to sleep." Jimin immediately made Jungkook turn around and they went inside their room.

Jungkook did not think much with his sleepy head and hugged Jimin before they could lay on the bed. Jimin smiled and caressed Jungkook's hair softly. "Did baby miss me?" He asked and felt Jungkook nuzzling his nose in his neck as he nodded. 

"I am sorry, I won't leave the room from now on." Jimin pressed a soft kiss onto the boy's hair. 

"Jimin," Jungkook called, voice raspy due to sleep. Jimin waited for him to speak but the boy only trailed off, trying to form words but could not say them.

"Say it, honey." Jimin requested. 

"Nothing," Jungkook pulled away from the embrace. "Let's sleep." He asked Jimin but the older held his arm.

"Do you want me to do the thing I did on the gaming chair?" Jimin asked carefully and Jungkook nodded, his face flushed and it turned so hot that Jimin could feel the heat.

"You don't have to be shy to ask for it. Didn't I tell you to not be shy with me, hm?" Jimin cupped the hot cheeks and made Jungkook to look up. The boy only nibbled his lips and knew that he would feel embarrassed the next morning when he'd have to interact with Jimin. But right now, something else dazed his mind. A strong yearning. 

Chapter Text

Jungkook was taking a mock test that Jimin helped prepare for him. The older was pressing the buzzer every one minute and the younger was not doing good. He was not able to solve the question in a minute. 

"Don't stress about what is left, just focus on what you can easily do and finish it." Jimin kept repeating but it was difficult for Jungkook to not stress over the number of questions he had left. 

"I can't." The younger suddenly pulled his hair and the older sighed, stopping the time counter. He moved closer to the boy hugged him. Without complaining about anything, Jungkook hugged back and Jimin felt him sob. 

"Hey, baby... Please, don't cry," Jimin pulled him away and wiped his tears. "You are going to get 3 hours. We are doing it in one and a half hours. The exam is going to be easier than this and I am sure you are going to ace it. Trust me, your preparation is well done."

"Okay," Jungkook sniffled and wiped his nose with his sleeve. "One more time."

Jimin smiled after caressing Jungkook's hair and let him go back to his seat while he walked to the kitchen. "I will make you some almond milk." Jungkook nodded and Jimin smiled again at how Jungkook was immersed in the studies just like that, not caring about the surrounding. 

Jimin pulled the drawer open and saw his medicine bottles. It reminded him that he needed to get them refilled before a week. He sighed and shut the drawer closed. After making Jungkook drink the milk and eat a banana, he walked away, giving him alone time to finish the sample paper. 

Jungkook was done in a few minutes and he called out for Jimin. "Out here," the older replied from the backyard. The sliding door was opened in the living room as Jungkook looked at Jimin outside, standing with his hands folded against his chest.

The boy walked to him and back hugged him. Jimin's lips perked up as he held the boy's hands and turned around to see him smiling widely. "I have to go to Seoul for a day." Jimin told Jungkook slowly.

"When?" Jungkook asked, smile shrinking away.

"In three days." Jimin replied.

"Why can't you go after three weeks? I mean we are going there for my exam anyway, so you can do whatever it is when I am taking my exam." Jungkook suggested.

"No, honey. This is important and time taking. Besides, I will not leave you there alone at the university. I want to be there the entire time." Jimin replied and then took a moment to observe Jungkook. The boy was looking down while in contemplation.

"It's just going to be a few hours. I have asked my uncle to come here to stay with you for the day. So you don't have to be scared. I will be back before night. I promise." Jimin said in a soothing tone while pulling Jungkook in a hug. 

"But, how will you go there if uncle stays here?" Asked Jungkook.

"I can drive, don't worry about that."

"No," Jungkook immediately pulled away. "The doctor has not recommended driving yet for at least one month. You are not driving." Jungkook gave his verdict and his tone made Jimin chuckle.

"I am fine. See, I am not even wearing bandages for 5 days now. Don't worry about the-"

"You are not driving. I am at home, safe and sound. I don't want you to be unsafe and drive around out there. You have to come back to me." Jungkook persistently whined and Jimin was left tongue-tied. He still felt his head thumping sometimes and he also knew that driving for such a long distance was not the best idea. This was true, he had to come back to Jungkook and God forbid if something happened. 

"Okay," Jimin replied, his brows furrowed as he looked down. Now he thought who could he leave Jungkook with? "But I can't leave you alone. Will you be comfortable with my mom if I called her here?"

Jungkook definitely was not. Not because Mrs. Park was not a nice lady, but because he was shy around new people and he met Mrs. Park only once and they talked over the phone just a few times. 

"I promise I will be fine. I know how to make Ramen, I have video games, and I have study to do. By the time I am done with my day, you already will be back. And you brought me here because you knew I will be safe, so why are you worrying so much?" Jungkook was right. But Jimin still did not want to leave him alone for the entire day. 

"Baby, I don't know. I just don't feel like leaving you alone. What if I leave you at Mr. Lee? Spend the day there." Jimin pleaded but Jungkook pouted. 

"I will be safer and more comfortable here. By myself." He replied. 

Jimin was still not convinced but Jungkook made him agree to it. "You will call me if you are scared at any time." Jimin asked of Jungkook and the boy nodded happily. 

**

Taehyung sat across Juhwan in the evening. He was drinking coffee, it was more like managing to gulp it down his throat somehow. Out of all the things, coffee was not Taehyung's best friend. 

"Are you going to talk?" The student asked. 

"Right!" Taehyung reminded himself he also had to speak other than just blatantly staring at the boy. "When did you move here?" Taehyung asked. 

"Here as in the US?" Juhwan asked and Taehyung nodded slowly, eyes scanning the boy piercingly?

"It's been a year. I am in my second year of college now. I moved here for the studies." Juhwan replied as he took a sip of his coffee.

"You are in college?!"  Taehyung bellowed suddenly, "I thought you were in high school." He added at last.

"I am in college. Why would you think I was in high school?" Juhwan asked, not having a clue why would Taehyung think that.

"How about your family? Where do they live?" Taehyung asked next.

"My parents live in Gangnam." The boy replied plainly.

With each answer, Taehyung's brows furrowed. He was not liking the answers that weren't proving that Juhwan and Jungkook were the same people. "And you were born in Gangnam?" Taehyung asked, a tone of disbelief in his voice. 

"Yes," Juhwan replied patiently.

"How old are you?" 

"19."

"What does your father do?"

"He is a small businessman. We have a dry-cleaning business back at home." 

"Did you ever go to Seoul or Busan or do you have any relatives that stayed there?" Taehyung asked like he was interrogating someone.

"No," Juhwan replied yet apathetically.  

"So, you are telling me that you are not Jeon Jungkook from Busan." 

At this point, Juhwan lost his patience. "Is this what it is all about? Do you think I am someone you know? Who is Jeon Jungkook? What happened to him?" 

The first time Juhwan asked the questions to Taehyung but the man had no answers. "No, it's not like that." Taehyung hurriedly stood up when Juhwan left the table after picking up his backpack from the floor.

"Then what is it about? Do you think I am a fool? You called me Jeon Jungkook the first time you saw me and now you are asking me all these questions to make sure that I am not him, or to make sure I am him." Juhwan started to walk away and Taehyung followed him.

"Wait, please." 

"Listen, man! I told you I am not gay and I believe this Jeon Jungkook was your lover. I am sorry if he is not with you anymore but I am not Jeon Jungkook and I will not be your lover. I sincerely believe that you are not that stupid to come after me again." Juhwan thundered and left.

Taehyung remained in the middle of the coffee shop, many eyes on him and he felt like breaking down. The day flashing against his eyes when he kidnapped Jungkook. The way he felt about Jungkook now made him regret everything he had done.

He now wanted to make amends. He wanted to love Jungkook but not forcefully. The fear he just now witnessed in Juhwan's eyes was something he never should have intended to see in Jungkook's eyes. This only made him cry for Jungkook and be apologetic.

He wanted Jungkook again, but this time, he wanted to do things right. He now wanted to love Jungkook, hug him close, and tell him that he was safe from the world. He wanted to give Jungkook the world, anything he desired and he wanted to make Jungkook laugh.

He always thought he had friends to back him up, no matter what? He knew his money would buy him anything, just like friendships but he was now realizing that even if he was the richest man in Korea, he still did not have Jungkook. A few weeks of living alone broke him and made him realize everything.

In the end, one needed someone to love and it did not matter how much money one had, that money would still be worthless if there was not anyone for you to love and share it with.

Taehyung's eyes brimmed and he looked at his phone screen at the picture of Juhwan looking down. He had silently clicked the picture. He put the phone back in his pocket and inhaled deeply. Looking around, he found everyone still gawking at him. He did not care. All he needed and wanted was Jungkook, more than ever. 

Chapter Text

Jungkook came back into the house after bidding Jimin goodbye and he found everything... Empty. Albeit only two people lived in the house, it still looked seemed to him a wholesome family. Now that Jimin was gone, the boy almost cried but then he chuckled, making fun of himself. "He will be back by the night." He mumbled. 

"Let's see, what do I have to do?" Jungkook spoke to himself and walked into the kitchen to see a love note. It brought a smile to the boy's lips. He held up the note and read.

I have made all the meals for you, heat them in the microwave when you are hungry. 

Don't leave anything inside the microwave for more than 1 and a half minutes and stand far from it if you feel scared. 

Check the fridge for snacks. I love you. 

Jimin had prepared the meals for the entire day. Jungkook felt something warm inside him. He looked at his bunny locket and grinned. Jimin always went out of the way to bring this smile to his face. 

He sat down on the couch with the note and called Jimin. The older picked up and chuckled.  "It's not even 10 minutes since I left, baby." 

"I got your note, had to say thanks," Jungkook laid over his stomach on the couch, keeping the note in front of his eyes. "I love your handwriting. Why haven't I seen it before?"

Jimin laughed more, "You love my handwriting? Is this your way of asking me that you want more of my handwritten notes?"

"N-No, I am just saying, Bush used to say that I should always compliment people on their good traits and personality."

"Hmm? You never complimented me. How I wish I could hear it from you in person, but I can wait for the day. For now, the phone call would do. Tell me Jungkook, you said I was the one whom you liked better when you first saw me. Why did you like me?" Jimin asked whimsically, imagining Jungkook's lowered lashes and his ears going red. 

Jungkook nibbled on his lip as if Jimin was in front of him, sinking into the couch due to the butterflies that fluttered inside his stomach so suddenly. "I-I love yellow color and you were wearing a yellow shirt." Jungkook delivered fast and disconnected the call. 

Jimin kept laughing in the car when he heard the beep sound. "What is it?" The driver asked. 

"Nothing uncle, I was just teasing him a little." Jimin replied. 

"How are you two now? Is he still very shy?" Uncle asked in amusement.

"We have definitely grown closer but he still hesitates to ask me anything. In fact, he never asked me for anything. Like if I have to bring him his favorite snacks, I play the game with him where I ask what would you choose and give him two options in comparison." Jimin guffawed and the driver laughed too. They were going at the speed limit because Jimin had to return by evening anyhow. 

"Did you tell him why were you going to Seoul?" The driver asked after a few minutes of silence. 

"I told him I am going to arrange the house, I still have not told him about the wedding." Jimin said with his eyes closed as he leaned back on the seat to relax a little bit. 

"I think you should, Jimin." The driver spoke hesitantly. Silence fell between them again. 

"You know we are engaged, uncle. I just did not want him to think about it much and he has a university exam two weeks after the wedding. I know he should know about the biggest day of his life but I will tell him soon. I just don't want him to overthink, he is really youthful but you right, I will talk to him tonight."

"He is not going to back out of the wedding, Jimin." The driver chuckled as if he read Jimin's mind. 

"Well, of course not. He knows he cannot go back home now." Jimin assured himself, his insecurities getting the best of him.

"No, Jimin. He will not back off because he has no where else to go but because he loves you. He puts his trust in you and you should share everything with him. He will understand and still love you the same. I love you as my own kid even though I know everything about you. I am saying this because you have to put your trust in your partner too. In my opinion, you should talk about everything before the wedding. If you don't, Jungkook might feel betrayed. Then again, it's up to you." The driver was clear in his indication. 

Jimin loved Jungkook and there was no denying it but he was hiding many things from the inexperienced boy and he knew he should tell him everything. He was too afraid that Jungkook would leave if he was to speak the truth. He knew he had to talk but for now, he decided he would wait until the wedding. "Why is there a need to tell him anything at all? I mean I am doing much better and I can live peacefully with him... Like how I am the past days."

"How can you say that Jimin? It takes one fit and you will ruin everything. You can't risk it. I hope you stay like this and continue to do fine but be prepared for the worst. It is your duty to prepare Jungkook for it too." The driver argued.

"I have everything under control, if I keep things under my control, I can work this out without Jungkook knowing anything." Jimin asked himself rather than speak. 

"You can't control a human being, Jimin. He is an individual, with his own thoughts, feelings, and wishes, and what if he wants something that you don't. Please don't tame the boy. He has to live his own life," The driver felt a trickle of fear chilling over him. "How could you think like that?"

"You are right, you are right." Jimin shook his head to ensure the driver that Jimin would not go that far but both of them knew that was not the case. 

**

Taehyung woke up the next morning, his head throbbing after he drunk a lot last night. If Namjoon was not staying with him, he would have flown back to Korea to go after Jungkook.

Namjoon was cooking in the kitchen and Taehyung heard the spatula clinking against the pan.

"What was it that you were doing last night?" The older asked the younger, his eyes keened at the food as he observed the younger coming out of his room.

"I was drinking in my room." Taehyung opened the fridge and gulped down a cold bottle of water. 

"No," Namjoon turned off the stove and walked around the kitchen island. "You were calling for Jungkook." He flashed Taehyung's phone screen towards him, showcasing the picture of Juhwan. 

"Is this your date? Is this why you felt all better all of the sudden because one guy resembled Jungkook?" Namjoon was reeling and Taehyung stared at him.

"What are you doing going through my phone?" The younger bellowed.

"What's best for you apparently. For how long am I going to clean up after you?" The taller threw the smaller's phone on the couch and the latter started walking back into his room.

"I am telling you for the 1000th time, stop this shit show. You can't have Jungkook. You will never have Jungkook. The sooner you forget about him, the better it is for your and everyone else's health." Taehyung was inside the room when he heard Namjoon yelling so he rushed right back out.

"Or what? I can't Hyung. I can't forget about him so easily. Do you think sending me away to a different country would have done it? You are wrong now, aren't you? I won't ever forget about him and guess what? I am going back to Korea. I will ask him forgiveness but I won't ever sit still until I have him." Taehyung yelled back to match the intensity of the heated conversation.

"You are not going anywhere." Namjoon held his wrist tightly.

"Who will stop me? You? You can't hurt me." Taehyung pushed Namjoon harshly away and the man stumbled before falling.

"I am sorry Hyung. I have to go now." Taehyung began walking inside his room but he stopped on hearing Namjoon's word.

"I CAN'T HURT YOU, You. Are. Right. AND I CAN'T FUCKING SEE YOU HURT!" Namjoon yelled to flinch Taehyung a little. "Jungkook is missing for over a month now." Namjoon lurked ahead to grab Taehyung's collar. 

"What?" Taehyung asked timidly, eyes shaking in fear.

"Yeah..." Namjoon pushed Taehyung aside. "The day after all that happened, he has been missing since then." He looked away. 

"Why did not you tell me before?" Taehyung asked, voice breaking as he spoke.

"Because... Jimin also left the country." 

Chapter Text

"Jimin took... Jungkook? And Jungkook left with him?" Taehyung asked, completely fazed as he repeated the words. 

Namjoon stepped closer and hugged the little cousin. "Willingly... I am sorry, Taehyung. It's over."

Taehyung had two voices in his head, the dominant one was yelling, It will be over once I say it is, and the dormant one, I lost.

Namjoon pulled away from the hug and waited worriedly for Taehyung to speak, "say something."

**

"I... Love it." Jimin expressed content after looking at the multimillion-dollar house. 

"Just sign over here and the house is yours to keep." The property contractor handed the agreement papers he had prepared in advance and Jimin was more than happy to sign over.

The man left and Jimin took a moment to look around. The place was huge and he knew that Jungkook might not get used to it soon but he had to provide the boy with the best. The place had an outdoor pool, a gym on the ground floor, first floor was where Jimin planned to live with an ocean view from the rooms. Jungkook loved being in nature and the trees behind the ocean made it all seem picturesque. The above two floors had their own arrangement in a similar fashion as the first floor. 

Each floor had a huge living area, veranda and bar of its own, and at least 3 to 4 rooms. Jimin did not bother to take a look at all the floors and only walked through the first one, followed by the ground floor and outside. "Are you going to name it?" The driver asked and Jimin turned to him with a smile. 

"I want to name it after Jungkook but I want to ask his decision. We will see once we move here." Jimin replied dreamily, looking at a far distance where the boundaries of the house were lavished. There was no sound of traffic for as far as Jimin could hear. The place had only a few new properties and most of the places had no owners living there. 

"We should leave if we don't want to get late." The driver asked Jimin who nodded. 

Their next stop was the wedding dress store which was Brunello Cucinelli. For himself, Jimin had custom ordered a black stylish executive fit suit and for Jungkook he had ordered a Ludlow suit from the collection in white. 

Jimin was looking at himself in the mirror and he wished he could see Jungkook in his suit, but that had to wait. The driver was tearing up as he saw Jimin trying on his suit and walked over to him. "You are missing one thing," he added.

"What is it, uncle?" Jimin chuckled a little as he saw the man who was also standing firm in his black navy tux walk over to one staff member and asked for something. 

A few moments later, a lady appeared with a tray propped with two diamond studded lapels kept on it, safely tucked into their cushions. One was a graceful butterfly and the other one was a classic dragonfly. 

Jimin smiled, "thank you, I will take it." He said while grazing the two lapels gently, spark in them blinding him quite literally. 

He went to clear the payment. "You have paid in advance, sir. Nothing is due." The cashier informed at the counter and Jimin knew that the lapels were paid for by his uncle. He looked outside, the man was ready with the car, all set to go. He made a thumbs up from the inside and Jimin walked out in the bright sunlight. 

Instead of getting in, he knocked at the driver seat's window and the man rolled the glasses down with no trace of smile on his face as he looked at Jimin who was leaned down. "You did not have to do that, Uncle."

"I had to give you something at your wedding and also Jungkook. He deserves to get so much more, sadly, he won't get as many gifts as he would have if your families agreed to the wedding and if all this happened with everyone's acceptance." The driver now smiled gratefully. "Moreover, how can I ever give you a gift when you had given me everything. Please consider it as my blessing for my two young sons." He nodded.

Jimin bowed, "thank you very much, uncle. Jungkook is going to love it as much as I do."

"Get in." The driver hushed before he started crying. They drove off quickly to drop everything for the wedding at one place.

They had left early in the morning and only took one break in between to eat. Finalizing the house only took a few minutes because Jimin already had been in touch with the contractor where they had video calls almost every day. The wedding dresses were something Jimin was looking forward to. Now that he was happy with what he had seen, he wanted to make a last stop quickly and then leave for home to go to his fiance.

They soon reached the wedding planner's office with whom Jimin was in contact all these weeks. The man brought them to the venue Jimin had fixed to exchange his vows with Jungkook, and saw the presentation that the planner had prepared which had a representation of what the place would look like on the actual night of the wedding. 

"Thank you Mr. Kwan." Jimin admired the hard work that the employees had put together. 

"You are welcome, Mr. Park. We will be ready to welcome you both on 2nd of September." The man assured Jimin and then provided him with a tour of the place, showed him the groom rooms where the two would get ready and introduced him to the make-up artists who would work for them.

Jimin happily handed over the wedding dresses to them for safekeeping along with other accessories.

"I know it's not ideal that I am asking you so much even when you have not met and will not meet Jungkook until the wedding day." Jimin apologized to the make up artists.

"The pictures you had sent of him and the information you gave us provided us a pretty good idea on what would go best on his face and skin type, Mr. Park. Please don't worry about anything and just relax. Let us worry about you now." The ladies smiled and Jimin still did not feel confident. 

This was his habit, to take control over everything, the delegation did not work well for him. He needed to do things in a certain way, his way, but the occasion was something he could not help. It was not suiting well with him. 

**

Jungkook was waiting by the clock. He didn't get any answer from Jimin for a long time and anxiety was picking on his nerves harshly. He did not want to call the driver to hinder his driving and also because Jungkook was not allowed to make any call from his phone. He mostly used Jimin's phone to call his aunt. 

It was dark and the voices of chirping crickets that seemed pleasant with Jimin were turning spooky. He kept walking around and took calm long breaths, nothing seemed to work permanently. At last, he called the driver but it went straight to voicemail. What Jungkook didn't know was that driver never picked any calls while he drove. 

Jimin's phone was still off and Jungkook could not help but wanting to cry. He didn't know what to do. He felt lonely, stuck, and scared. "What if Jimin doesn't return?" He thought. "No, no... He must be on the way." He shook his head and brought his hands to call his aunt but couldn't. Not when Jimin had asked him not to. He did not want to bring trouble to the man.

He suddenly heard the car stop and saw the headlights outside the house. He ran immediately towards the door.

Jimin was about to open the door when it opened and the man felt Jungkook's shivering cold body crashed into him.

Jimin turned around and the driver motioned him to get inside. The former nodded at the latter while hugging Jungkook securely in his arms. "Hey, I am sorry I am late," Jimin whispered in his ears, kissing his earlobe gently. 

"Why were you not picking up the call?" Jungkook complained, his head buried in Jimin's neck.

Jimin turned to see the driver again and signaled him to bring his phone. He had an attack and because the driver was there, the situation was controlled. It was an accomplishment that Jimin did not have to be brought to the hospital. The driver came out of the car with the phone.

"I apologize Jungkook." The youngest immediately pulled away from a hug and awkwardly bowed at the driver. "The charging point in the car was not working and I have forgotten to replace it. Jimin's phone died, I am sorry to have you worried." He bowed at the young boy who was taken aback by the modesty of the older. 

"Uncle, it's okay. Please don't apologize. I was just scared." Jungkook told him before the oldest took his leave.

Jimin made Jungkook eat and the whole night, he hugged the boy close to make him feel safe and also to feel safe himself.   

Chapter Text

Taehyung woke up in the morning after two days, or more like could not sleep for the two entire nights. Namjoon worriedly slept just outside on the couch in case the young stupid cousin attempted anything. It was almost half-past five in the morning when Taehyung threw his quilt aside and groggily pulled on his hair. 

He picked his phone again and opened the picture of Juhwan to look at him for the millionth time.

Sighing, he put it down and looked at the time. His feet suddenly got him up and he rushed to take shower and was out in a few minutes. Namjoon stirred awake as he saw Taehyung walking out of the house. 

Without thinking about anything, he ran towards the door to hold the younger back. "Where are you going?" Namjoon huffed. 

"Not to Korea." Taehyung scoffed and looked at the hand which was held by Namjoon. 

The older pulled back and sighed, rolling his hair up. "I am sorry."

"Don't be. My passport is sitting there," Taehyung pointed at the kitchen island and left without another word.

He rushed and got inside the car to drive to the basketball court which wasn't far. He had no clue why he was going there so early in the morning but he didn't know what else to do.

On reaching there, he found a few people practising inside the court. Slowly, he made his way in and people were hindered. "Has anyone seen Leo?" He asked a man. 

"You are early." Leo replied from behind the crowd. 

Taehyung's neck cracked so quickly and his eyes peered through the crowd to finally settle on the good looking man he had seen before. "One match, just you and me." Taehyung challenged.

Everyone dispersed to clear the way for the two men to talk. Leo has been practising here for long as he wanted to try out for the nationals. All these people were his friends and he taught them and practised with them for almost a year now. 

The man walked towards Taehyung with slow steps and a comfortable smile. On the other hand, Taehyung showed no sense of pleasure whatsoever. He stood, waiting to win after a long time of losing, to feel the rush of it all over again.

"You are on." Leo agreed and extended his hand. Taehyung kept gazing into the pale grey eyes of the man who was his competition, a source to direct his anger towards. 

**

Jimin was standing by the doorframe, watching Jungkook sleep after he had mixed a light sedative in his banana milk. He needed Jungkook to not wake up while he worked. There were many things he needed to wind up without his fiance knowing about it.

The clock struck 11:59 and Jimin smiled before he started readying a rainbow cheesecake, putting an 18 number candle on top of it. Slowly, he walked to the bed and put the cake on an empty dresser. "Baby?" He pulled Jungkook on his lap. The boy's neck was swaying in his deep sleep that Jimin supported and put it across his own chest.

Cupping his beautiful face, Jimin gently patted him to wake him up. "Jungkook, baby, wake up." Jimin's voice was calm and his heart filled with nothing but content and peace.

The driver was standing outside, Jimin and he packed everything up and they were all set to leave the place Jimin and Jungkook had lived together for more than a month. "Jungkook, my boy. Get up, it's your birthday." Jimin's lips did not leave the smile and his eyes constantly remained doted on Jungkook's parted lips. 

Jungkook wriggled and Jimin shook him harder, "Wake up, Jungkook." His voice was a little louder but still groomed with the same warmth.

As Jungkook's eyes opened, he found himself looking at Jimin's smiling and ethereal face that reflected under the low flames through his lashes. "Happy birthday, my world." Jimin leaned and pecked the boy's lips.

Jungkook started wrapping his arms around Jimin, wanting to deepen the kiss but Jimin pulled back. "Blow out the candles before they ruin your cake." He chuckled. 

Jungkook sat up from Jimin's lap and joined his hands while closing his eyes. He made a wish before he blew out the candles. Suddenly, the room turned dark and Jimin turned on the lamp, letting dim light guide them.

As Jimin started singing a happy birthday to Jungkook, the boy took a knife that had a ribbon tied over it and cut the cake. He took the slice and held out for Jimin to eat, tears brimming in his eyes. Jimin took a very small bite and took the knife from Jungkook's hand to cut a piece for him.

Jimin when offered the cake to Jungkook, the latter's chin started to quiver. He did bite a mouthful but his throat tightened, not letting him eat. He started sobbing slowly and Jimin put the remaining piece down before hugging him.

Jungkook let his arms tightly hold Jimin's body and his shoulders shook as he cried into the crook of his neck, slowly chewing in the process. "Shhh, it's your birthday. If you cry, god will cancel your wish." Jimin said with an adoring smile. This made Jungkook chuckle a little when he pulled away. Before his big hands could wipe his own tears, Jimin's small thumbs did.  

Jimin pulled him back in his chest to safely hold him, kissing his head. "I am sorry, Jungkook." The older said and the younger furrowed his brows in confusion.

Why was Jimin being sorry? He looked up at at with the same confused expressions. "Why are you apologizing?" He asked. 

Jimin could sniff the cake from Jungkook's breath. He held Jungkook's hands and looked down at the ground. Jungkook was growing nervous with each passing moment. Was this Jimin's way of surprising Jungkook? Before Jungkook could transform his thoughts into words, Jimin spoke. "I am sorry that you have lived like this, constrained in one place without the freedom to go out. I am sorry that your 18th birthday is not much. It is not what you would have imagined it to be."

Jungkook only shook his head, wanting to stop Jimin. He knew Jimin always felt that he was not doing enough but in honesty, Jungkook was living his dream, even if they lived in a cabin in the middle of the forest.

Before Jungkook formed words, Jimin looked up and put a finger on his lips. "I know you think this is enough but you deserve everything, my love. I wanted you to have the wedding of your dreams and I am sorry that I am telling you this now," Jimin sighed heavily as if he was about to break very bad news. "We are getting married tomorrow." Jimin told Jungkook and the boy did not blink or say anything. 

Albeit he knew they were marrying, he did not know it would all happen so suddenly.

Jimin felt that he stopped breathing for a moment. "Baby," Jimin's hands slowly rubbed Jungkook's forearms. "How do you feel right now?" He asked.

Jungkook looked up, his breath growing heavy. "P-panicked." 

"I knew you would panic and think about everything else. I wanted to tell you but I did not want you to be unable to focus on your studies. I am really sorry-"

Jungkook suddenly stopped Jimin when he boldly inched closer and kissed his man, eyes closed, fingers lost in the silky hair of the older.

Jimin didn't resist and returned the intensity of the kiss, pulling Jungkook closer by his waist and sharing one breathe. 

"You don't have to say sorry," Jungkook told Jimin. "I am panicking but I am also very happy, happier than I have ever been." The boy realized that even if they had been through hell, it didn't mean that their marriage would be any less beautiful. Sure, they wouldn't have friends or families to bless them, but they would still have each other, vowing to be intertwined for the rest of their lives together. 

Taking this journey was fearful but Jimin made it seem easy all this while for Jungkook, and he knew if they both walked together, they would overcome any obstacle and he could not wait for the beautiful beginning all of the sudden. 

"I love you, Jimin." Jungkook excitedly whispered as he parted his lips from the man gently, eyes remained close.

Jimin opened his eyes that were teary and he looked so broken but just as Jungkook confessed his love, Jimin's face bloomed like a night lily.

"Let's go," he held Jungkook's hand and started to pull him out. The boy now noticed that the house looked empty. Their belongings were gone. 

"Where are we going?" He asked. 

"Home." 

Chapter Text

Jungkook was sound asleep in the car and Jimin couldn't find himself to close his eyes even. "You should rest for some time, Jimin. I will take you both safely to your destination." The driver chuckled lowly.

"I trust you with my life, uncle. You don't have to assure me," Jimin laughed softly. "I will move to the front seat." 

The driver stopped momentarily for Jimin to switch seats. The older took care of Jungkook by laying him straight on the back passenger seat as best as he could and covering him in a blanket before moving to the front seat and the driver carried on. 

"I am really happy Jimin. I didn't think you would get married so early but I also got married when I was your age. It's not a big deal." The driver said fondly.

"Then why did you say you didn't expect me to marry so early, hm?" Jimin chuckled softly, careful to not disturb little one's sleep. 

"Generations changed, son. No one marries in their early twenties anymore." The driver said glancing at Jimin for a moment and realized how exhilarated Jimin looked, how he was glowing.  

"True," Jimin took a moment and looked outside the window as they rushed past trees and street lights on an otherwise long and dark road. "Thank you for always being here, uncle."

"You know Jimin... When I was hired by your family, my job was to drop you and pick you up from school. Madam and Sir realized how close you grew to me and they never let me go. I sometimes wonder if I had gotten a second family if it wasn't for you."

"And I wonder if I was still alive if it wasn't for you," Jimin replied modestly.

"Aish!" The driver looked at the back seat from the rearview mirror at sleeping Jungkook. "I was only a medium. He wanted you to live a long life." 

Jimin didn't say anything and smiled. "When is mom arriving?" He asked after few moments.

"She will reach tomorrow. Mr. Jeon hasn't given up yet on his attempts. The police had to go to your place many times and the chief suspects that Mr. Jeon might not stop until he has something concrete. Madam wanted to be cautious so she chose to travel late at night and not in advance, just to be sure."

"I sincerely cannot thank you and Mr. Lee enough. If he didn't provide his legal support, it would have been difficult to stay here undetected for so long."

"Don't think about it Jimin. You need your beauty sleep. Don't want only one groom looking beautiful on the wedding night." The driver chuckled. Jimin nodded and soon, he reclined his seat to get some sleep.

When he woke up a few hours later, it was a bright sunny day and the AC was cranked up because of the sunlight that was getting in the car. Jungkook was fast asleep, his one hand was dangled to the car mat and the other was kept over his neck, holding his bunny locket. 

"Good Morning," The driver mumbled, his eyes bloodshot and face puffy. This was an occupational hazard for him after staying awake for the whole night. Jimin often avoided going anywhere at night but this was unavoidable. 

"Good morning, uncle." Jimin stretched his hands. "Let me drive for some time." He offered. 

"We are almost there." The driver replied, denying the offer. 

Jimin looked around, confused. They were in the middle of the city. The house he'd taken was away from the bustle and it was at least 2 hours drive from where they were right now. But then he remembered, they were going to be staying in a hotel for one day. The house was a wedding gift and a surprise for Jungkook that he would see only after the wedding. 

"Fuck!" Jimin rolled his hair up and pulled out his phone. "I should have woken up earlier." He hastily dialed the hotel at first to check if they had arranged everything. After that, he called Mr. Lee.

Jimin's lawyer and Mr. Lee were already present at the hotel. They arrived beforehand to ensure that everything would go well. The hotel was provided with security that was arranged by Mr. Lee and Jimin's private suite was also ready.

After Jimin was done talking to everyone, the driver mockingly laughed at him. "Your wedding is tomorrow. Don't panic so much, you still have time and I am here to run errands at the last moment if there's anything. You aren't alone, okay?"

"You know I can't help it," Jimin said nonchalantly, "And I want you to get full rest and be ready for tomorrow," Jimin added while retracting his seat and fixing his clothes.

"I will wake him up." He walked out of the car after the driver pulled over in front of the hotel porch. Jimin opened the car door to lean and gently kept Jungkook's head on his lap as he slid on the seat to create space for his own sitting. The concierge standing outside the hotel walked over and the driver opened the trunk for them to take the luggage out. 

"Jungkook, baby we are here. Wake up." Jimin said gently brushing the hair that was sticking on Jungkook's forehead. The driver waited as Jimin lovingly let his mellifluous voice hit the younger's ears but Jungkook didn't wake up. After efforts of three minutes, the driver was chuckling and Jimin joined him in it. 

"Does he always do that?" The older asked. 

"Often, yes. But he is under the influence of sedatives today. What do I do now?" Jimin asked defeatedly.

"Carry him inside." The driver replied with a face of isn't-it-obvious.

"I guess, that is it," Jimin put the shoes on Jungkook's feet before fixing his clothes and put a mask over his face. Jungkook still didn't budge. Jimin had to finally put a little bronze bucket hat on his head before carrying him out.

He walked to the reception with Jungkook in his arms. "Please check me in and send someone in the room for the paperwork." He requested. The receptionist smiled and was more than happy to confer to the request. One concierge walked with Jimin and helped him to his suite. Jimin walked straight to the big room's bed and put Jungkook down before straightening and huffing. 

He tipped everyone and looked around. The door to the big balcony had peach-colored curtains that were whisking very gently as the wind blew outside. The bed was round in shape and the room was so big that they would have to walk a lot to go to the bathroom or even to the balcony. 

Jimin locked the room after the staff was gone and he was done with the paperwork. As he returned, he saw Jungkook curling into himself. Chuckling, he pulled the crisp peach-colored duvet and put it over Jungkook. The boy immediately straightened out his legs as he felt the warmth. 

Jimin's phone started ringing and he looked at Mr. Lee's name on the screen. He immediately walked outside after fixing his hair with his fingers. "Mr. Lee!" He got startled when he found the man right outside his suite with a lady. 

"I am sorry, did I wake you?" Mr. Lee asked as he stood in his blue suit. 

"No, no... I have just arrived." Jimin replied, looking at the girl so the man would introduce. 

"I will let you rest after this. This is Nam Vivi, your lawyer who has worked on your wedding papers. Take these and read them before tomorrow." 

"Hi," the girl extended her hand. 

Jimin bowed and accepted the hand. "Hello, Ms. Nam. Thank you very much for helping us." 

"It's all good, Mr. Park. It is my job and nothing gives me pleasure than helping two lovers unite." Vivi replied earnestly with a bright smile and Jimin reciprocated. He then took the papers from Mr. Lee's hands.

"Where is Jungkook?" Mr. Lee asked. "I hope to see him today at least once before the wedding."

Jimin chuckled. "Unfortunately, you will have to wait until tomorrow. He is asleep." Jimin laughed out loud. 

No matter how anxious was the man to meet Jungkook, he never got to see him. "Fine, you were supposed to not look at him before the wedding but I guess you aren't doing this so I will do the custom on your behalf." The man laughed too.

"Well, Uncle wanted us to stay in different suites too, but it just does not make sense. I don't want to leave him alone even for one second."

"I understand, he might get scared or panic if he was to be left alone," Vivi discerned. 

Jimin could only smile and nod. 

"Alright then, Jimin. Have a good rest today and let's get you both married tomorrow." Mr. Lee said firmly and Jimin bowed at him before the two left for their own rooms in the hotel. 

Jimin called and confirmed if the driver had checked-in and then he quickly left a text to his mother as he walked back to the bed. 

"See you tomorrow, mother! I am very happy today. Come soon and come safe."

Chapter Text

Jungkook was sitting in the groom's room the next day. Due to excessive sleeping, his face was puffier than usual. He heard only muffling voices as he remained spaced out.

On looking around, he found Jimin on the next chair whose eyes were closed and the artist was applying eye shadow on his lids. Jungkook wanted to note his own eyes on Jimin because nothing was making sense to him, but his stance was interrupted by his makeup artist who held his face and Jungkook blinked slowly. "Please look at the ceiling." The sweet voice asked him and he did what he was told.

Jimin couldn't help but grow anxious on Jungkook's silence. The boy woke up in the evening yesterday and Jimin made him cut another small cake. He had gifted him a Valentino diamond-studded choker which he made Jungkook wear and the boy was happy, mostly.

They had dinner with Jimin's driver and talked to Mrs. Park and Mr. Park before it was late. The younger woke up today in the afternoon and showed no emotions since then, whatsoever. The man stole another glance at him with a hopeful smile, yet his heart kept throbbing. 

The artist beamed, marveling at her work. She made Jungkook look manlier than he actually was. His hair was parted from the left and the exposed forehead was sparkling with glitter contour and highlighter she had used on the skin. His eyes were groomed with eyeliner and nude shades of eye shadow, again with shimmer. "You may go in and change. Please call him if you need aid." The artist pointed at a boy who was assisting her. 

Jimin wanted to look at Jungkook but his artist had him close his eyes to work on a subtle smokey eye effect with grey shade and it was a little tedious. Jungkook went to the changing room. He stripped and took off his robe to get into his wedding white suit which was hung inside, a butterfly brooch was grazed on the lapel collar of his suit.

After the suit, he wore his white sparkly shoes and walked out slowly, fidgeting with his thumbs as he felt jittery. Jimin found his Jungkook and the younger slowly raised his head when he could not walk ahead, blocked by soon to be his husband.

Jungkook's breathing went haywire as his eyes caught up to Jimin's eyes. The man was like the night sky, beautiful and serene to look at. Jimin's eyes didn't leave Jungkook's. "My beautiful boy." He whispered slowly, his eyes burning with immense care and passion.

Jungkook couldn't help the lump which formed in his throat. He wanted to spill tears but he couldn't. He didn't know how he was feeling but one of many things he recognized was disorientation.

"Was I really destined to marry Jimin without my family present on this day?" He kept thinking and second-guessing everything. But then, Jimin offered his hand to Jungkook. There was no one in the room except the two and their loud and unsteady breaths. 

"Take my hand," Jimin told the boy and he looked at it for a few seconds before looking up and gulping to dissolve that lump, and slowly, he held Jimin's hand.

A wave comfort ran over him as if someone had blessed him from the heavens. All the bustle inside was arrested but he still couldn't smile.

Jimin took his first step and the boy followed silently. They walked out into the snap of dusk of the wedding hall. Jungkook only relied on Jimin to lead the way. The boy assumed that they'd go to get married under big fancy chandeliers but Jimin moved towards the outdoor arena.

As they walked around the yard surrounded by flowers that were wafting their fragrances in the air, Jungkook's heartbeat sped up. They could see the dim artificial lights rising as the sun set completely.

Jungkook hoped that it would stay this way as he didn't want anyone to see him. A thousand thoughts were running in his mind until he stepped on three stairs with Jimin and saw the tea-rose colored arch in front of his eyes in the middle of the big open lawn.  

The lawn was as big as it could be and the arch was elegant to no one's imagination. The two pillars were helically swirled with the tea-rose colored drapes. The twists and turns of the clothes were laced with salmon-colored pantones. There were small lights tucked in the stems of flowers that twinkled in the same shade and it provided just enough light to visualize the scene in front of the arch. 

Jungkook looked over at Jimin with a sense of being born again, of being released from old ideas and bonds of agreement and stepping into a new world, all pure. Every reservation he felt fell as he imagined that in a matter of minutes, he would take his vows in front of beautiful setting.

He looked at Jimin's parents and his uncle smiling at them from distance. Though he couldn't see if they were crying, he could safely assume some tears. 

As they approached, Jimin's mother hugged Jungkook. "How are you?" She asked, her question meant as if she really needed to know if Jungkook was okay. 

The boy smiled, "I am good." He could manage to say only this. "How are you... And you, sir?" Jungkook looked at Jimin's father who stood beside his wife with a beautiful smile on his face. 

"Are you happy, my boy?" Mrs. Park asked without letting anyone speak. 

Jungkook turned and looked at Jimin whose face told a different story. He smiled at him the first time today before turning back and assuring the parents with equally enthusiastic smile that he was happy.

The moment was rudely disturbed when Mr. Lee walked over with Vivi. Jungkook confusedly looked at them and the two other people who he assumed were staff members, judging by the camera in their hands.

"Hello, Jungkook. We finally meet. I am Lee Swa-jae and she is my mentee and your lawyer, Vivi." The older disrupted Jungkook's thoughts.

"Hello, Mr. Lee. I have heard about you." Jungkook bowed. 

"Ready to get married?" Mr. Lee asked excitedly as he grazed Jungkook's shoulder.

"Yes," Jungkook replied confidently that it swelled Jimin's heart, putting his anxiety at bay all at once. 

"Okay," Vivi exhaled happily. "These are your wedding papers. I am going to need the signature of two witnesses from Jungkook's side and two from Jimin's side followed by grooms' signatures here and here."

Before Jungkook could think, Mr. and Mrs. Park stepped ahead. "We will be signing from Jungkook's side." 

"And I will be the witness from Jimin's side." The driver said happily. 

"Why did you think I was here?" Mr. Lee spoke when Vivi discerned that only 3 witnesses were there.

Jungkook was the last one to sign. He looked at his name printed on the paper and sighed in determination as his hand scribbled his go-ahead to his happiness.

"Congratulations! Legally, you are husbands." Vivi said after taking the file from Jungkook's hand. "I will have these sent to you." She added and stepped away to give the stage to the grooms and family so they could get married by the priest, religiously. 

The limited guests took seats as the grooms stood before the priest, facing each other and the ceremony started. "Who will take the ring first?" The priest asked and Jimin raised his hand.  

"Please say your vows..." The priest handed a ring to Jimin. 

"Jungkook," Jimin looked at the boy and cleared his throat. His eyes brimmed as he promised himself that every word he was about to say would mean something. "Out of everything that I hold dear, you are above all, my love. Please let me be your strength and rely on me. I have a plan on how I will take all your pain and return you happiness in exchange, every day, until the end of my life." Jimin sniffled right after and slid the ring in Jungkook's finger.

The priest then handed a ring to Jungkook and repeated his words, "please say your vows."

"As I say my vows to you, Jimin, I am bidding adieu to my old life and welcoming a new one with you, fearlessly. I can be anything as long as you are with me and I always want us to be with each other. No matter what happens, I will be with you and love you." Jimin's tears rolled down as he let his Jungkook put a finger on his ring.

"I now pronounce you husbands. You may kiss each other." The priest zestily announced and Jungkook took a step towards Jimin, submitting himself to the man.

Jimin didn't lose a moment and cupped Jungkook's cheeks to join their lips, get lost in the moment, his moment, their moment.

Jungkook didn't want their kiss to be broken which was tender as they moved their lips slowly while the wind only added to the goosebumps on their skins. 

The driver was the one who hooted at first followed by few more voices that caused Jungkook to pull away and look down. Jimin's flushed cheeks and intoxicating eyes remained at his shy husband as he turned red.

Suddenly, fireworks went off and Jimin held Jungkook's waist, pulling him closer to see the celebration of their togetherness. "Happy marriage, doll." Jimin murmed in Jungkook's ear.

"Happy marriage, Jimin." Jungkook replied while crying.

Chapter Text

"You guys should leave." Mr. Lee told Jimin as he hindered his talk with his uncle. Jimin understood and looked back at Jungkook who was talking to his parents.

"Son, this is for you." Mr. Park handed Jungkook an envelope that was A3 in size and Jungkook accepted it graciously. "I hope it will help you in the future. Don't hesitate to call any one of us. You don't have to live being scared of anyone anymore. You are officially a Park now. Hm?" Mr. Park added and Jungkook blushed.

By there, Jimin neared them and held Jungkook's waist rightfully. Mrs. Park stepped ahead and kissed Jimin's forehead followed by Jungkook's. "Take care of each other. Call us anytime. Okay?"

Mr. Park pulled her back. "Stop, you are making them worry over nothing." He chuckled. "Go on, we will wind up everything here." Mr. Park nudged Jimin.

"Thank you, dad and mom." Jimin hugged both of them one by one before he held Jungkook's hand and started walking away.

"Baby, do you want to change your clothes?" Jimin asked as they were walking towards the same pathway they had taken to come here and Jungkook shook his head.

"Where is home?" He asked.

"Seoul," Jimin replied and Jungkook nibbled on his lips, completely unwary of everything and only relied on Jimin to lead the way for both of them.

Soon, two cars were ready. One was Jimin's old one with the driver and the other one was brand new. "I did bring it but let me drive you." The driver called after opening his car window but Jimin had decided that he wanted to drive his Jungkook on his own.

"I will drive, uncle." He assured with a smile and the driver laughed.

"I will be on your tail."

Jimin took off his coat and opened the car door for Jungkook. As the boy entered inside, he sniffed the new leather fragrance. Jimin walked around and hung his coat on the back of the driver's seat. They started without delay as if Jimin wanted to leave the place as soon as possible.

The drive home was a very scenic one. Jimin took Jungkook along a quieter road, one that ran the span of the river. It gave them time to relax and unwind. There were no traffic lights, just large expanses of farms, workers in the fields, and a few cyclists and walkers along the banks.

"Get some sleep, it's going to take 2 hours." Jimin smiled at Jungkook who was sitting silently, but the latter smiled and shook his head, not wanting to miss the first ride home. Albeit Jungkook didn't want to, he ended up sleeping after just 5 minutes.

Jimin chuckled fondly as he looked at Jungkook's pout popping out and his cheeks bunching up because of how he slept with the parted mouth and head hung low. The man stopped the car and reclined Jungkook's seat to make him sleep properly without hurting himself.

He wanted to take off Jungkook's coat too but Jimin decided to work by only unbuttoning them.

**

Two hours later, the driver was confused as to why the boys were not getting out of the car, so he got off to check. As he leaned down against Jimin's steady car, he chuckled to see him struggling to wake Jungkook up.

"Baby... Get up, we are here." Jimin cooed yet again.

"I did not know it would be such a challenge to wake him up again. It is like he is listening but not responding." Jimin sighed and rolled his hair up. His face getting red with each passing minute.

It was also difficult for him to anticipate the night and he was feeling shy as much as Jungkook did.

"Pick him up, during our times, we picked the brides when they entered first time into the house. It was tradition." The driver suggested as Jimin walked out, licking his lips while his gaze remained fixed on sleeping Jungkook.

"It's all good," he sighed. "But do not call him a bride in front of him. He will either not talk to you or just cry."

"I thought you would say he will kill me." The driver mocked.

"He is too sweet for that. He can never," Jimin said dreamily. "Let me pick him up." Jimin opened the car door and leaned down to hold Jungkook and the boy mumbled softly, burying his face into Jimin's neck.

"Did you give him sedatives again?" The driver asked, getting the bags out of the car.

"No... Well, only a little." Jimin replied slowly.

**

Jimin put Jungkook on the bed at first and said his good night to his uncle for the night who was staying on the top floor of the house for the night.

When he closed the bedroom door, he gulped hard and felt panic set over his body. This was the moment he has been waiting for all this while. He had to bear some semblance to assure himself that he could control, but it was nearly impossible for him when Jungkook slept with him on the same bed and lived with him in the same house.

"I can do it." Jimin chuckled as he shook his head to the ground, but then he realized, he shouldn't have given sedatives to Jungkook the other night. He only thought that they would wear off by the day but they affected the boy more than he'd imagined.

Jimin walked over to the bed and took off Jungkook's coat followed by his shoes, pants, and shirt. The boy remained in his underwear and socks. He marveled at his fair and smooth skin dipping into the white mattress over the sheets under the bright white light.

Jimin looked at the room with leisure now. Earlier, he chose the house mostly by looking at the brochure and then after a quick tour. He didn't notice most things like airy and huge wall-to-ceiling window on one side, completely covered by white curtains. The room was equipped with everything and the bathroom was the biggest Jimin had seen before. He knew Jungkook would love the place the moment he'd finalized the deal. Only if the boy was in sense to look around.

Jimin got an idea, he picked Jungkook up and walked into the bathroom. He made Jungkook lean against his chest while his legs remained wobbly and turned on the cold shower.

Jungkook gasped awake, rubbing his eyes and pushing his drenched hair up.

"I am so sorry," Jimin spoke with a soft tone and before Jungkook could understand where he was and what was happening with him, Jimin cupped his face in both hands and kissed him instead.

"Let's get you out of these clothes and into bed." He murmured after pulling apart and Jungkook looked at his body, trembling a little as the cold air and cold water caused goosebumps to raise on his body.

"What clothes?" He asked. Jimin could swear he felt a thousand things with the way Jungkook innocently uttered the words. He turned his head into the gentle touch, opening his eyes to gaze up at the man he was so utterly in love with.

Jimin helped wobbly Jungkook, his eyes were clear now, he wasn't asleep anymore which somehow made Jimin feel worse. Should he have let Jungkook sleep?

"Will you kiss me?" Jimin swallowed hard, looking up into Jungkook's beautiful brown eyes, and when the boy stepped forward, his freezing cold chest brushed against Jimin's shirt. The older's hands rubbed over the wet sides of Jungkook's skin.

Jungkook gave a small whimper deep in the back of his throat, tilting his head up so that his husband could easily reach his mouth. "Yes..." He replied breathed quietly.

Jimin locked his lips with Jungkook in the slowest, tantalizing, and the most amazing kiss he'd ever experienced. His hands suddenly couldn't get enough of Jungkook, sliding along the cold skin of his back, fingers trailing gentle patterns along his jaw and neck. The kiss seemed to go on forever, and by the time it was over neither of them could breathe.

Their hearts pounded in their chests and their eyes fluttered nearly to the back of their skulls. "Jimin," Jungkook whispered, "please do it again."

Their lips met again but this time it wasn't the slow tender, and the gentle thing it had been before. This time it was out of control, maddeningly frantic, needy, and fervor. Jungkook moaned against it, his knees went weak all of a sudden yet somehow Jimin knew and caught him just in time, pressing his back against the cool tile of the shower to help support him.

"I am cold," Jungkook whispered against Jimin's mouth, "I need to get out." He moaned quietly, his hands sliding down to Jimin's back. The kisses had been enough to draw him to full arousal, and the tight constriction of his wet boxers over his length was driving him crazy.

Pulling back, Jimin couldn't help but bend his head down to capture one fully erect nipple in his mouth and draw on it steadily.

Most people Jimin had slept with had some form of reaction to this, but Jungkook's was far more intense than he would have guessed. Jungkook's hands immediately went to his hair, curling in the silky black strands and tugging fitfully as his breath hitched in his throat.

"Oh, God!" He breathed, and Jimin grinned against his chest, moving to the other nipple to do the very same thing. If Jungkook's back was not against the wall, he'd have been a melted puddle of goo.

Chapter Text

"Do you like this?" Jimin spoke with the nipple in his mouth and Jungkook groaned with shiver in his body. "Tell me, I need words. Tell me what you like and don't like tonight, yes?" Jimin asked, yet speaking against the nipple and Jungkook nodded, eyes tightening shut while whimper escaping his lips.

All the draws and pulls and nibbles and bites on those sensitive nubs caused Jungkook to moan and writhe, his cock jumping for attention, begging silently for more. "It hurts, Jimin it hurts..." Jungkook gasped out, and Jimin suddenly jerked his head back, looking into his husband's eyes with concern lighting his own.

"What hurts? I thought you were enjoying it." He said, looking a little upset.

"N-not that, d-don't stop that," Jungkook said, his face turning red as if a volcano on verge of erupting, and for a moment he looked into Jimin's eyes before suddenly looking away.

Jimin grinned a little, his eyes lovingly tracing the lines of Jungkook's face until he finally calmed enough to tell him what was hurting. "It hurts down there. I am too hard." Jungkook whispered.

The realization immediately dawned on Jimin as he gave a little grimace and a small laugh. "I am sorry, doll," he said, kissing Jungkook's mouth briefly as fingers worked to open Jungkook's briefs to free his painfully constricted length.

Despite the cold wet clothing, Jungkook's cock was like molten steel in his hands, hot enough to smolder as he gripped him, but Jimin wasn't willing to give it direct attention yet and released him almost immediately much to Jungkook's dismay.

"Don't stop, please!" Jungkook nearly yelled, his throat closing up as Jimin hooked his fingers to the waist, carefully taking the time to knead the skin while kissing Jungkook.

Slowly, his hand dropped to clench gently around Jungkook's hard length, giving it a slow stroke. "Let me get you warm," Jimin said, tugging on his length playfully in an attempt to lead Jungkook to the bedroom but the boy was too shy to walk around naked as he pulled Jimin closer and shook his head.

"Your knees are going out on you, baby." Jimin laughed as he released the cock to wrap his arms around Jungkook and picked him up to walk towards the bed. Jungkook was blushing, his hands clenching and unclenching through Jimin's soft hair, his eyes darted at the dragonfly brooch on Jimin's coat.

As the older laid the younger down on the bed, soft moans from the boy fell on his ears. Jimin got out of his wedding suit and threw it carelessly to snuggle under the cover before wrapping themselves around each other's bodies, fitting almost perfectly.

"Baby," Jimin nestled Jungkook right against his chest and tangled their legs together. Jungkook looked at Jimin and started slowly grinding against him, rubbing his cock in the most incredibly explosive manner, involuntarily.

"I am sorry to make you wait." Jimin cupped Jungkook's face between his hands and pecked the boy's forehead. The way Jungkook's breath hitched and his lips parted with soft moans, Jimin didn't want to wait anymore. His hands slid down along Jungkook's hips and lower back, pulling him forward with each grinding thrust. "Does it feel good?" He whispered as he stroked his cock.

Jungkook nodded his head, leaning forward to capture Jimin's soft plump lips, his grinding beginning to go a little faster, his body aching with need and desire. He wanted this more than anything, he wanted Jimin to make love to him, to hold him while he came, to do everything with him.

"Jimin, Jimin..." Jungkook gasped out, "Slow down, slow - I am close, slow down." He whimpered, but Jimin didn't slow down, instead, he held him closer and gazed into his eyes. There was a split second when Jungkook realized there was no turning back, and in that simple moment, desire, love, and need crossed his features, chasing each other around and around, and then he exploded. His body arched, his hips ground hard into Jimin's hand and he made the most beautiful music of moans and groans that Jimin had ever heard.

Jimin held his own orgasm in check, so close himself, his breath coming quick, panting and gulping as he began to devour his husband's neck in gentle nips and kisses as he held him through his release. Jungkook clung to Jimin, pulling him closer, holding him, and squirming helplessly in his arms.

"Make love to me. Please, Jimin, I need it," Jungkook began to babble out in the wave of pleasure that came as the aftermath of such an intense orgasm. "I want you inside of me please!" He nearly cried with the emotions coursing through his body, assuming that Jimin would stop right there, as he did in the past.

Jimin pulled Jungkook away and looked into his eyes. He wordlessly rolled him onto his back, positioning himself between his legs. "I don't want to hurt you, I should take days making you ready, doll." He murmured, biting his lower lip.

"I don't care, I don't, I don't care if it hurts and I think I will go crazy if you don't do it now." Jungkook told his husband desperately.

"Shhh, I will do whatever you want." Jimin whispered, beaming a smile that lit up his face with love. It made Jungkook's heart hammer in his chest, feeling very safe with the man above him.

"I love you, Jimin." Jungkook whispered.

"I love you too, Jungkook. I have waited for you for so long." He spoke quietly, his eyes sparkling with emotions. He leaned down, pressing his lips to Jungkook's, only driving his breathing into more erratic passes.

Deep soul-searing, bone trembling kisses that seemed to linger and go on forever by the time. Jimin pulled away to whisper against Jungkook's lips."You are so beautiful, so innocent and pure. Thank you for letting me have you, darling. I am going to take good care of you. I am going to love you with my entirety." He pecked the trembling lips of the younger before finally pulling himself far enough away to go on trailing his heated mouth down his chest.

Licks, nips, and bites made their way down to the radiating soft skin of Jungkook. The taste of the boy on his tongue was like nectar, nothing could have been better, and with each lick of his tongue over flesh, Jimin found himself moaning softly.

He nearly came undone when his tongue slid down to Jungkook's belly and tasted the evidence of his pleasure, slick, and salty-sweet. Jimin began to continue tasting with whimpered moans, and when he glanced up, he noticed Jungkook looking at him. "I never told you but, you taste good." Jimin growled.

A slow smile spread across Jungkook's lips. "I do?" he whispered.

"Yes, you taste like salty honey." Jimin couldn't help but return the grin, knowing he was being all sickeningly poetic in his description, and his husband would tease him for it.

But Jungkook didn't tease him. He just looked at him with this love-struck and absolutely emotion-filled look on his face. It was the look that really hit Jimin to the very core, right down to his heart.

Dipping his head down, he drew Jungkook's shaft into his mouth, sucking hard. Reaching for the bedside table, Jimin fumbled till he found the lubricant and got his fingers lubed up. He rubbed those fingertips over the tight warm opening slowly, again and again. He waited to see how Jungkook would react to the new sensation.

The boy arched a bit and gasped, wanting more. The lovely doe eyes that had been staring into his face as if Jimin would disappear if he closed them for a split second were so hazy that they were sightless, and his breathing became so fast, it was one of the most adorable things Jimin had ever seen.

He slowly sucked on Jungkook's member, all the while glancing up to watch his face, his expressions, taking the time to make sure that every action he did was pleasure, making sure he wasn't doing any wrong.

One finger began to wriggle within the tight rim, slowly, oh so very slowly, and yet it seemed to only send Jungkook panting even harder, squirming.

"Tell me..." Jimin whispered, finally pulling the sweet head from between his lips, looking up at Jungkook with emotion-filled eyes.

"Make love to me." Jungkook whispered back, voice a bare breath of a whisper. Jimin groaned. "Please." He whispered out hoarsely.

Jimin leaned over to grab the bottle of lubricant this time and a condom from his bedside drawer as Jungkook only watched with innocent eyes.

"It feels so good." He gasped out in a soft whisper as the first well-lubricated finger slipped past the tight ring of muscle, Jimin gazed down adoringly at his love, a small smile touching his lips at the way Jungkook squirmed and gasped out his reaction.

Jungkook's whole body was limp from the intensity of his previous orgasm, his belly still coated in the slick jism. However, when Jimin touched his ass, his cock throbbed with the pleasure of it. He drew in a sharp sudden breath and then forgot to release it, holding it as Jimin slowly and gently played those fingers over him. The burning in his lungs however brought him back to the reality that one must breathe to continue on living, and he let out his air in a rushing whoosh, his eyes closing and his head tilting back.

Chapter Text

"Like it?" Jimin whispered softly, and Jungkook nodded his head frantically. Jimin immediately began to stroke and touch more gently, sliding his finger into his tight hole very carefully. Jungkook groaned, head falling back and eyes closing as he gave himself into the gentle affection of this man he'd been in love with." Just tell me if I hurt you." Jimin murmured, his excitement growing second by second as he slowly worked a second finger into the boy beneath him.

It took some time, but soon he had Jungkook writhing under him as he worked him with his fingers to the point that he thought he could get inside of him with relative ease. Adorably, Jungkook was begging by the time Jimin felt he was ready, soft pleading words, looks, and writhing beneath him in ways that made it all the harder for Jimin to keep himself from just sliding in, but he wasn't willing to hurt his husband the first time.

Looking up, Jungkook gazed into Jimin's eyes, all cloudy with need and desire. "I can't stand it, I need you inside of me, please." He pleaded hoarsely.

"Shhh, love." Jimin whispered softly, his heart thudding and hammering in his chest. He was exhilarated to know that Jungkook was as excited as him yet nervous deep down.

A groan ripped free from Jimin's throat and he closed his eyes, nodding very slowly with a softly indrawn breath. He leaned down so he could cup Jungkook's face and gaze into his eyes again searchingly, "It can hurt the first time, doll. Maybe even the first few times." He admitted softly.

Anxiety and fear rippled across Jungkook's face and after a moment, one of his hands came up and slowly stroked over Jimin's cheek. A small smile crept its way along his lips and his eyes shone with emotion, "I am ready, I love you so much." He smiled.

Jimin smiled tenderly, turning his face in against the touch of his lover's hand. "I love you too." Was all he said, a soft whisper, an admission of his love and affection that needed no more explanation, then he leaned his head down to brush a tender kiss to his baby's mouth, nibbling gently on his lower lip.

The kiss lingered for a long moment before Jimin forced himself to pull away with a low groan, reaching for the tube of lubricant and condom again this time, to finally put them to use.

Shaking hands spread the rubber over the head of his cock and down the shaft, and while he fumbled with the protection, Jungkook watched with fascination, one hand reaching out to help with the last bit.

Jimin smiled, allowing his love to roll the thing up his shaft, but the touch to his throbbing shaft only made him want more, making it hard for him to hold back the need he felt boiling over his skin.

Jimin handed Jungkook the lubricant, and with a smile he popped the cap, stroking and covering Jimin's cock with as much as he possibly could. As he did, he took the moment to explore the feeling of the hot flesh in his hands. The sensation was exhilarating, and what made it even more so was that each time he stroked his slick lubed hands up and down the shaft, Jimin bucked and jerked, his cock twitching, and the most delightful sounds came from the strong chest.

Jungkook had never thought Jimin might make helpless sounds, but as he fought to remain still, he did indeed, feeling overwhelmed and excited. "You keep doing that, and I am going to cum before I ever manage to get inside of you." Jimin finally gasped out after one long hard stroke, his breath coming in hard pants.

"But I like the sounds you make," Jungkook pouted as he continued to stroke his husband again and again, a little quicker.

A moan broke through Jimin's throat again, a shudder slithering along his spine, " I want to make love to you." Jimin whimpered, but couldn't force himself to stop the strokes.

Jungkook finally stopped the teasing and exploratory touch, pulling Jimin down for another deep lingering kiss. "Make love to me," he murmured softly, and immediately Jimin nodded his head and positioned his cock against the tight orifice.

"You need to relax and bear down on me. I am gonna go as slow as I can, you just tell me if you are uncomfortable." Jimin whispered softly, "Okay?"

"Okay," Jungkook whispered against his husband's mouth, pulling him closer by wrapping his arms around him and stroking soft trails down his spine. Jimin arched up and began to press his firm cock slowly against Jungkook's ass hole.

There was a moment when he saw Jungkook wince as the head of his cock slipped through the barrier and panted helplessly. Jimin paused to make sure he was okay. "It feels like so much." Jungkook groaned, goosebumps exploding over every inch of his bared skin.

"Do you want me to stop?"

"God, No!" Jungkook shook his head, drawing sharp breaths and Jimin nodded his head mutely. His emotions were so thick he could barely breathe past them let alone form words. It was as if his tongue had become thick and swollen, and when Jungkook lifted his head to begin kissing him again, Jimin let out a soft inarticulate sound of want so intense, it was lewd.

His hips slid slow into the constricted opening, and when he finally felt hilted, his breath caught and Jungkook broke the kiss that had been lingering to gasp as his fingernails dug into Jimin's skin.

"FUCK!" Jungkook screamed.

"That's it, doll. I am all in." Jimin pressed repeated kisses over Jungkook's face. Tears rolled down from the corner of the younger's eyes as Jimin wiped them, but there was something so precious in this moment.

He cupped Jungkook's face and gazed into his eyes, his tongue lapped out gently on sweet lips and he stayed perfectly still, waiting for Jungkook to grow accustomed to his invasion.

Soon, Jungkook was arching beneath Jimin and whimpering. His hands fluttered over the smooth flesh of Jimin's back and then ended gripping his ass, pulling him closer, forcing him to grind against him.

Jimin grinned down at him and began slowly, drawing out inch by inch before he slid all the way back in slowly with just as much tender attention.

It was driving Jungkook insane, and after the first few strokes like this, his breath was ragged and his eyes bright and glassy. "Fast! Go fast." He gasped out, and Jimin hesitated.

Jungkook's cheeks flushing deeply all of a sudden

"It will hurt, you're too tight."

"Please, I can take it."

Jimin drew out of him slowly, causing a pleasured gasp to come from Jungkook, and then he slammed in a little harder. Jungkook cried out, his eyes closing as he shuddered beneath Jimin who began a series of pounding hard thrusts but he still held back.

Jungkook writhed, screamed, begged, and pleaded. Jimin loved it. Drawing Jungkook's hands up over his head, he held them pinned there as he gazed down on Jungkook's face and continued to fuck him with intense stroke after stroke.

He was getting close as the realization hit him that he just got married to his beautiful baby and took his virginity. He thrusted harder and Jungkook screamed, not knowing that Jimin still had scope.

Quick hard thrusts were incredible, but they made it hard to hold orgasm at bay. Jimin dipped his head down as Jungkook arched his head back into the pillow. He caught one nipple between his teeth, tugging, and he felt Jungkook's fingernails biting into his wrists and writhe beneath the warmth of his body.

"JIMIN!" he cried aloud, his body coiled. Jimin's belly brushed against Jungkook's length between the two of them with each stroke, but it was hardly enough. He let go completely. He nipped and tugged at each of those nipples roughly as his body slid deep into Jungkook's with such force it rocked the bed on its base, causing it to clamor against the wall again and again.

The harder he fucked Jungkook, the more he responded. The sounds were incredible. Jungkook was completely reckless. Jimin was close and after only a couple more of his brutal strokes, he felt himself rising up and then crashing down over the edge of orgasm.

He came in a rush, quick and hard as he ravaged Jungkook's body. His teeth left red imprints around his sensitive nipple, and then he tore his mouth away from those sensitive nubs in fear he might have bit too deep. His hands released Jungkook as he shuddered through his climax. Jungkook's fingers slid quickly into his hair, tangling in those silk locks to drag his head down for a kiss.

The moans and whimpers finally toppled into the sweet oblivion of climax. They laid together, panting softly, shuddering weakly in each other arms, Jimin still imbedded deeply within Jungkook who trembled softly beneath him. It took quite some time for them to regain their breaths, and when they did, all they could do was look at one another and beam sleepily.

"That was amazing." Jungkook whispered, then laughed, "But I won't be able to sit for a week." He groaned.

"Mmm, I was willing to go gentle, you didn't want it." Jimin scolded gently, and Jungkook turned his head to gaze back at him again, grinning.

"It was the best thing I have ever experienced," He whispered gently. "Thank you, Jimin."

"I love you, Jungkook," Jimin whispered. "Stay here, in my arms."

"Mmhmm." Jungkook mumbled, his eyes already drooping.

"Sleep well, my beautiful doll." Jimin watched Jungkook as he began to drift, his cock slowly weakening and easily slipping free. He removed the condom carefully, trying not to jostle Jungkook who slept with his head pillowed against his chest.

He watched Jungkook silently for a while, enjoying the peaceful angelic look on his face. But even he couldn't stay up forever to watch his beloved, and soon, though he fought it off, his eyes began to shutter and finally fall shut as sleep rose up to consume him in sweet warmth and comfort after staying awake for two whole nights.

Chapter Text

Jungkook was fast asleep when Jimin woke up. He took a few calm morning moments to just adore the cute face. Not before placing a feather-light kiss on the baby, he blithely walked out, not wanting him up just yet as he planned to make a power-packed meal for him.

He took shower and stretched his body, feeling extremely hungry but strangely energetic. The transparent glass on each floor was letting the sunshine in and turning the house into shimmery silver heaven.

"Good Morning," the driver startled Jimin as he descended to the ground floor making his way to the kitchen. Jimin clutched his chest before snapping his head in the direction of the voice.

"I assume Jungkook is asleep." The driver asked with a grin and Jimin gulped before he took a moment and exhaled out.

"I am going to make him his favorite bunch." He announced and sluggishly strutted ahead.

"I would have made something but I knew you would want to make Jungkook breakfast with your own hands." The driver stood up from the couch he was sunk in and shuffled to the huge kitchen island, placing his palms on it and leaning down.

"I am here if you need me." He said tenderly, not helping the grin creeping across his lips.

**

After finishing everything, Jimin put the breakfast on a big tray along with a jar of juice and walked up to the first floor where their room was.

As he fixed the small breakfast tray on the table, Jungkook's eyes fluttered open. "Good morning, sweetheart." He smiled widely and Jungkook blushed as the events from last night invaded his mind.

"Good morning, baby." Jungkook replied gallantly, testing the word on his tongue, and chuckled with his gaze down.

Jimin sat beside him and leaned with his elbow on the mattress. Caressing Jungkook's head, he kissed his forehead. "How do you feel?" He asked in a soft tone.

"Wounded, but also happy." The boy replied and wrapped his arms around Jimin.

The older kept the younger in his arms, sniffing him with slow breaths before pulling away. He tipped Jungkook's chin up and the boy's breathing hitched. Jimin was so ethereal, and looking at him from up close, knowing that this beauty belonged to him, made Jungkook feel like it was all a dream, but luckily it wasn't.

"Can we eat? I am starving." Jimin pointed at the tray and Jungkook nodded.

"I will go brush my teeth." He stood up and felt his rear sore. Without saying anything, he began to walk slowly until Jimin held his hand and immediately hugged him.

"Are you okay, Jungkook?" Jimin asked with concern, the boy nodded. 

"Let me carry you, my baby." Jimin didn't wait for Jungkook's answer and the boy only held onto Jimin's strong shoulders when he was lifted up like he didn't bear any weight.

Soon, they sat on the bed to have breakfast. Jimin sat across the breakfast table and Jungkook sat against the headboard. Jimin fed his little husband chocolate mousse with the spoon. The boy moaned and closed his eyes that caused Jimin to smile. "You love it, noted." He chuckled right after and Jungkook flashed him his bunny smile.

Jimin cleared his throat, wanting to talk. "Baby, there's something I have to tell you." His hand held Jungkook's and he gave it a little squeeze. 

"What is it?" Jungkook's smile drowned too as he saw the look on Jimin's face. 

"Your parents, they know about our marriage." Jimin spoke slowly and waited to see Jungkook's reaction. He was ready to hold him if he panicked or comfort him if he cried but Jungkook didn't do either. Rather, he just looked away towards the window.

"Who told them?" He asked, face clueless, eyes innocent as he looked through them at Jimin. 

The older's lips stretched into a soft and small smile. "When anyone gets the marriage registered, either parties' parents or guardians are notified. This is a legal mandate."

"Will they find us?" Jungkook gripped Jimin's hand and the man looked at it before averting his gaze to Jungkook's face. 

"That's what I wanted to ask you. We have two options. One is we forget about them for now and go on a little trip, just the two of us. Or, we can go visit your parents first and wait until your University examination for the trip."

Jungkook blankly looked at the food and took a few moments to think. "Is it like a honeymoon?" He mumbled.

It led Jimin to chuckle out loud. His eyes disappearing as he gained composure and tucked Jungkook's hair behind his ear. "Yes, if you like the term then it is our honeymoon. But if it makes you feel shy then it's just a trip, our first trip together. I want us to enjoy and relax."

"But I can't relax until I take my exam." Jungkook pouted.

"We will wait for the trip then," Jimin leaned and kissed Jungkook's cheeks. The boy closed his eyes on the gentle contact. "Let's go to Busan. I will book us the tickets." Jimin caressed the crimson red cheeks as he pulled away.

Jungkook opened his eyes, "Can we go today?" He asked hastily.

"Today?"

Jungkook hummed and nodded.

"Why today, baby? You are still in pain from last night." Jimin barked out and it caused Jungkook to embarrassedly look away, his eyes fluttering close. Jimin moved closer to the boy and snaked his arm around him. "You should take some time to relax. We can go in two or three days. Hm?" 

Jungkook turned completely towards the man and pillowed against his chest, closing his eyes. Jimin set the table aside and covered the boy under a white duvet that rustled and then warmth engulfed them.

"Sleep with me." Jungkook mumbled and Jimin smiled. 

"I will stay right here, go to sleep." He kissed Jungkook's head and the boy slept soon after.

Surely enough, Jimin didn't sleep and he walked over to the bar. He sat on one of the high chairs of the semi-circular bar that was situated right beside the stylish staircase. Shiny bottles with transparent and amber-colored liquid filled in them proudly showcased themselves. The closed cabinets behind the bottles carried expensive vintage wines and chapganes that made Jimin crave a drink.

He took out wine and poured it in a Tulip glass, letting it breathe as he swirled it inside and sniffed. A sense of royalty melting into his nose and he smiled. "Day drinking?" The driver made him turn around while having his first sip.

"Celebration!" Jimin raised his glass and chuckled. 

The man occupied the next chair and looked at the open bedroom door from the bar. "Take care of him." He suggested and Jimin arched his head back, looking at the ceiling, and breathed heavily. 

"I finally have him." He smiled as his head regained its original composure and the driver gave a little pat on his shoulder. 

**

Taehyung's hair was drenched and a puff of soil encompassing his feet wavered in the air as the sweat droplets fell through there. "I thought you were practicing for 11 years?" He chuckled and Leo trailed him, closing in on him to snatch the basketball away. 

"Take it, if you can." Taehyung at some point stood steady with the ball high up, placed over his palm. 

Leo was a little shorter than him so he didn't appreciate the most stereotypical joke basketball players pulled as he poked his tongue in his cheek and jumped in front of Taehyung's face, inching too close. Their heavy breaths fanned over each other's faces and Taehyung stepped back, letting the ball go.

"Another round." He ran across the line and waited for Leo to come but the main remained petrified, thinking something deeply. 

"You have been playing for hours for three days, how about we have some coffee and a little talk." Suddenly Leo suggested, the light from the electric pole glinting on half of his face. 

Taehyung suddenly broke the eye contact and stretched his arms far out before inhaling and relaxing all his muscles. "Sorry, I don't do coffee." He said nonchalantly and walked over to the court's pavilion. He bent to get the towel and stood upright to wipe the sweat. 

All the while, Leo's eyes remained on the man. 

"Drinks then?" Leo grinned sheepishly but Taehyung remained stoic.

"Aren't you westerners too forward? What if I exploit you after getting you drunk?" He asked curtly while walking near Leo. A hint of provoking on his lips.

"Remember, you are in my country, not the other way around." Leo scoffed amusedly and it caused Taehyung to smirk.

"Don't you have your American friends to go with?" Taehyung asked, tucking his towel under the waistband of his magenta shorts.

"It's like talking to a stone." Leo shook his head. "If you don't wanna go, just say that." He exasperated.

Taehyung sighed and looked up after having the towel tucked firmly. "See you tomorrow. Same time."

Leo saw the man walking away slowly. After Taehyung disappeared, he turned around and walked over the pavilion to pick up his back and also leave silently.  

Chapter Text

Three cars stood outside Jungkook's parents' house and in one was the couple. Jimin soothed Jungkook as the boy's breathing grew frantic. The memories of how he managed to get out of the house flashed in his mind, and a specific one of his father beating him up. He cowered back and Jimin held his hand firmly. "Jungkook, look at me," He shook the boy a little. "No one is going to harm you. They cannot even touch you without my permission."

"I am still scared. T-they will be disappointed to see me. They will ask me to leave." Jungkook wasn't scared that he would be beaten but because he was not ready to see the disappointment and heartache on his parents. 

"We have to talk to them. It's a long time since we have left Busan and they deserve to hear from you, baby." Jimin cupped Jungkook's cheeks between his hands and made him look up. 

Jungkook nodded at last mustering the courage he could. Jimin got out of the car first and then Jungkook followed. Looking at the cars, the neighbors gathered around. Among other people, Jungkook met with Zayn and Shari's eyes momentarily before looking away.

Jimin kept holding him all this while strongly but Jungkook couldn't help but feel a little out of the box. It was just one month and a few days and everything changed. These were the same people and this was the same road that he met every day for 17 years of his life. This was his home, this was what he knew and related himself with.

He lived here with his head hung low at all times. He couldn't help but feel that he was still not allowed to proudly hold his head up and walk like a normal person would, albeit with Jimin's support. The police's cars remained steady and the officers didn't enter the house to give privacy to the family members, but that didn't mean they weren't willing to fuck the same privacy if they get even one signal from Jimin. 

Jimin caressed Jungkook's back and nodded at him. He then held Jungkook's hand tighter. Jungkook's palms sweated but he did ring the doorbell. He felt his weight push back when Momo jumped in his arms and Jungkook held her. Jimin supported Jungkook so he wouldn't fall. The older smiled at them and he couldn't help but want to thank the little girl for all her support but he didn't interact with her at all, not wanting her to get in trouble after they left. 

Mrs. Jeon followed as she heard Momo yelling Oppa over and over. Her legs froze as she stood petrified. Jimin took the liberty to invite himself into the house along with Jungkook. He walked over to his mother-in-law and bowed slightly. Before she could react, Mr. Jeon walked out. 

"Hello, Sir," Jimin bowed at him and kept walking towards the living room where he stood while never leaving Jungkook. The boy couldn't make eye contact with his parents and only remained by Jimin's side, controlling his breathing pattern. "Can we please talk?" He asked and now Mrs. Jeon made her appearance in the living room. 

"It is true, you did get married." She looked through blood-shot teary eyes. Jimin nodded slowly while Jungkook fidgeted with his fingers. "What's left to talk?" She said, sniffling softly.

"Jungkook wants your blessings and he would live a cherished life if he gets it. I assure you both that I love him dearly. I will take good care of him. I am capable of it." Jimin broke the ice. 

"Can we please sit and talk?" Momo suddenly asked and motioned the two older brothers to sit on the couch. Mr. Jeon didn't say anything and sank on the sofa that was on the opposite side. Mrs. Jeon walked over and sat beside him.

"Why did you do it, Jungkook?" She asked and Jungkook burst out sobbing, not able to hold anymore. Jimin immediately tensed as he saw his little husband crying and he reached out to hug Jungkook. 

Was he supposed to say sorry and say that he regretted his life choice or was he supposed to protest and finally stand up for him? Was he supposed to pretend that he never saw the admission papers of that asylum or was he supposed to beg for forgiveness? 

"Mom," he decided to ask for forgiveness but was interrupted. 

"Don't call me that. Don't ever call me mother from your mouth. You are dead to me. You ran away from home and married another man? Didn't you have any shame left? What did you think? Did you think I would hug you into our lives, you slut!"

"Mrs. Jeon!" Jimin warned her to not speak the way she was. 

"You are a disgrace to our family, boy. If I knew you would bring this day for us to see and humiliate us in front of society like this, I would have killed you. I wish you never were born." Mr. Jeon added.

"That's it!" Jimin stood up and pulled Jungkook with him. "You both don't deserve Jungkook. This is the last time you will see his face. Don't ever try to approach him or you will see the consequences." Jimin threatened them and Momo started crying softly looking at the withering family.

Mr. Jeon lunged on Jungkook and that's when the cops barged in. He had to step away before Jimin could push him. "I am warning you, no one touches him, or else I am not going to be as kind as I am right now." Jimin glared as he pointed his finger at Mr. Jeon. He turned and took Jungkook outside, wiping his face without saying anything. 

Everyone looked at them as they got inside the car and sped away in a matter of moments.

Jimin didn't comment on Jungkook's parents, not wanting to hurt him more but he kept the boy close, kissing his hair softly and caressing on his back. Jungkook stopped crying eventually as they reached Jimin's house.

Mrs. Park and Mr. Park let them go into Jimin's room and rest without any question. Jungkook was already asleep when Jimin came back from the washroom. He looked at the boy for some time and then laid beside him, hugging him close so he could feel the warmth of him. 

Hours passed but Jungkook didn't get up. Jimin wanted to wake Jungkook up but he also wanted the boy to feel at ease. "The travel must also have contributed to the tiredness," he thought.

At last, he couldn't control himself and shook Jungkook slowly after 7 hours. "Doll, wake up, It's dinner time," Jimin spoke in a soft tone and Jungkook shook his head. His face was puffy and his eyes remained close.

"I am missing you, baby. I need you right now." Jimin asked as he caressed Jungkook's hair up and the boy now opened his eyes. 

"Not today, Jimin." He said in a hoarse sleepy voice. 

Jimin smiled and pecked his lips. "Not today? Why do you sound like we have been married for years? What did we decide on?" He asked, the same warm smile adorning his lips. 

Jungkook grinned. "Thrice a day for one month, twice a day in the second month, and once a day in the third month before we take our first break."

"We didn't have our first for today." Jimin looked at his wrist to check the time. "And the day will end in 3 hours."

Jungkook blushed and wrapped his arms around Jimin's neck, pulling him down so they could kiss. Both of them were turned on almost instantly and Jimin reached over to the bedside table to grab the lube bottle he had placed there earlier. 

They undressed hastily and Jimin poured the lubricant on Jungkook's hole, rubbing it a little and sliding in the finger so he could stretch him quickly. In the last 4 days, they have had a lot of sex, and Jungkook was now used to it but Jimin didn't go rough on him yet, except the first time. 

The boy had so much difficulty in walking after the wedding night but he still wanted Jimin to make love to him so the man ensured that he always was gentle, holding himself back with every thread of self-control in him.

Jimin leaned down and hungrily kissed the boy while his finger remained inside him. He replaced the little finger with a much bigger, in comparison, cock, and started to move. "Aahh Jimin, Jimin, Jimin..."  Jungkook flinched his eyes closed and Jimin stopped almost instantly. 

The boy started crying. "I am sorry, sorry baby... Did I hurt you?" He kissed Jungkook's lips and stopped his strokes for a moment, giving attention to what the boy needed as he slowly kissed him.

Jungkook nodded. 

"I am so sorry, I will be gentle now." Jimin replied and resumed his bucking of the hips slowly.

"Is it okay now?"

Jungkook nodded again.

Jimin's balls swung back and forth with every slow yet forceful lunge. And with every slap of his balls, feelings grew stronger. 

Jungkook forgot about his parents as Jimin compelled him with the amount of pleasure and he began enjoying the moment to the fullest. He moaned and huffed as he had his lungs full and he was bearing up a little on Jimin.

"You are beautiful," Jimin hummed in a shaky breath, his forehead appeared with droplets of sweat.

"You are beautiful and you fuck me so good," Jungkook replied and Jimin felt his cock twitch at the remark. "Please go faster, I can take it."

"No, you will cry later." Jimin chuckled.

"If you don't, I am going to cry right now." Jungkook threatened and Jimin laughed hard before he rammed hard, forcing the rim of his cockhead through Jungkook's anus in a single thrust and then repeated it over and over.

Chapter Text

Jimin was more nervous than Jungkook about the exam as he fidgeted here and there outside the examination center. "Good luck, baby. You are going to ace it."

"Jimin!" Jungkook held the older's cold hands. "Calm down."

Jimin nodded determinedly and Jungkook stepped inside the university. He looked at Jungkook go and mingle with many young students, losing sight of him.

The weather was cool, clouds were forming a ruse as the wind started blowing. To anyone, it would have been romantic, but to Jimin, it was as if the end of the world. Something was triggering his mind.

"Excuse me, sir!" Jimin called the security guard and the man in grey uniform looked at a very beautiful young man. "I forgot to give him water bottle. Could you please let me in for a minute?" 

The guard peered back at the cluster of students and then at Jimin, "Sorry sir, without examination entry card, no one is allowed inside. We have water inside so your brother won't stay thirsty."

"Brother?" Jimin gruntled. "Watch your mouth, he is my husband."

"Husband?" The guard grimaced. 

"Yeah, you got a problem with the homosexuals?" Jimin's fidgety behavior flipped hostile in a second. 

The guard understood a little of Jimin's body language. "Please step aside, sir!" He warned. 

"I won't, let me in. He doesn't drink the cheap water. If he falls sick, I will fucking kill you." Jimin's breath was blocked in the airways by an invisible lump and the words struggled to be out. He perspired with palpitating heart and his feet seemed like they'd give in. 

"Are you okay?" The guard's eyes widened and he questioned if he should open the gate and check on Jimin but he didn't get to when the rain started pouring suddenly.

Gasping, Jimin ran back into the car. He couldn't think of the reason what was triggering it but then it struck him, Jungkook stayed close to him all these months. Not for even a minute, he let Jungkook pry away from his eyes. 

The thought of Jungkook sitting with just a few more students and teachers in a confined room made him knit scenarios in his mind. "What could go wrong? There are other students too, no teacher can harm him. No, they can't touch him." He shook his head vigorously as if to shake off the vision brewing inside his mind. 

His face had paled and he struggled to open his shirt buttons with shaky hands. The guard looked from the distance and he could tell that Jimin was perhaps getting a panic attack. Turning the AC on, Jimin sat right across it to help him aid in breathing but his skin turned colder and colder.

The outside was drenched and Jimin flinched with each splatter of the raindrop on his car while his face twitched. At first, a grimace scrunched all over his face and then tears emerged out of his eyes. With loud ear-tearing wails, he let it all out.

By then, the drizzle turned demonic and the visibility to the car was lost by the guard. The man immediately called the hospital. 

A few minutes passed as Jimin continued to sob and violently crash his hands over the steering, causing his palms to turn red. Exerting himself, his body trembled badly as he curled on the driver's seat with no more energy to even yell out his frustration. 

His eyes fell over a few people in raincoats approaching his car and as he spotted the medical aids in their hands. He was quick to wipe his tears and straighten up. On the first knock on his car door, he fixed his hair, looking in the mirror. On the second knock he tried to even out his breaths so his body stopped shaking, and on the third knock, he opened the door with a smile over his face. "Yes?"

"Sir, are you okay in there?" A man asked. 

"Yeah, is there a problem," Jimin's eyes averted to the medical kit and back at the man, "doctor?"

"Ah, no..." The doctor shook his head. "I think someone might have misunderstood." He backed off a little but then his eyes took notice of Jimin's shaky hands.

"Are you really, okay? We can help you." The doctor asked again. 

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be okay?" Jimin's browed edged. 

"I see a slight tremble there." The doctor pointed at Jimin's hands. 

"Oh, it's the AC. It had gotten too cold." Jimin rubbed his palms around his arms and cluttered his teeth intentionally. "If you don't mind." He reached out for the door handle and pulled it shut. 

**

Leo was waiting outside the basketball court, repeatedly peering at his wristwatch and then all around him to see no trace of Taehyung. "He ghosted me, again." Huffing, the man threw the ball inside the court and started walking away. 

"I assume you don't like waiting," Taehyung's voice startled him and he turned back to see him inside the court. 

"What the hell!" Leo chided. "I was sweating bullets here." He began to walk around the high barricade. 

"You have to suffer to get what you want, Leo. Nothing good comes easy." Taehyung said in a nonchalant manner and walked away to pick the basketball. Leo couldn't believe this man. Instead of apologizing for calling him and then making him wait for the fifth time in a row while he had been stood up the last four times, Taehyung was being an asshole about it. 

"Is this your way to deal with your guilt?" Leo kicked the grass on the ground in exasperation.

"Guilt?" Taehyung smirked, turning around to flash it at the younger man. Moving closer, he held Leo's arm, and the man's breath suddenly hitched as he was dragged right out. Before he knew it, Leo was already in an expensive car while Taehyung pressed his foot over the accelerator. 

"Where are you taking me?!" Leo yelled, perplexed. 

"To show you I don't go anywhere near guilt."

**

Jimin was laughing maniacally as the rain stopped. The students started oozing out of the campus gates after hours. It was as if Jimin was mocking the weather or the creationist himself. However, his eyes soon shot over the masses.

Getting out hastily, he reached the gate again and held onto the varnished iron bars, anxiously looking for his cutesy husband.

The crowd slowly dispersed and only a few people left walking on the ground. The guard avoided Jimin's eyes and looked around to spot a young boy with big Bambi eyes so this man in front of him wouldn't kill him.  

"Where is Jungkook?" He asked himself more than the guard and the guard's eyes faltered while his throat went dry. 

"He must be coming, please wait here. I will check." The guard got inside the security room to make a call when Jimin kicked the gate hard, causing it to ajar enough to let him enter. His eyes were merciless as if he'd strolled out for a hunt. 

"Sir!" The guard ran behind Jimin but he pushed the man back, making him fall flat to the ground, and jogged ahead against the wet concrete ground while rolling his hair up casually. 

Looking around, he read the signs that were pointing at Jungkook's exam hall number and rushed up to the staircase. He has had waited for enough hours and wasn't having it anymore.

In a long corridor on the first floor, the room number flashed in big bold letters, and Jimin's legs picked speed. Just as he dashed inside the room, he found crying Jungkook. 

His heart sunk into his stomach. "Why is he crying? Did the exam not go well. There is no need to cry, I will still get his admission." Jimin thought as he lurked to hold his boy. 

"Hey, hey, doll. What's wrong?" Jimin's hand flipped Jungkook's body and let his head pillow against his own chest.

Sniffing the familiar scent and hearing the voice that calmed him, Jungkook wrapped his arms around Jimin's neck instantly. "They can't save my online test. The computer hanged and all my hard work will go down the drain."

Jungkook sobbed harder with thick tears. His future in front of his eyes seemed to blur and gradually disappear. He had dreamt of getting into the university for so long and it wasn't even his mistake that he'd end up dropping a year or compromising with something less. 

Jimin understood how Jungkook felt, the boy had been studying hard from before the marriage and it was now the older's eyes registered two more people in the room on the computer.

"It's submitted!" One of the teachers yelled out in the moment of Eureka and Jungkook pulled away so swiftly, making Jimin miss the warmth suddenly as his lips stretched into a smile.

Wiping his eyes clear, Jungkook's smile was locked on his lips as he read the words over the screen. Turning around, he slammed into Jimin's body as the older grinned and, that was when the security barged in.  

Chapter Text

Jungkook looked around in awe and jostled back to reality only when Jimin put the luggage on the bamboo wood floor of the beach villa a little hardly. Just as he turned, Jimin pulled him into his arms to kiss the lips he missed during the nine hours flight.

Jungkook hopped over to the man, curling his legs around Jimin's waist, and let him walk towards the huge bed that had a white veil around it. The cabin was all made of wood and it was situated on top of the water. All around them were villas connected by a lonesome track that acted as a conveyor to the land a few meters long.

"Honey," Jimin looked at the mischievous eyes of Jungkook, his skin tingling with so many emotions as he took in the innocent husband and felt his heartbeat faintly. "You are hungry, let's eat first. Hm?"

"I am going to eat, not just food yet." Jungkook's lips nuzzled into Jimin's neck and a very controlled groan ripped free from the older's lips.

"You always have your way, isn't it?" Jimin bent over, letting the boy leave his nape and fall on the mattress.

"Darling, you have no idea how much I control your mind and heart," Jungkook replied cheekily and Jimin stepped away swiftly. His forehead appeared with drops of sweat for some reason. "Jimin, are you okay?" Jungkook jumped on his feet and held the man's arm.

"Just tired, doll. Let's eat first, hm?" He asked, hand caressing Jungkook's cheeks as he heard the boy's stomach growling. His blank face pulled off a sweet smile.

"Okay, but we have to wash up first." Jungkook lurked towards the bag but Jimin didn't let him touch it.

"What about we swim?" He offered.

"No, we have to take a quick rinse. You won't get out of the water if we go swimming." Jungkook uttered while his head shook and lips puckered. "Give me that!" He sort of yelled at the man who was playing with the trolley bag round and round.

"Take it if you can." Jimin grinned and Jungkook stretched his lips into a sarcastic smile before he bounded and bit Jimin's neck skin, hard.

The man closed his eyes and moaned, the pain was pleasurable as his hands found Jungkook's ass and he gave the cheek a knead before Jungkook got the bag and opened it.

Taking out a matching pair of white loose blouses and shorts, Jungkook threw them onto the bed and stripped naked. His semi-hard length brought Jimin's erection to its gleaming pride.

As Jungkook walked ahead, knowing damn well how Jimin must have been looking at him, he decided to bend over and touch his toes. "My muscles are sore, we need to stretch."

Jimin's hard crotch met with his behind and Jungkook leveled up, stepping quickly ahead and hearing the man sigh. 

Washing each other's bodies, the tension was growing and so were their dicks. Jungkook made sure to step out first and dried himself with a towel before sliding the blouse and shorts on his body.

"Let's go." He turned around, hair still forming wet lumps and falling over the forehead as he found Jimin's flexed abs muscles. Gulping down, he looked away.

"Sunscreen," Jimin croaked, wanting Jungkook to go near him so he could apply it over, touch the smooth skin.

Jungkook did, but all this while, he felt his shorts staining with the pre cum that drooled out. Thankfully, the blouses were long.

Soon, they walked out, hands in hands as Jimin held the boy close so he would not flip and fall into the water after being dizzy during the whole travel.

"Do we have to go all the way there to get food each time?" Jungkook asked, lips pouting and head looking up at the man as he deliberately acted cutely.

Jimin pressed a kiss on the big nose and smiled. "You would wanna run away and come here once we go back... Because I am not letting you out of the room for a month."

"What?" Now, Jungkook's ears perked. "Are we staying here for a month?"

"Mhm, your university only starts after a month and a half. I wanted to roam around a lot. But you wasted almost the equal amount of time waiting for an acceptance letter." Jimin cushioned the boy's head with his shoulder again and kept walking.

"I didn't waste anything. I was worried, I couldn't enjoy myself if we didn't wait. You married me, remember? My issues are yours too." Jungkook poked Jimin's abs. "And yours are mine." His voice was slow as he uttered the last words, thinking what good was he to Jimin who was the CEO of his father's company at such young age. And here he was, married at 18 and dependent.

Jimin smiled proudly at the worry that Jungkook had shown, but he wanted to be able to make Jungkook's dreams come true and to always keep a smile intact on his face, not the other way around.

Walking for about a minute and a half, they stepped onto land and Jungkook looked back, their big villa was sparkling under the sun and the reflection of it from the green water around. "I want a lot of pictures and videos for my Instagram stories." He giggled cutely.

Their villa was the biggest and at the farthest distance. Jimin dragged the boy along and took an outdoor seat in front of the restaurant.

Jimin flashed the menu to Jungkook, asking him to order. His eyes suddenly grew wide as he realized all around them was exotic food, but what made him enthusiastic was the cocktails made out of coconut or citrus greens.

"I will get a martini." He announced and looked over to Jimin for his approval. The man couldn't hold back his laughter as he jutted his head at the teenager for him to go ahead.

"A martini and Jack Daniels for me. We will have octopus skewers along with hodge-podge meal." Jimin placed the order and looked over to Jungkook just sighing and feeling the fresh air as he peered around without any burden, fingers softly rolling into his hair.

It made Jimin's chest swell in pride. The boy had been nothing but afraid of his parents for everything he did. "I always wanted to go on a vacation at a place like this." The boy told Jimin who kept his gaze and smile beaming at the husband.

"What else did you want?" Jimin sipped the Hawaiian punch that was served complimentarily at their table.

"My parents never let me go to school picnics. I wanted to be able to go out with Jerry and Bush," Jungkook's smile suddenly faltered. "I wonder how they are. I didn't really talk to them in months."

"And you shouldn't. It was your friend, Bush, who leaked out your number in the first place." Jimin couldn't help but tell the truth.

"No, that can't be. He doesn't know Taehyung. I know his family. They are not even Korean-"

"I know what I am talking about, darling. You should trust your husband rather than defending some kid who went behind your back." Jimin's tone turned heavy with authority and a bit of annoyance as he knew the truth but Jungkook wouldn't believe him.

The boy suddenly looked down. "Did you bring your phone?" He asked.

"Why?"

"Just give me it."

Jimin took out the mobile from his pocket and saw Jungkook walk away and stand under a coconut tree. The calm wind kept blowing but the man was suddenly losing peace as he looked at Jungkook speaking and nibbling his lips. The old insecure boy was resurfacing. "Should've kept my mouth shut for now." He leaned back on the white-painted chair and found Jungkook coming back after a few minutes.

"What did he say?" Jimin asked slowly.

"That he was sorry, and he was jealous of my friendship with Jerry," Jungkook replied indifferently.

"And what did you say?" Jimin leaned towards the boy and picked his phone to put it back in his pocket.

"I thanked him. If he didn't do that, I would never have met you." The boy smiled as he slowly looked up. Jimin's worry left his body at the response and the food arrived.

Jimin saw through the boy as he drank his sweet, red cocktail. They sang together while Jimin occasionally put up his camera in front of Jungkook's face to capture the moments. Drinks after drinks, the ambiance was turning spectacular as the sun was falling down slowly. The air was turning cold and Jungkook was as drunk as he could be to enjoy and feel himself.

"Enough for the evening, sweetheart. I want you now." Jimin signed over the bill that he'd pay together at the time of check out before getting up. Jungkook jumped on Jimin's back, letting the man piggyback his way to their villa.

Chapter Text

Jungkook giggled and pulled Jimin down by his nape. "Please," he asked, the afternoon sun was filtering into the big villa from each glass window. 

"Not until you call me daddy," Jimin stopped moving altogether. 

"Please, Jimin... I can't say that, I am shy." Jungkook giggled again, looking at grinning Jimin on top of him. 

"Sorry, sweetheart. Your orgasm is going to have to wait." Jimin pulled out, causing Jungkook to gasp at the sudden void. 

"You are mean," Jungkook's giggles now ceased and he sadly pouted, still not convinced on calling his husband daddy. 

"I can be," Jimin nodded, getting off the table, throwing a blanket to cover Jungkook's naked body, and getting into his lose pajamas himself. He wanted the boy to open up more in the bed. They were on their honeymoon and Jimin had some fantasies and expectations out of sex during this time. Although the boy had come out of his shyness and asked for it whenever he needed it, he has still restricted himself, not wanting to try any other position than missionary unless he was drunk. 

Jimin picked his phone and as if on cue, it started ringing. "Jimin! Seriously?!" Jungkook threw a pillow that collided with Jimin's shirtless back and fell to the wooden floor before the man nonchalantly walked out of the villa, still shirtless. "I don't need you." Jungkook huffed angrily and began to stroke his length. 

"Mhm, Jimin..." Jungkook moaned lowly as the man closed the door behind. The soft mattress, white sheets, and white veils around the bed witnessed as Jungkook's back arched with his eyes closed. He kept chanting Jimin's name while moving his hands up and down his shaft, bucking his hips in the air.

**

Jimin answered the phone. "Your timing couldn't have been more disastrous. As always."

"I am so sorry, please tell me the time you guys aren't fucking so I can call you then," Do-Jihan asked sarcastically.

"Yeah, no. There is no time slot available for your calls," Jimin chuckled. 

"We found Hoseok," the older stated. "I know you guys are on honeymoon but I couldn't keep it from you." 

Jimin's face contorted into anger and it twitched, feeling shapeless wrath forming inside, ready to explode. "Where is he?"

"In Seoul. There is definitely something going on with him and I know Hoseok is scared. He will not get away from us. Just take care of yourself and Jungkook before you come back. Don't think about him too much for now." Do-Jihan advised but little did he know that Jimin's mind already flipped three-sixty. He couldn't go back to being normal like anyone else. 

Meanwhile, Jungkook climaxed in the most dramatic way while yelling so loud that he was sure if Jimin was outside the door, he must be hearing it, but the man was gone. The boy's eyes lidded and he slept with the tiredness overcoming him, not caring about cleaning up or even closing the door because he knew that his husband was right outside. 

**

Jungkook groaned when he heard the sounds in the room and when his eyes opened, the sun was getting low, the daylight was slowly replaced with the grey sky. "Jimin," he called, but he didn't hear the response. "Jimin!" Jungkook called louder but remembered how his husband left him in the middle of love making. Faking anger, he flipped to the other side and pushed his face into the pillow. 

As Jungkook was waiting for Jimin to spoon him any moment, his heart jumped to his throat when he heard a loud crash. Wrapping the duvet around his lower body, as he was completely naked, he stepped out of the room into the living room towards the noise. The worst thing he imagined was fish jumping on the ledge from underwater, but the crash so loud couldn't be created by mere fish. What he saw was worst than what he thought.

"Jimin!" The boy rushed towards his husband who looked like to have pushed a staff member to the ground and he was hovering above the lady. Before Jungkook could discern, Jimin choked the girl and a yelp left Jungkook's mouth. "What are you doing?! She is a girl, leave her alone." Jungkook pulled Jimin back with one hand while his other gripped tightly around his torso, protecting the duvet, and the girl curled in a corner as the Jimin's grip loosened around her neck and she coughed. 

"I am sorry, I am sorry..." She began to cry. 

"What the hell is happening?" Jungkook peered at enraged Jimin and the girl. 

"I am sorry, please don't complain about it, they will fire me. I really needed the money." The girl repeated again and Jungkook now understood what must have happened. But that was still not the reason enough for Jimin to just attack a girl like that. The man wasn't saying a thing as if he was in a zone, holding back many things. 

Jungkook sighed, "it's ok, just leave and don't come back here." He couldn't look her in the eye and as the girl ran out, Jungkook's eyes fell on Jimin's hand carrying the bunny pendant. 

"Did she take this?" He carefully held Jimin's arm and the man put the pendant dangling in a chain in Jungkook's hand before he sauntered off to his room. "Wait, Jimin..."

Jungkook followed behind but Jimin had already closed the door of the bathroom. 

Jungkook's day got spoiled just like that. As he sat with his feet square on the floor, he looked completely lost with a frown on his face. In the end, he realized that Jimin wasn't in the room all this while since afternoon. The bathroom door opened and Jungkook's frowned face turned to look at the shirtless man who didn't look at him and walked straight towards the window to pick up towels by the dresser. 

The boy sighed and looked down and that was when Jimin pulled a chair and sat in front of Jungkook. Slowly, the boy's head moved up and he looked at Jimin's calm yet red face. "When did you come back?" Jungkook asked slowly. 

"A few minutes back."

"Why did you hit her? She could complain about it too." Jungkook asked, showing his dismay on Jimin's behavior. 

"She took something which belonged to you, and you belong to me. I told you I am petty when it comes to someone I love." Jimin replied coolly and leaned ahead to wipe Jungkook's cheek that had crumb stuck over.

"But, Jimin... She was a girl." Jungkook emphasized. 

"I know," Jimin looked down. "I am sorry. I shouldn't have."

"Are you okay?" Jungkook held the man's cold hand and urged him to look at him. "You left a long time ago. The door wasn't locked either as I slept. Is everything well at home?"

Jimin nodded.  

"Is everything good at my home?" The boy asked, his voice lower than usual. Talking about his family with Jimin made him feel like the man would erupt like a volcano because he'd seen how his parents treated him, but the boy still couldn't find in his heart to completely cut them off from his life or hate them entirely. They were his parents after all who gave birth to him and put food on his table for seventeen years. 

"They are all good, baby." Jimin's voice came out raspy and before Jungkook could think about anything to ask, the man's lips were onto him and Jungkook kissed back, closing his eyes and arching his head as Jimin bent and hovered on top of him, pushing him back slowly so he would be lying on the bed. 

Jimin's hand reached under and he re-positioned Jungkook vertically on the bed without breaking the kiss and captured both his palms by clasping them, pushing them down on the bed as he restrained the boy completely. Jungkook was beginning to lose breath when Jimin moved a little down south with wet trail of kisses. 

Jungkook didn't spare a moment before he arched his head to provide more access to Jimin of his neck and the man slolwy kissed the skin, nibbled on it as gently as he could. "Your hickey marks are gone... Do you need new ones?" 

Jungkook was moaning and he hummed in a whimper. "Then look at me and ask me to give you hickeys."

"Jimin... I want hickeys." Jungkook struggled and he turned red, causing Jimin to smirk and also get mesmerized by the true beauty of his husband.

"Say daddy... Say 'give me hickeys, daddy' and I will give you more than just hickeys." Jimin smiled scintillatingly. 

"No, Jimin..." Jungkook struggled to push him off but Jimin had entangled the cutesy husband with his legs and hands. 

"Say it," Jimin perked his brow when Jungkook stopped struggling after trying for a few seconds and looked into his eyes. 

The boy's eyes looked down to stop at Jimin's chest. He contemplated and spoke softly. "Daddy..."

Jungkook knew that he should be as wild as he could be on their honeymoon, but the problem was, he didn't know how. He didn't know his fantasies or fetishes, but Jimin had. So, he went through with it. Surprisingly enough, something inside his heart felt cold and warm at the same time when he uttered the word. It was as if he was completely submitting, trusting his husband with his body, knowing that he would be well taken care of. 

Jimin's lips stretched into a big smile. The word coming from Jungkook wasn't just lusty but equal parts of cute. "Oh, my doll... How I love you!" 

Chapter Text

Jungkook sat on the bed with a mirror on his lap, observing his face with concern. "I am gaining weight," he poked his cheeks with his finger. "Why don't you pay attention to me? Is it because I am fat now ?" Jungkook elbowed Jimin's rib who had his hand covering his eyes while he lay beside his husband, blocking sunlight.

Jimin groaned in his raspy voice. "You are plump, not fat."  

"What?!" Jungkook's voice held a tone of threat and Jimin's lips found a smile on them before he tore his hand away from above his face. "You are supposed to say I am not fat."

"That's what I said."

"No," Jungkook rolled his eyes, backing away from Jimin. "You said I was plump, which basically means I am fat." 

"You have a very hyperactive imagination, sweety. Now give me a kiss to compensate for the allegation you just made." 

"Kiss my ass," Jungkook scurried away successfully. 

"Plump ass," Jimin corrected and realized it was too soon when Jungkook pounced on him. Within a window of a mere moment, Jimin jumped down from the bed and they looked at each other like prey and predator. 

Jimin could sense anger on Jungkook's face, so he didn't move and let the boy charge at him and push him back on the bed, having his way. Just one caressing hold on his cheek, Jungkook closed his eyes and a very meek whimper left him. "You look beautiful as ever." Jimin pulled the boy closer to his body. 

"How are you so fit?" Jungkook pouted, opening his big ovals. 

"I... Work hard." Jimin rolled his eyes slowly, listening to his own words carefully. "Let's say we have sex thrice a day, sometimes five when you are drunk. I suggest you should ride me two times every day if you want to burn more calories."

"Stop~" Jungkook whined slowly, nudging his head into Jimin's shoulder blade. The older didn't delay and wrapped his hands around Jungkook. 

As they silently listened to each other's hearts, Jimin felt calmer than ever. "Can you please take me out tonight?" Jungkook asked. Since they arrived at the villa, they never left the place except for the evenings when they walked to the shore. 

"Anywhere you want, angel. Why don't you pick my phone and search for the place you want to go to." Jimin pointed at the dresser. 

Rolling away, Jungkook grabbed the device but Jimin didn't lose the grip on him. "I want to go to a club. I wanna dance. I have never danced before in a club." 

"Can you dance?" Jimin suddenly asked, feeling excited as he imagined the beautiful boy moving his sexy body on the hot beats.   

"I would like to think so." The boy nodded. 

**

"Tae!" Leo huffed out sharp pants as the older thrust into him in the bathroom stall of their basketball practice court. 

"Yeah, baby! More?" Taehyung asked, speeding up and Leo's head collided with the wall. The man fixed his hands quickly to make sure he was maintaining balance. His one leg was looped around Taehyung's hand, for better access to his behind. 

"No, slow down..." Leo asked, closing his eyes as the red spread across his face and neck. Taehyung's arm and Leo's thigh were also profoundly pink. 

"I am close," Taehyung opposed.

"Okay... Please be quick." He managed to say through ragged breathing. It was hurting him a bit, but he wanted to satisfy the man for the first time they were having sex. He imagined it would be scented candles, a plush mattress, and wine on their first time, but the bathroom stall wasn't bad either, given it was Taehyung, or at least Leo thought he could fool himself to think like that. 

He relaxed a little as he felt a stream of something hot pressed against his insides and that was when Taehyung pulled out, letting the sticky jism dribble down Leo's shaky legs. Taehyung bit his neck, sucking a dappled hickey there and his hand grabbed the grey-eyed man's member to bring his climax. 

Leo leaned back, naked body colliding with Taehyung's clothed one who only had his dick out through the zipper. "Tae! Ah~" He moaned, mouth parched as he repeated Taehyung's name over and over. No sooner than he could stand for a few more minutes, he came.

They looked at each other and chuckled awkwardly. "So this happened." 

"Yeah," Leo said, looking at his naked and dirty body. Taehyung picked his clothes for him and Leo got into them clumsily. 

"Do you want me to drive you home... Or?" Taehyung asked unsurely, squinting his eyes with a questionable look. 

"No, I am fine..." Leo gulped. "I will manage."

"Are you sure?" Taehyung asked to reassure. 

"Yup, I am dandy." Leo couldn't look at Taehyung anymore. 

"Cool, see you at practice tomorrow?"

As Leo looked at Taehyung getting out of the stall and washing his hands outside, his heart felt weak. He wanted this to go somewhere but now, he felt that he might have ruined it all, unwary that Taehyung would never return his feelings. To him, Leo was just a fling, if anything. His heart was still set upon a certain boy named Jeon Jungkook. 

**

[A/N: Love me back - Ginette Claudette]

"If he didn't play slow music, I would have- ." Jungkook swayed, holding Jimin's nape and the older laughed, holding him in place.

"You can't even hurt a fly. Please don't finish that sentence," Jimin was loving this careless side of Jungkook.

"Do you want to see me hurt something?" Jungkook flared his nose, his bubbliness wasn't contained and it spread all around. The 18-year-old boy was admired by everyone on the dance floor, but this boy was connected for life to the man who had him in his embrace.

Jimin leaned to speak in Jungkook's ear. "When we go back, you can bite me."

"Like you do when you fuck me hard?!!" The boy cackled after yelling out loud and Jimin shut his mouth with his hands, eyes widening as he discerned the crowd's attention on them.

As he dragged Jungkook away from the floor to make him sit and sober him up, Jungkook pouted. "Why did you bring me back?"

"I don't want people to have bad thoughts about you, Even if it's in their head, I would kill them if I get to know." Jimin dabbed a tissue on Jungkook's face, wiping out the sweat he worked and then fixing his hair.

"Why? Don't you think your boyfriend is hot?" Jungkook cutely asked in his drunken state with a pout.

"Husband," Jimin corrected, bopping his nose lightly with the tip of his finger. "My husband is hot and I respect him as much as I fuck him hard. I can't let people concoct any dirty thoughts in their heads, you get me?" Jimin asked, staring deeply into intoxicated eyes. 

"Oh, Mr. Park," Jungkook pulled the man close by his collar. "You look so hot when you are serious." He growled like a cat. 

"Rawwr?" Jimin was on the floor. The same Jungkook who was so shy in expressing the sexual desires that most crucially to him were taboo was now wild and free. Jimin knew one thing, he couldn't wait to go back to their villa and fuck Jungkook's brain out, shrug him into the everlasting pleasure as the boy only screamed his name.

"I want to drink more," Jungkook raised his hand to call the waiter and Jimin only opened his mouth, wanting to stop but how could he deny anything when the most adorable human in this world asked him for anything. Jungkook was new to this life, and he went to extreme end every time Jimin took him out, but Jimin wanted him to enjoy without having to worry about anything. 

After an hour and a half more of drinking, Jungkook put his head on the table and didn't wake up after. Jimin knew that he had to carry him. Paying the bill, he carried the boy back. Jungkook calmly snuggled close to Jimin while whimpering his name. "I am cold, Jimin."

"We are almost here, baby," Jimin assured him, pecking his head as he walked over the wooden planks towards their floating villa. The pathway was mildly lit and calm. Jimin looked around and realized he never felt so careless before. Jungkook really did change his life, but he was starting to feel guilty and his heart was feeling heavy with weights because of hiding things from him. 

Jimin knew he had to tell the boy, but waiting for a few years wouldn't harm, as he thought. Jungkook had many things changed for him in life so suddenly. He dealt with stalking, kidnapping, then running away from home. He had to live in hiding for two months under constant fear of being caught or pressure of getting into university. His parents didn't accept this marriage or give him blessings. Now that the boy was finally breathing for some time, Jimin wanted the moment to last a bit longer. 

"Cutie pie," Jimin tapped Jungkook's cheek after putting him on the bed. Albeit he knew that Jungkook wouldn't be up if the earth shook, he had to try. He wanted to make love. 

Jungkook groaned and turned the other way. Smiling, Jimin kissed his forehead before walking over to the cabinet and taking his daily dose of medicine. 

Chapter Text

"TAEHYUNG!" Leo screamed when his P-spot was frictioned sweetly. 

"I leave in a month," Taehyung huffed, making sure he was angling his thrusts in the same way that had the bottom screaming in pleasure. 

"What?" Leo's smile died down and his mind did a three-sixty as Taehyung kept the rhythm. 

"Cum for me first, baby."

"Mm..." A shaky whimper and moan ripped free from Leo's mouth as he struggled to keep going and also postpone his natural body response to the bad news. "Kiss me!" Leo loudly asked. 

Dipping down, Taehyung kissed Leo's lips and they were breathless in a few moments. Leo yelped when Taehyung flipped him and held his ass in the air to wreck it as harshly as he could. The screams of pleasure and ecstasy got to his head as his leaking cock made a few attempts to milk itself down in the tightness of the hot cavity.

"Tae!" Leo desperately whined and the older bent with his hand reaching around to jerk the bottom off. With the delicate touch, Leo came over the sheets and his head fell down to the big soft pillow where his screams died. Taehyung plopped down on the side as they breathed. 

Slowly, Leo turned his head to see Taehyung's sweaty face sparkling like his skin exhibited silver lights. "What did you mean by that?" His small voice asked. 

"I am moving back to Korea where my home is," the older replied wryly. 

"When and why?" Leo wanted to hug the man but Taehyung sat up, wiping his face and picking the tissues from the dresser to clean himself. 

"I came here to forget something, or specifically, someone. I have been running in circles, away from the truth for so long. But I know that I can never make it all disappear unless I face things so that my inner self doesn't call me a coward anymore."

Listening to Taehyung, Leo wasn't surprised by the answer because he assumed this much by his own, but what surprised him was that Taehyung shared it with him after three months of spending time. "That someone is lucky," he smiled sadly. 

"No," Taehyung looked down. "That someone is scared of me. I want to make things right."

"Scared why?" 

Taehyung turned to look at Leo's clueless expressions and shone a little smile on him. "You don't have to worry about that, baby. Ready for the second round?"

"So I am your rebound?" Leo chuckled. 

"No," Taehyung slowly climbed on top of the boy, staring at him and making the younger turn red. "But we can both fuck until we forget our problems. I will fuck you so much that all the sex will get out of your system. You won't want sex anymore after I am done with you in a month."

"Then you better make it day and night thing, Mr. Kim," Leo tangled his hands around Taehyung's nape and pulled him down to join their lips into a beautiful, deep kiss. 

**

Jimin entered his house after a whole one month and breathed in the air as if he'd missed the place. When he looked at Jungkook, his face was sulking. "What's wrong, baby?"

The boy's pout intensified more. "I want to go back to the Maldives."

"Aw, I will take you there again in your summer break, I promise," Jimin gently kissed Jungkook's slightly parted lips and smiled at him. 

The younger nodded and grabbed a bag only to be held back by Jimin. "You go take shower, I will put the clothes in the laundry."

Jungkook nodded wearily. He was sleep-deprived and jet-lagged. This home was kingly with grand rooms, abundant sunlight, the ocean view from the windows, or the tasteful interiors, but it wasn't the wooden villa on the Maldives. Jungkook was realizing that he loved living in Jiangyin much more than he did here. He felt more close to Jimin encased in smaller walls than the spacious mansions that seemed ghostly at some point. 

As he stood under the shower, he could see his body in the mirror of the bathroom. The fading bite marks made him reminisce. He knew that there was only one honeymoon, no other trip could beat it. They did nothing but slept, ate, got drunk, cuddled, and fucked, a lot. His thoughts were disrupted when Jimin knocked at the bathroom door and entered. 

"Can I join you in there?" He asked with a sweet and small smile.

Jungkook shook his head unhurriedly. "I think I am getting sick."

Jimin's smile was quickly replaced with a worried expression. Pulling the boy out of the shower, he picked the towels from the counter and swathed Jungkook in them.

Jungkook looked with his puffy face and sleepy, hooded eyes at Jimin when he dried his hair. "It's the lack of sleep. You should rest now."

Jungkook held Jimin's palm as they walked to the bed and Jimin tucked him into the fresh duvet. 

"Sleep now, baby," Jimin kissed Jungkook's head and the boy nodded before the older male walked back into the bathroom to wash up his own tiredness away.

When he returned, Jungkook's eyes were wide open as he stared blankly at the ceiling.

"Why don't you sleep, Jungkook?" Jimin asked, causing Jungkook to direct his eyes at his husband's naked upper body.

"I can't find a comfortable position to sleep and I am scared for the first day at the university." 

"You know what?" Jimin was pushing his shirt down his torso but he pulled it back midway. "You will sleep when you are tired."

Jungkook naturally spread his legs but Jimin pulled him up by his hands before he laid down. "Come on top of me," he patted Jungkook's thighs and quickly slid down his pajamas. 

"What?" Jungkook understood Jimin wanted him to ride on top of him. No matter how hard the man tried, he just wouldn't do it. "No..."

"Yes."

"Jimin-"

Jungkook was pulled up in the next moment on top of Jimin's body and he was straddling his thighs. Jimin's hand was on his own cock, moving up and down and Jungkook looked like he was mortified.

Jimin's one hand held onto Jungkook's forearm strongly so he wouldn't move down. "I am your husband, baby. There is no place for shame between us. You are mine and I belong to you." Jimin spoke softly after his length was ready to please his baby husband. 

Jungkook knew Jimin was right and he wanted to try this position, it was just that he had still many shells around him from where he couldn't break free. Jungkook looked at the bottle of lube and Jimin now smirked, knowing that the boy had considered it. He didn't delay and picked the bottle for him and Jungkook lubricated himself and Jimin's cock. 

Jimin's eyes shone so brightly but he had to hold down the smirk. Without looking at Jimin's face, Jungkook perked up his ass and bore down onto the cock. A relaxing hum left Jimin's mouth while Jungkook wouldn't dare let out any voice.

Jimin held Jungkook's hips and helped him move slowly. For a split second, the younger looked down and saw the older's face streamed with care, his own face turning redder as he locked his eyes on the ripped chest. The older moaned on purpose to tell Jungkook he was driving him crazy just being in sight. "Baby, you feel so good." 

Locking his palms with Jungkook's, he placed them over his own chest to give the boy something to hold on to. No sooner than later, Jungkook's moans erupted in the room and the speed of his hips moving increased. "Jimin," Jungkook's voice had a tinge of skepticism.

"Yeah, baby... You are doing really good. Keep going."

Jimin could see that Jungkook was breathless in a few minutes and sweat dropped from his face over his stomach. The younger's thighs began to cramp but he realized he was in control and he loved that he could angle himself however he wanted, without having to ask Jimin to go slower, faster, deeper, or harder. 

"Jimin, Jimin..." The boy wanted to express this new found euphoria to his husband but it was visible from his face and his hard thrusts. 

"Shh," Jimin yanked Jungkook's hands away from his own chest and put them behind his head. Jungkook's face suddenly leaned down across his own as Jimin began to kiss the younger deeply.

Jungkook squirmed his wrists under Jimin's hold. Just as Jimin let go, he cupped the older's cheeks and tilted his head, deepening the kiss while his movement momentarily slowed down. 

Jimin took a chance and held Jungkook's waist in a vice-like grip as he began to jackhammer into him. Jungkook dominated the kiss and Jimin dominated his husband's hole. They bathed in each other's sweat when Jungkook broke the kiss as pleasure zapped through his body and he arched his head all the way back that Jimin had to curl his legs behind him to hold him in place as the boy sat up. 

Jungkook leaned against Jimin's knees and huffed through his leaking. When he savored each second of his orgasm, he dropped down, and before Jimin could hold his arms out for the boy to invite him, his mouth opened and it closed around Jimin's wet cock. 

He successfully brought orgasm to his husband with his mouth. The sight was so wild for Jimin when the younger's sweaty, adorable face was dripping his cum through the corner of soft lips that he wanted to go for the second round without having a break but he knew this love making was not was his own pleasure, but for Jungkook. 

Pulling the boy in his arm, Jimin wiped the cum off his face before placing a sweet kiss on his head. "Good night, boo."

Chapter Text

"Did you get your wallet?" Jimin asked. 

Jungkook dug his hand in his pockets to pull it out. 

"Sunglasses?"

"It's cloudy, but yeah. I did."

"Can you check again if you kept the cards in wallet?" Jimin asked again as they sat in the steady car that was parked outside Jungkook's university.

Jungkook groaned. "Jimin, you have put them with your own hands last night."

"Do you remember the pin to your cards?" 

Jungkook held his forehead. "I have cash. I can survive one day without a card even if I forget it." 

"No need to be sour, sweety," Jimin quirked his brow on the boy. "Now give me a kiss and go inside."

"No, everyone is watching." Jungkook's eyes widened.

"Are you ashamed of me now?" Jimin asked, eyes narrowing as he said the words. 

"Definitely not, but I don't like PDA." Jungkook opened the door to get out but Jimin pulled him back and before his mouth could utter a word of disagreement, he was being kissed on the lips. His eyes slowly fluttered closed as he tasted Jimin's gloss and slowly, the older let go. 

Caressing Jungkook's hair quickly, Jimin pecked his forehead. "I will wait for you. Call me if you need anything."

"I am not going on combat, Jimin," Jungkook replied while blushing and Jimin smiled. 

The older nodded, knowing he was overly possessive and Jungkook was getting late for his first class. "I love you, Jungkook."

"I love you too, dear husband. Good luck on your first day at new office. "

Jimin saw his Jungkook walk away and realized that he was growing more. His shoulders were definitely broader than when he was seventeen and Jimin was sure his height also increased a bit.

Turning around the car once Jungkook disappeared, Jimin sped away towards his office after months of break or working from home. 

Unknowingly, he couldn't help but think if his relationships weren't frayed with Taehyung and other friends, they all would have celebrated his first official day as the CEO. Rather, he was welcomed by his family who stood outside his office. A smile began to form on his face as he pulled over his car. 

"Father!" 

"Happy first day, son!" Mr. Park clapped Jimin's back into a hug and the young man forgot all the gloomy thoughts. His three sisters were standing next to his mother and they all hugged him one by one.

"Jimin-ah!" Jimin's driver suddenly called as they were headed inside and the young man turned around, motioning his family to go ahead.  

"Uncle!" They hugged it out in quite some time while a few employees looked at the new, beautiful CEO. 

"Was it all worth it?" The driver kissed Jimin's head. 

"Hell yeah!" Jimin grinned, not regretting anything that had happened in past year. 

**

Jungkook sat alone and nervously tapped his feet, realizing he was the only one who was married at such young age and people would all judge him. High school was still good, even with one back-stabber friend, but thriving here suddenly seemed like a mountain on his head. As he wistfully stared into nothing, a voice startled him. 

"Is this seat taken?" A girl asked and Jungkook shook his head quickly, making space for the girl to sit.

"I am Kan-Dee... You can call me candy if you want," the girl spluttered out laughing. 

"Nice," Jungkook smiled. "I am Jungkook. I am married."

The girl shone a bewildered look at Jungkook. "Well, it's fucking cool." She spoke after a few seconds of consideration.

"Don't you think there is something wrong with me?" Jungkook had to ask, because everyone who looked at his wedding ring, avoided talking to him.

"Nu-uh," Candy shook his head. "If I tell you that I wanna be dead at the age of 20, would you think I am a cuckoo?"

"Intriguing, yes. Cuckoo, no." Jungkook was smiling, and just like that, he had a friend. "What do you want to major in?" 

"Writing," she replied. "You?"

"I want to become an artist, drawing mostly, but I want to explore expressionism style of art."

"Interesting," Candy replied. "But we have to learn the basics through the first year, why can't we just skip to our own work?"

"I wondered why everyone studied mathematics in school because some people would go become doctors and they wouldn't need it. But it opened our minds. Think of the first year in same way. The literature, prose, poetry, sculpting, photography basics, everything will open our heart and we might be able to understand the expression of feeling better." Jungkook said, wishing he didn't come off as a total poet.

"Dude! You can become a writer too. You have the potential."

They were cackling when the class teacher arrived and the university officially started. 

**

"What are you doing tonight?" Leo's friend asked. Ever since Leo got to know that Taehyung was leaving, he tried to spend as much time as he could with him. 

"I will be at Taehyung's. Why?" The man looked at the friend. 

"I hope you know what you are doing. Don't want you to be heartbroken and crying like shit once he leaves."

"Why would I be heartbroken? I am leaving too once he is gone." Leo argued. 

"You like him, Leo. Why can't you just tell him the truth and let him decide if he wants to choose you over some miserable piece of crap." Liam plopped down on the single coucher.

Leo sighed, turning around and doting his eyes at Liam. "Look, it was pretty clear that I wanted to play internationally. It's going to happen soon. I don't think I am losing anything here. My dream was always to play basketball since I was six. I agree that Taehyung is so fucking hot, but I guess this was all I had to get from him. It's better for both of us if we just do our things."

"Who are you fooling, bitch?" Liam picked the basketball from the floor and chucked it at Leo. "I am not buying a word of whatever you just babbled. You are like a love-sick puppy around him, wagging his tail and following him for the bone."

"Okay, if you aren't going to be supportiv, get out of my house." Leo threw the ball back at Liam. 

**

It was raining cats and dogs when Jungkook stepped out of his class after the first day finished and picked Jimin's call. "Baby, I am sorry I didn't give you an umbrella."

"It's okay, Jimin... Where are you?" 

"I am about to reach. Just stay indoors, okay?" Jimin's voice was full of worry. 

Jungkook chuckled. "I am not the one who hates rain, Jimin."

"That's right, and it is slowing down now," Jimin looked around as he parked the car and every nerve in his body was just shrinking as he looked at water and wet grounds. 

Jungkook started walking out in a soft drizzle and Jimin only hummed. He wanted the rain to completely stop before Jungkook came out, but they were both pleasantly surprised to see each other outside the university gate. 

"Stay there!" Jimin pointed his finger sternly.

"Why didn't you tell me you arrived?!" Jungkook shouted from the gate as Jimin's car was parked across the road and in front of them was water clogged. 

"I arrived just now!" Jimin yelled back before he stepped into the clogged water and began to cross the road. 

Jungkook laughed at Jimin's absurd expressions before the man was finally standing next to him. "You really hate rain, don't you?"

"Look at this disgusting clog, of course, I hate it. They are gonna take forever to fix it." Jimin covered Jungkook's head with his hands, but that didn't work, obviously.

Jungkook's hair was already wet. "How did it happen anyway?" His eyes traveled to find any blockage but he could see nothing. 

"There was an accident," Jimin replied, looking at the ground and his shoes that were ruined. "Hop on."

Jungkook looked at Jimin in wonder. "It's okay, I can walk. I don't hate it."

"Quick, Jungkook. Otherwise, both of us will get sick." The urgency and authority in Jimin's voice caused Jungkook to obey him immediately as he jumped on his back and Jimin carried the boy across the road.  

The first thing Jimin did was throw his dripping shoes outside and then he turned on the heater. "Are you cold?" Grabbing Jungkook's arms, he rubbed them and the boy forgot about everything at school at that moment as he marveled at his beautiful husband's face adorned with pearly droplets of water, his wet hair strands falling over his forehead, his pink, filled lips pursed to blow hot air on his hands, and his care that reflected in his every action. 

"Not anymore," the boy replied in his bedroom voice that caused Jimin to suddenly whip his head to look at the adorable, blushing face. 

Chapter Text

"Jimin, come!" Jungkook called the husband from the couch of their grandeur living room as he sat in front of the TV.

"Just a minute, baby..." Jimin replied from the kitchen as the fragrance of popcorn consumed the air around them and Jungkook drooled. 

"Can I help?" Jungkook asked, but he knew that Jimin would never say yes. Curling up in a blanket, he doted his reticent eyes on the screen as fifty shades of grey started playing.

Jimin asked him casually about the movie on the way back home from university and he ended up telling him that he'd never watched the movie and that he wanted to read the book first, but the older knew what they were going to watch tonight. 

Jimin didn't say anything and appeared with a tray on top of which were two big bowls of popcorn and two iced mochas on the side. "I am not that hungry." The boy looked at the size of the bowls. 

"They aren't for eating, baby," Jimin sat beside Jungkook and the latter swayed the blanket around the former's body so they were huddled up together. A hand poked out of the cocoon and Jimin threw a few popcorns over at Jungkook who giggled. "They were to treat my ears to your laughter."

The movie started and Jungkook's prissy body made Jimin reach out to him. "You okay?"

"Yeah, it's not that bad."

"Sweatheart," Jimin rasped dangerously. "Did you think it was bad? Why would I show you anything that is bad? It is far from bad. I want you to take notes baby because we are going to try something after the movie ends."

Jungkook began to rub his earlobe that was hot and he was sure he had turned red. "If you are thirsty, drink your mocha."

"No, I am good," the younger immediately responded. "I haven't been thirsty in a while."

"It's bad for your organs, cutie pie. You must drink enough every day." Jimin couldn't help the smirk that played on his lips as he side-eyed the younger who kept his hands touching his ears and rubbing his eyes. 

"I think I am sleepy. Can we continue this later?" Jungkook suddenly turned to look at Jimin with hooded eyes and the man straightened his spine, touching Jungkook's face deftly and trying to peek through his lie. 

"Sure," he let out in a bare whisper, breath mingled with mocha, and Jungkook closed his eyes at the touch and the fragrance. "You are free to go if you touch yourself for me, baby."

"Touch me?"

"Don't tell me you have never touched yourself." Jimin's brow quirked and Jungkook postured to skedaddle but was pulled back in a tight grip.

"Of course, I did." The honest response rolled off cutely and bashfully.

"Did you ever touch yourself before we started living together? Did you ever think of me fucking you at the time we started talking?"

The strong eye contact broke all confidence in the young teenager. "I-I might have."

"Do tell... Where did you touch? Did you pinch your nipples too? What did you scream? Tell me everything. Better yet, show me."

"You are here," Jungkook gained the remnants of his sanity as he replied. "Why do I need to touch myself when you are here?"

"You don't understand, baby. Because I did it too, imagined you touching yourself and sinfully calling me to fuck you. It is hot to see you do it," Jimin thought, closing his eyes to relish it. "I just need to see it in reality."

"Please, Jimin..." The boy scrunched his face to plead but it was far from being acknowledged when Jimin decided to push his tongue into the boy's mouth and Jungkook gasped, reciprocating by putting his arms on the older's chest to push him for a split second before turning into a ball of mush. 

Writhing and arousing, Jungkook's lips escaped a moan that was engulfed by Jimin. The older cupped the big palm and put it over his husband's sweats, giving it friction, pressing it lightly. "Fuck! You are so hot even with that baby face of yours." 

Jungkook's parted mouth took in bated breaths. "Jimin."

"It's okay to be wet. Take these off," Jimin whispered against Jungkook's ear, causing the hair over his nape alert. 

"What is happening to you?" Jungkook's rising and falling chest was the only thing that moved, everything else was steady, even their voices were hushed and required minimal movement. 

"Off, now."

Jungkook found himself obeying as the authority of the dominant resonated with him. Springing his hip to the side, he slid his PJs off his body. 

"This too." 

Jungkook had to hook his fingers under the waistband of his briefs to chuck it away, feeling vulnerable as Jimin was still fully dressed. "Can you take off your clothes too?" 

Jimin shook his head very slowly, eyes hooked, lips stretched, and mischief in his mind. 

Nibbling his lips, Jungkook's phalanges closed into a fist, his thumb ran over his fingers. Hesitantly, the hand filed towards his leaking erection. He flashed one last convincing look at Jimin, but the older laced his palm under his head as he turned his frame towards the younger, all set to watch the show. 

Closing his eyes, Jungkook's fist slowly closed around his member and he leaned back against the backrest of the thick, soft couch. A soft hum released his mouth as he wet his skin with the pre-cum by sliding his hand up and down softly. 

Jimin's own cock throbbed as it was too much for him to take in and he wanted to stop the boy and bottom him out, but he controlled, watching how Jungkook's Adam apple sluggishly moved every time he gulped, how his mouth exhaled the popcorn and mocha breath. "Jimin, it feels so good."

"I know it does, baby. You are doing so well. Keep going."

Listening to Jimin's voice, Jungkook's ajar mouth turned shut and he gulped again. In his mind was the image of Jimin giving him head on his gamer chair. "Please, don't stop."

Jimin smirked at the little submissive as Jungkook spread his legs more while arching his back. "Do you like it when I fuck you?" Jimin asked in a low raspy voice, biting lips seductively. 

"Mmm," a broken moan hurled free off Jungkook's throat and his mouth was ajar in the next moment as he licked his lips while working his hand. 

"Words, baby."

"I like it."

"What do you like?"

"I like it when you pull me close to you by sliding your arm under me."

"Okay..." Jimin now smiled genuinely. "What else does my princess like?"

"I like it when you kiss my neck."

"Keep going," Jimin was now blushing a little at the thought that his little baby liked when he made love to him, rather fuck him. The boy was filled with crude emotions, never having expressed them. 

"I love when you suck me off and leave no drop, daddy. I like it when you fuck me hard, looking into my eyes," Jungkook's eyes popped open and his head whipped towards Jimin, catching his eyes in a jiffy in electric contact. "Daddy!" Jungkook's guttural moan was so loud that Jimin's smile dissolved in a gulp. 

"Fuc-"

Jimin's words ceased when Jungkook grabbed his round t-shirt's neck with a free hand and pulled him into a demonically rough kiss. The older tilted his head almost instantly, deepening the kiss and hugging the younger's body closer.

Jungkook's hand had picked speed and he desperately began to chase formless pleasure.

Jimin willed his eyes open and looked at Jungkook's closed ones. The boy's brows were furrowed just as he would while savoring good food. It was difficult, but Jimin kept his eyes open to marvel at his husband, his everything. If he had to, he'd happily die in place of Jungkook right now. He loved the little, adorable boy more than his life, so much so that he'd never him out of sight. 

The moment he laid eyes on him, fought for him, went to his school to convince him for running away, the first time he pleased him, the wedding, the wedding night, their first lovemaking, everything presented itself as a plethora of memories so overwhelming that Jimin teared up. 

He knew it wasn't the moment for this, but he couldn't get enough of his Jungkook. He wanted to protect him better, provide him exceptional, and love him deeper. The kiss turned sloppy from his end due to the diversion of attention, but Jungkook suddenly pulled away and trembled so much that Jimin had to keep holding him. His one long whimper hinged through his climax. 

Basking in the sight of the innocence that his husband was, Jimin wiped the unshed tears before he picked the boy up in his arms.

Jungkook hadn't a chance to open his eyes and he looped his arm around Jimin's neck, breathing heavily and wanting nothing but Jimin, his body's fragrance, his breath over his own lips, the taste of his sweet lips, the gentle touch of his fingers, and his thumping heart close to his own ears. 

Chapter Text

Jimin entered the house and looked at the mess of clay all over the living room. His face twitched at it, but he was more curious so he kept walking ahead to see Jungkook sitting behind a table at which lay an unorganized mass of white clay. His tongue was peeking out of his lips, curling up a little as he focused to shape the mass into something that'd make sense. 

"What is all this, baby?"

"Jimin!" The tongue went back into his mouth as he rushed towards the man and slammed himself into him. "I have missed you."

Jimin's breathing stopped as he was now smeared with clay all over his suit, but it was only a moment where his mind compelled him to feel that way. He immediately wrapped his arms around Jungkook, kissing his head softly. "I missed you more, sweety. Did uncle arrive on time?" He inquired. 

"Yes." The boy didn't let go just yet and kept holding Jimin.

"What is all this, doll?" Jimin asked, looking at every surface that he immediately wanted to clean. 

"I have a school project. They asked us to sculpt something but I can't do it."

"That's because you didn't rest after coming back from school and look at the mess you made," Jimin scolded the boy, pulling him away to take a better look at his face. "And you need a haircut. You are ruining your hair." 

Jungkook pouted with an intention of melting his husband. It worked like magic every time.

"It's weekend, my sweet potato. I will help you tomorrow. Now go wash your hands and bring the chair, I will trim your hair." Jimin took off his coat and looked at it with a scrunched face that Jungkook saw. 

He nervously laughed. "Sorry about that. Also, I don't want a haircut."

"Yes, you do..." Jimin nodded his head, quirking his brows a little as Jungkook began to walk back but the former chased him, tackled him, and brought him back into his arms. 

"Be a good boy, now. You are not 2 anymore."

"But I don't want to look like a baby. I look so young in short hair and people judge me more..." Jungkook looked down, sadly pouting this time. 

"Judge you for your baby face?"

"For being married."

Jimin sighed. "Come here," he let the weight down on the couch and pulled Jungkook on his lap. "They are jealous, trust me. You get everything. A beautiful husband who acts as your driver every day, a beautiful house, fancy dinner dates, sex-"

Jungkook pushed Jimin's chest by his hands and he cackled out. "Trust me, you are far better than the teenagers who are depressed and have nothing figured out."

"When you put it like this," Jungkook nodded comically, smile wanting to break free. "I think my life is the best."

"See, now go and bring the stool. I will doll you up."

Jungkook grinned, scrunching his nose cutely before placing a peck on the corner of Jimin's lips. "You have to be my muse in return."

Jimin shook his head and walked to the bathroom to bring an apron and a small baguette in which he placed trimmers, small hair cutting scissors, and a nail cutter. 

Jungkook was sitting on the stool when Jimin placed the apron around him but the boy kept moving, busy in his phone. "Sweety, if you don't want Chewbacca hair, I suggest you stop moving now."

As if one cue, Jungkook's aunt face-timed the boy. Jimin's words rolled right off Jungkook's head when he jumped with ecstasy. 

"Aunty!"

"My baby! How are you doing?" The aunt was as much ecstatic as the baby. 

"I am good, Jimin is balding my head," Jungkook complained and directed the camera towards the man. 

"Hello, aunty," Jimin chuckled, spraying a little water on Jungkook's head to straighten the waves. "I am just giving him a little trim."

"Why? He looks really different in longer hair," Niz knitted her brows together. "Unnie never let him keep long hair."

Jimin's hands already cut through the hair from one side as he heard the last sentence and he wished if aunt had said them a moment ago, he wouldn't have shortened the hair too much.

Jimin wanted to give Jungkook world, this was nothing if Jungkook wanted long hair because he never got to style them like that. "I didn't know," his hands stopped.

Niz went on to talk but Jungkook became hyperaware of his husband's state. "It's okay," Jungkook looked up to whisper at Jimin. "I love short hair."

"What is it?" Niz asked. 

"Nothing, aunty." Jungkook replied in place of his husband that made Niz feel proud of the boy who was sort of protecting his husband.

"When are you visiting your old aunt, Jimin? I miss Jungkook and you." The lady asked and caused Jimin to smile brightly, eyes crinkling into crescents. 

"Our honeymoon kind of extended a bit. Once Jungkook has his semester break, I will bring him immediately," Jimin promised. "And you aren't old. Just a few years older than I."

Niz chuckled. "As long as you both had a good time, I don't mind. Did you talk to Momo?"

"I did, she is finally in high school, I am proud." Jungkook broke a boyish grin."

An awkward silence surrounded them for a moment before Jimin chimed in. "We will visit you soon, aunty. Perhaps over the weekend." 

"That will be really good, Jimin. If you can come even for a few hours, it will be fine too. I want to see you two."

The call disconnected in some time and Jungkook sat silently, without moving. Jimin took notice of every breath he took. "Baby? Do you want to eat blueberry cheesecake?" 

"Hm?" Jungkook looked at the man, questioning him. "It's not our birthday or anniversary."

"So? Who says we can eat cake on only birthdays?"

"No one," Jungkook's eyes had a mischievous gleam in them now. 

"And a horror movie to go with it."

"I know you are trying to seduce me."

"Gosh! Jungkook! I didn't know you get on with horror. How weird are your fantasies?" Jimin brushed the hair off the boy's nape onto the apron. 

"Shut up, I won't sex you."

"Oh, baby. Remind me of one day since our wedding that we haven't had sex at least twice?"

"Today will be that day!" Jungkook turned around and glared up at Jimin before slowly standing and throwing the apron and hair with it. 

Jimin flinched his eyes close. "I have to clean it up!" He yelled as he saw Jungkook sauntering away towards their room. 

"I know, clean it well. I don't want to see a single hair on the floor." Jungkook replied before shutting the door behind him. 

"Oh, Come on!" Jimin groaned and trailed behind his little dramatic husband. "I also have weird fantasies."

"Such as?" Jungkook asked and Jimin's eyes couldn't pry away from the naked body of his husband with foam over his chest and back. 

"Doing in the shower," Jimin's legs slowly trudged him into the bathroom as he began unbuttoning himself slowly. 

"We have, twice."

"Let's see, BDSM, cosplay where we play different roles, sex on the beach-"

"Jimin~" the boy whined. 

By there, Jimin had successfully taken off his clothes and left their trail on the floor. Jungkook was seeing his limp cock coming to life. 

"I am really not in the mood."

"I am not forcing you to, baby. What do I look like to you? A sex monster?"

Jungkook turned his face towards the wall to blush and also wash off the shampoo but Jimin pulled his body back so his buttcrack was now in line with the erect cock. 

Jungkook hummed softly and placed his head over Jimin's shoulder. "Let me wash your hair," Jimin asked. 

"Okay," the submissive turned so softly and hugged Jimin. "Should we take a nap together after this?" 

"I have never seen anyone sleepy in the shower."

"How many people have you showered with?" Jungkook bit Jimin's clavicle bone. 

"I can't remember," Jimin smirked. 

"I hate you for not waiting for me and losing your virginity to some bimbo down the street," Jungkook complained slowly.

"It wasn't a bimbo, she was actually a very pretty girl."

"Is this your some sort of twisted way to turn me on? Because it's actually making me want to punch you."

Jimin smiled, sniffing his husband's mild shampoo. "Are you really sleepy?"

Jungkook nodded his head. 

"You take a nap, I will work for some time, is that okay?" 

Jungkook shook his head. "Why are you always working over weekends? You have started working too much. You should rest too."

"I need to be able to keep this lifestyle for you... For us." Jimin replied, never having told Jungkook that he couldn't afford this much expensive beach house and he had to loan some money. Although he was a CEO, he still was new at work. Despite having good money, there was still a limit. He didn't want his parents to pay for him and Jungkook and he wanted to give him the best all on his own.  

"But I don't need it," Jungkook croaked out as he put his weight over the man and closed his eyes sleepily, ignoring the running water on top of his head. 

Jimin helped wash and dry his body before putting him in bed. Once Jungkook was snoring softly, he put the food in the aquarium to his fish and brought his laptop on the bed to work.

Chapter Text

Jungkook woke up and realized it was the deep night with his stomach rumbling in hunger. How did he fall asleep? He was picked up from school by Jimin's driver, he stopped to buy the supplies for his project, Jimin arrived at home, cut his hair, they were supposed to watch a horror movie and eat strawberry cheesecake or was it blueberry cheesecake? It didn't matter. Then Jungkook showered together with Jimin and he fell on the bed to take a nap while Jimin asked him if he could work for some time. 

Now, it was past midnight. Jimin was nowhere in the room but just as Jungkook slowly opened the door to get out, the older's voice hit him through the gap. 

Did Jungkook really look at the time right? Who was Jimin talking to past midnight? "Jimin?" He called as he walked over to the switchboard to turn on the lights and the voices suddenly seized. "Who were you talking to?" 

"No one... Just thinking out loud," Jungkook's brows furrowed. He witnessed Jimin talking many times at night, but every time, he didn't provide a concrete answer. "Come here." The man put his arms out for Jungkook and the sleepy boy walked into them, slowly being encased as Jimin sniffed his hair and pressed soft kisses on his head.

"Mm..." The younger purred softly and hugged Jimin's torso.

Jimin sighed heavily as if calming himself in the scent. "Hungry, doll?" 

Jungkook nodded his head. "What smells so good?"

"I made a cheesecake for you."

Jungkook yawned and sat straight, "rubbing behind his ear as the sleep overborne him. "Can you please give me some? I feel tired to walk to the kitchen."

"Sure, baby. Lay here, I will bring you some food and cake."

"No, just cake," Jungkook shook his head as Jimin put an AC comforter on top of his curling body on the couch.  

The man microwaved the food anyway. Putting several dishes on the tray, he brought everything to the living room and looked at a sleeping boy. "Get up, doll..." He called while placing the tray on the table and quickly woke Jungkook up before his sleep deepened. 

Jungkook grimaced at the sight of food. "Just the cake, please."

"Do you want to watch the movie?" Jimin asked, placing the comforter at the side and adjusting the temperature. 

"Now? It's one past twenty." 

"So? It's the weekend. We can sleep all day."

"But you said you will take me out for lunch tomorrow. I prepared an outfit too," Jungkook pouted in his sleepy state, short hair spiked in all directions.

"We can do dinner," suggested Jimin. 

"Okay," Jungkook reluctantly nodded. Jimin was afraid of going to sleep, and that was why he asked Jungkook to stay up with him. Although the naive boy didn't know about Jimin's condition, he still became a remedy to the sick man. 

Jungkook washed his hands and face to throw the drowsiness away before he joined Jimin for their extremely late dinner. "Why didn't you eat?" He asked as Jimin turned on the TV. 

"I didn't realize it was this late," Jimin replied nervously. 

"Eat on time, otherwise I will complain Eomoni that you are spoiling your habits and mine." 

"I think you are forgetting something. You need me and if I am dead, I won't be of use to you," Jimin teased.

Giggling, the boy continued eating. The older cleaned up after them once they were done and the younger sprawled on the couch.

"Jimin, I am not really in the mood of watching TV," Jungkook informed his husband.

"What do you want to do?"

"Can I work on my piece?" The boy sat upright in excitement.

"Now?"

"Yeah, please, please. Who watches a horror movie after eating such delicious cake?" The boy whined.

"On one condition," Jimin suddenly smirked as he plopped on the couch and pulled Jungkook's head down to place it on his lap.

"What?" Jungkook looked straight at Jimin.

"Do you remember Titanic?"

Jungkook gasped and sat up. "I am not sculpting you naked. It's a school project, Jimin. Not your R-rated fifty shades movie."

"One of us has to be naked," Jimin claimed. "Otherwise I am out.

Jungkook thought for a moment, unable to understand, and then slowly figured out what would the situation look like. "Okay, fine. But I will keep my underwear on."

Jimin shook his head as though completely denying the offer. "That's not very naked of you."

"Jimin, it's cold."

"I will fix that," Jimin got up and walked over to the thermostat regulator. He increased the temperature and the boy immediately felt it.

"Too hot!"

Taking his time, Jimin managed to turn the temperature to the point where they wouldn't feel hot in clothes or cold being naked.

Jungkook wheeled his table from inside the storage room to the living room while Jimin fixed a chair for him before walking back and sitting on the couch, being a perfect muse for his husband.

"Okay!" Jungkook breathed heavily. No matter how many times he has seen Jimin naked and let him see himself nude, this still was too much to sit on the chair for perhaps hours without clothes while letting Jimin gawk at him.

Slowly, he pulled the t-shirt above his head and threw it on Jimin's face. The older smiled victoriously and quirked his brows for the boy to keep his hands moving.

Jungkook stood petrified, almost changing his mind, but then a sudden grip of encouragement held him from all around. He slid off his boxers with briefs and let them on the floor before shifting towards the chair.

Jimin saw his meaty and muscular thighs carved to perfection. If he could, he would sculpt the clay into Jungkook's perfect body. His boyish chest was now getting broader with arms gaining strength that caused him to just smile proudly. He was taking good care of his baby who was growing up. Sometimes he forgot that Jungkook was still a teenager.

As Jungkook settled, Jimin's eyes moved to the boy's face that was still like a toddler. This caused his little smile to brighten and Jungkook widened his eyes at him. "Is my cock funny to you?"

"It's not your cock. I didn't even look at it... Yet." Jimin's eyes deliberately moved to Jungkook's crotch and the boy crossed his legs elegantly.

"Let's work, Mr. Park. Shall we?" Jungkook clapped to ask Jimin to pull it together.

Jimin cleared his throat and gloated. Sitting back and striking a comfortable pose, he sighed leisurely. "Sure, Mr. Park. Please, take it away."

**

It was Monday and Jungkook was excited about showing his work. After the clay turned out exactly how he wanted it to be, he had painted it with black, silver, and grey oil colors. The skin was shining in silver, the eyes were painted grey, and the hair was black. He was sure that it wasn't the work of the artist that illuminated here, but the muse who was so beautiful that he bewitched anyone with his beauty.

"I can't believe you did that with your own hands," Candy's mouth was hung open as she looked at the display.

Jungkook grinned. "I did actually. Me and my husband. I mean he was my muse but he stood awake all night until I could shape it and then he helped me in the final polishing and painting."

"Wait, that's - that's your husband?" Candy asked in bewilderment. She couldn't possibly believe that an ethereal face actually belonged to a living human who was married to her friend.

"Yes," Jungkook brooded sexily, wriggling his eyebrows and patting his own back.

"Dude! You have to call him here. I have to see this miracle of a person with my own eyes."

"You might be in luck if he comes to pick me up this evening," Jungkook smiled and they began to put their names in front of their pieces.

The whole class was in awe at Jungkook's skills. He put his name over the card and placed it by the Jimin's face sculpture.

"Park Jungkook? You said your name was Jeon Jungkook." Candy asked in confusion as she looked at the writing.

"Yeah, just an old habit how I introduce myself. I should change that."

"What does that mean?"

"I took Jimin's surname after marriage. He is Park. So I had to get it changed in all my legal documents. Park Jungkook is also how I am enrolled in the university."

Candy put her name on the card before they broke for lunch. "It's kind of..."

"Oppressive?" Jungkook asked, knowing well that people didn't really change surnames in Korea after the wedding. However, it was the practice in many other countries.

"No, I was going to say romantic," Candy gave an assuring smile to Jungkook. "Someone's name is their whole identity. Taking someone else's name and adding it to your identity is the whole another level of intimacy. If you did that in any other country, I would have then called you oppressive because you would be following their lead. What you did is cool because no one else is doing it."

"You know, you really are a writer in making." Jungkook chuckled, completely impressed by his friend's thoughts that made him blush red. 

Chapter Text

"Aunty is going to flip!" Jungkook squealed in his seat. 

Jimin glanced at Jungkook while driving towards Niz's house. "You are flipping more than aunt." 

"I am so happy to be back," Jungkook leaned and kissed Jimin's cheek and the man only smiled and blushed a little as he spotted a few girls on the road looking at them and giggling. 

Jimin drove safely all the while his mind was only dreading one thing. He hadn't a clue where his old friends were now. He didn't want any crazy encounter to bring Jungkook's spirit down. What if Taehyung popped up in front of him? He couldn't make the man disappear just because he didn't want Jungkook to see him. 

"Why are you stopping?" Jungkook looked at the man curiously.

"We are going there the first time after our wedding. Momo will be there too. We should at least buy flowers and some chocolates," Jimin replied and held Jungkook close by gripping his palm when he followed him out.

"Do we have to? We are younger than aunty," Jungkook fiddled with his hands. 

"But Momo is younger than us," Jimin smiled but then suspiciously looked at the boy whose face was paling. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, you don't have to spend too much. I also don't earn and you already do so much for me." Jungkook pouted. 

"Look at me when you are talking, Jungkook," Jimin's voice was eerily stern that caused Jungkook to nervously lap his tongue over his lips before he started nibbling them. 

"You are my other half, I am supposed to take care of you, and your family is mine too, just like mine is yours."

"But that's the thing, it should be equal. You are not supposed to take care of me, we are supposed to take care of each other. Your family is mine but I don't give them anything and they have already given me so much."

Jimin looked at the gift store and Jungkook, unable to decide if he should go shop first or make his sweetheart understand. "You can buy me a gift when you get a job," the man simply told the boy.

"I will buy you a yellow shirt," Jungkook spoke excitedly.

**

Grabbing bouquets, chocolate boxes, some Swarovski jewelry for aunt, some plants and warm shawls for the elderly, they finally arrived at a familiar door and rang the bell.

"I am not interested in buying anything," they heard aunt's voice before she buzzed them in. She could scream right then as she looked at Jungkook holding two small plants and Jimin loaded with other stuff with his hands full. 

Jungkook jumped and hugged her. "I thought you were coming at night."

"I wanted to surprise you," Jungkook replied.

"It's such a lovely surprise," Niz held out her hand for Jimin to join them but he struggled with the stuff he was carrying. 

"Let me give you a hand," Niz offered and Jimin shook his head. 

"Aunty, just lead the way."

As they walked inside, they met with their grandparents. "Oh, Kookie," Jungkook's granny teared up and excitedly walked towards him as fast as she could in her state. 

"Where's Momo?" Jimin softly asked aunt while adoring the two people. 

"She is in school. I asked unnie to send her here tomorrow as I knew you guys would arrive by tonight, but I will call Muk and tell him to drop her here."

Jimin nodded. 

**

"I am going to name them Jimin and Jungkook," Jungkook's grandpa chuckled softly as he decided the name of the little plants. 

Jungkook whined while Jimin sat silently and looked at him glow. He wished his parents were a little more supportive so he could give his baby the happiest future without any void in it.

On one side, Niz was running around the house like an ecstatic teenager, arranging the kitchen to cook the feast for them, on the other side, the giggles were erupting from the actual teenager and two elderly.

Jungkook called Jimin closer to where he sat, but the latter shook his head with a smile. He stood up and took a walk towards the big courtyard where Niz was on the phone. "It's nothing, unnie. I am just feeling a little lonely tonight." He heard the lady speak. She was making excuses to bring Momo here. 

**

"Who was that?" Mr. Jeon asked. 

Mrs. Jeon looked down, finding words but somehow she couldn't speak immediately. I know Jungkook is there. She thought. 

"Honey, is everything alright?" Mr. Jeon stopped gardening and walked towards the lady.

"Yeah, yeah, it's all good," she nodded. "Momo will stay the weekend at Niz's."

**

"Get a grip!" Leo yelled out after rolling his car window down at a young woman as he drive.

After spending almost every night together with Taehyung, he realized that Liam was right. He has irreversibly fallen in love with the handsome and he needed to tell him. 

Taehyung was leaving the states as he drove so he had to speed up. It was a few times they fucked at Taehyung's place so he knew where to look.

Just as he pulled over, he frantically ran towards the apartment without taking an elevator.

His face was sweaty and red and his heart was thumping so loudly that he could make out each sound it created. His mouth was completely dry and his nerves were tingling with fear. What would happen if Taehyung was gone? His number wasn't working even now. 

And what if he caught Taehyung on time and he still didn't accept his proposal? 

"Taehyung?" His voice almost cracked as he anxiously waited for the door to be answered. When he heard the sound of a click, a wave of relief washed over him. A smile that was coming along suddenly stopped in place when he looked at a taller male. 

"Hi!" The man smiled. "You are Leo, isn't it?"

Leo gulped and nodded his head frantically. The smile of the man then slowly faded too. "I think you are here for Taehyung."

"Yeah," Leo barely breathed. "Sorry, but who are you?" 

"I am his cousin, Namjoon."

"Did he leave?" Leo's eyes desperately looked behind the tall figure and the man opened the door to let him in. 

What Leo saw, he didn't like. Everything was wrapped up, the kitchen was empty and the windows were sealed. "He left three hours ago."

"Oh," Leo bit his lips together. 

**

"Thank you, Oppa..." Momo hugged Jungkook when she got her gift card and chocolates at night. 

"Thank Jimin."

"I already did. Why didn't you come sooner? You know, after you left, uncle Muk was sad and so was everyone else. Lily asks about you. I think Zayn oppa must ask her." 

"Shh," Jungkook shushed the little talker as he didn't want Jimin to hear and get jealous over nothing. 

"Sorry," Momo whispered. 

Meanwhile, Jimin was helping Niz in the kitchen. "You are amazing with your hands. Did you learn to cook?"

Jimin chuckled at the compliment. "I did when I went abroad for studies. I got tired of eating burgers."

"You should go and sit with Jungkook, Jimin-ah. I have got this."

"I want to help," Jimin smiled, and then suddenly oil splattered when he put the meat in the pan. 

Niz flinched and immediately checked if it got over Jimin's sleeves. "Your clothes will be ruined."

"It's okay, aunty. You shouldn't treat me as a guest."

The lady smiled affectionately when Jungkook lurked in. "Can I help?" He asked excitedly and then Momo followed him.

"No!" Jimin and the aunt spoke in unison. 

Jungkook rolled his eyes. "See, I told you he never lets me."

"Come here, you," Jimin grabbed Jungkook and hugged his back. "Am I your experiment monkey now?" Slowly, he leaned and kissed the boy's neck while Momo only giggled and Niz immediately turned her frame around. 

Jungkook realized that they were surrounded and Jimin really didn't care. This beautiful boy was his husband and he had no shame to express his love in front of the entire world. As Jungkook struggled to get out of his grip, Jimin dragged him to the cooking station. "Help me."

"Really?" Jungkook thought he would finally do something useful. 

"Yeah, just stir this every two minutes." Jimin picked a spatula and made Jungkook grab it. The boy huffed and threw the spatula back on the counter before running out with Momo. 

Chapter Text

Jungkook felt his legs heavy with each step as he left for lunch alone because Candy was busy with extra class and he'd returned from Busan that made his extra gloomy.

Sitting alone at a table, he looked around but didn't find a single person who looked interested to sit beside him.

Suddenly, a hand tapped his shoulder. "H-hyung?" Jungkook's eyes widened and he stood up, stumbling the bottle of coconut water that his old school senior caught in time.

"I didn't know you go to school here," Hei-Ran chuckled. The semester had started three months ago and Jungkook never really caught his eyes.

"I had no clue you were here either. Please, sit."

Hei-Ran sat beside Jungkook and the boy's face gained a little bit of warmth to see a familiar face. Five years ago, Hei-Ran used to be his little crush. But once the older boy failed his class, Jungkook lost all interest in him.

"Yeah, I actually transferred three months ago. Are you living on your own here?"

"No, I am with family," the boy replied happily.

"You know, Jungkook. I actually wanted to talk to you about a year ago," the boy's face suddenly contorted. Jungkook curiously looked at him. "Do you know Kim Taehyung by any chance?"

Jungkook gripped the bottle firmly and it felt as though everything around him turned opaque and hazy, all voices suddenly made no sense. He tried his best to keep up with the conversation. "I have heard the name. Why do you ask?"

"It's actually nothing," Hei-Ran shrugged as he thought of something.

"No, it's something. Please tell me." Jungkook insisted.

The older sighed before he turned his frame towards Jungkook. "It was all too long ago when Taehyung came over to my house. He wasn't alone and he had his whole gang. His bestfriend, Park Jimin... Do you know him?" Jungkook pressed his lips and shook his head unsurely. "He was there too."

"Why did they go to you?"

"Someone must have told Taehyung that you liked me. It made the situation clear that he was into you. I would have asked you, but I knew that you would never talk to someone like Taehyung and then we had our exams so I kind of didn't want you to be distracted by unnecessary stuff." The senior replied.

"Did they do anything?" Jungkook asked in a terrified manner.

"They would have. They were all carrying baseball bats and stuff like that. I think they wanted to intimidate me," the older chuckled. "But they couldn't do anything because I wasn't at home and they met my younger brother. You know how it is at my place. In villages, people have each other's back. All of my relatives and acquaintances assembled there and Park Jimin was the one who convinced them to retreat."

Jungkook nodded in deep thoughts. It reminded him of everything. When he took the bus to school, Hei-Ran's place was on the outskirts of the city from where the rural area started. People were really close to each other. What he didn't understand was why didn't Jimin tell him this?

"I am glad they didn't do anything."

"Yeah, me too. By the way, stay in touch now that you are here. Let me know if you need help and don't think about it too much. I told you because I thought you deserved to know."

**

Taehyung looked at a girl that was serving drinks in the bar. All his friends have united again except Park Seojoon, the medical aspirant. After the whole fiasco of hurting Jimin and abducting Jungkook, Taehyung had to leave too, but the cops didn't think twice before bothering all the people who were left behind.

Out of them all, Seojoon was the only one that came from a well-educated home. His older brother, who was also a doctor, sent the younger brother abroad, away from all this so he could focus on his career and nothing else.

"Jungkook got married to Jimin." Park Hyunsik spoke, completely forgetting that the sore subject wasn't to be brought under alcohol's influence.

Taehyung found himself back to where he stood. The point of running away so he could move on suddenly felt like a waste. All the pain returned and his eyes brimmed. Why did Jimin betray him? Why didn't Jungkook like him back? Was he any less than Jimin? What did Jimin have that he didn't? Each question made the man see only red.

He either wanted to kill Jimin at that moment or kill himself. It was thanks to Namjoon who joined the group and Taehyung blinked his eyes, turning his face away but the older could tell.

Without making it obvious, Namjoon pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to his young cousin. Taehyung looked at it with a confused face. "Your friend Leo, he is moving to London and it's his new contact number. He came looking after you. I think you should give him a call."

There was no feeling for Leo in Taehyung's cold heart that was weeping only for Jungkook as he stared at the paper. But deep down, he felt a little bit guilty for being unable to return Leo's feelings.

His fingers softly moved in a dilemma over the phone keypad to dial the number when he received a text.

Found Kitty.

Crumbling the piece of paper in his hands, he threw it as if it was trash and left the bar hastily while Namjoon ran after him.

**

Jungkook was thinking about everything and suddenly his head felt dizzy and ears starting to ring faintly. Closing his eyes shut and shaking his head, he tried to focus on the class. Candy looked at him and curved her brows in worry. "Hey, you good?"

"Yeah, just a little headache," Jungkook tried to convince by providing her with a faint smile, but the girl could tell he was in great pain. His face was white as a ghost and his lips were too dry.

She opened the water bottle to offer it to the boy when Jungkook finally lost the patience and control as he gripped his head with both hands and whimpered loudly in pain that the whole class looked behind.

"Jungkook!" Candy immediately supported the boy's limp body that was curling down.

"Sir, he needs to be taken to the infirmary."

The teacher instantly nodded. "Everyone, stay quiet. I will be back in a minute."

Candy and the teacher walked Jungkook to the medical room while the boy couldn't help and kept his hands holding his head as if he was trying to protect it from bursting.

"Name?" The nurse asked after Jungkook was taken inside.

"Jeon - Park Jungkook," Candy replied quickly. "Can you please call his emergency contact?"

"Sure," the nurse nodded before she looked at her screen and dialed Jimin's number from the school phone.

Jimin was sitting in his own office when he received the call. "Hi, this is regarding Park Jungkook's health."

Jimin immediately stood up. "Is he okay?"

"No, he is having a severe headache. The in-house doctor is checking him up and we might have to take him to the hospital if it increases. Can you please come?"

"On my way."

Jimin drove hastily to reach the school. His heart was beating frantically as he thought about what could have happened. The boy never complained about headaches before.

The moment he entered the medical room, Candy was stupified. She only gawked at the beautiful man as he talked to the nurse.

Jimin dashed behind the door quickly and saw Jungkook sitting on his bed with a puffy face. "Baby," the man whispered as he quickly sat and carefully draped an arm around him.

Jungkook closed his eyes and leaned in against the man's chest. "I am sorry to worry you."

"Shh, how are you?" Jimin whispered back.

"There is no pain," Jungkook replied in a croaked voice. "Can you tell me everything about what had happened when you found me until we ran away from home?"

Jimin squinted his eyes as to think whatever was causing it. He assumed it was medicine.

"I have already told you, doll," the man gently rocked him and the doctor entered to break the conversation.

"Mr. Park?"

Jimin nodded and slowly pulled away from the hug. "You need to take him to the doctor."

The man's face twitched madly at what he heard that the in-house doctor suddenly got terrified. "It's nothing serious," he added in urgency. "Jungkook needs to go see an optician because his pain was due to his eyesight."

Jimin exhaled,l in relief, immediately covering his face by holding his forehead. "I will take him home for now."

The doctor affirmed as Jimin brought Jungkook out and the younger stopped the older. "Please meet my friend."

He had forgotten in pain that Candy was still sitting outside.

The girl was flustered and concerned as she stood up and moved over to them. "How are you now?" Her voice was low and distorted.

"Fine," Jungkook surprised her and Jimin for a moment after he hugged her. "Thank you so much for taking care of me."

"Aish! You would have done the same." Candy replied, patting Jungkook's back slowly.

"No," Jimin spoke and they pulled away. "Thank you, really. I owe you. Please let me know if you ever are in need of anything."

Candy smiled and slightly bowed at the man before they all left the room.

Chapter Text

"Oppa, is that you?" A weak voice of the girl asked and she didn't hear anyone. "Oppa?"

The girl opened a small hatch to check who was knocking when Taehyung forced himself in. The girl breathed heavily as she stumbled and fell back on the floor with darkness masking her vision. "Please don't hurt me."

As she began to cry, Taehyung crouched in front of her. "Hyuna, that's your name. Right?"

The girl whimpered, unable to face the man, and nodded frantically as her tears rolled down. "I am not here to hurt you, Hyuna. I just need to ask a few things."

Hyuna looked up and Taehyung softly wiped her tears before helping her on her feet. After bringing water to her, he sat on the couch beside her. "You know me. Don't you?" He asked. The girl nodded again, but this time, she was calm. "That's why you are scared of me, but don't worry. I am not his friend anymore and I won't hurt you... What did he do?" 

"Wh-who?" Hyuna asked.

"I know, Hyuna. You just need to say it with your mouth so that I can help you," Taehyung asked, voice soft as if he wanted the girl to trust him.

"I can't tell you anything. Please leave," the girl begged, almost on the verge of crying again.

"He called you Kitty, isn't it? He hurt you. He made you do things you weren't comfortable doing."

The girl's eyes widened.

"Please, I don't want any more trouble. I want to forget everything. Please leave."

"Hyuna," Taehyung sighed. "You have to help me so that I can help you back."

"I don't want help!" The girl raised her voice.

"Fine! Don't help me. He has someone else with him now. He is going to do the same to that innocent one as he did to you. You don't want to help yourself but whatever happens next, you will be the one responsible. It will be on your conscience."

Hyuna took in a shaky breath as if to think.

"Please, Hyuna. Tell me everything so that I can help someone else."

"We... We met at his senior's wedding. We instantly developed a liking towards each other and exchanged phone numbers. At that time, he had someone named Honey and he didn't really cut his ties with her and he didn't even hide it from me so that made me believe that he was honest. That girl was a psycho. She threatened me to back off or that she would kill me if I didn't. When I informed Jimin of everything she was saying, he only chuckled and said Honey would never do any such thing."

"He had a lot of flings before you. Not much of a loyal man he is." Taehyung agreed with her.

"I don't know what kind of relationships he has been in, but I was completely blinded. He-he used to get off by asking me to touch myself. For days, he would just come and demand the same thing and wouldn't touch me at all. Some days, he used to bite my skin and choke me. His idea was that I belonged to him and that everyone should know about it. We hardly ever fucked. It was my first relationship and I tried to think it was normal, but soon I began to realize that he was sick. Maybe he just needed to feel that he was in control or he could make people do anything." Hyuna explained and Taehyung knew this already.

Every time he threw raves and had orgies, Jimin would stop him from one-night stands and he would tell his best friend that whatever he was doing was better than what the smaller male does.

"It was still a suspicion, but I got confirmation one day when he gave a pendant with a little kitty on it. I had seen Honey showing me a similar pendant with her name written on it. They were the same length as if he got them customized from somewhere."

Taehyung thought for a moment. This bit was a new detail. "Maybe Jimin wanted you to know that he cared about you in his twisted way. He wanted you to remind about himself whenever you looked at the pendant."

"No, I thought the same thing, but there were bizarre things happening. The day we came into the relationship, I found a burning honeycomb in front of my house. After that day, Honey suddenly stopped contacting me all of the sudden. I happened to see her one day in a mall and we got to talk. She apologized for her frantic behavior and told me something that had my body petrified."

Taehyung's brows drew together in concentration. "What was it?"

"She told me that Jimin was with some girl named Rose before her. Jimin gifted her a similar rose pendant and when he got into a relationship with Honey, she found white roses with fungus and worms inside them in front of her house too. If it's something that Jimin is motivated to do, I am not sure what kind of pendant the next girl will get, but I am pretty sure she must already have gotten a burned kitty or perhaps dead cats on her door."

"I hope not," Taehyung strangely felt scared for Jungkook. Did Jimin really fall in love after all this? Did Jungkook really change him? Or was the boy his biggest obsession among them all?

"Thank you very much, Hyuna. I will be able to help someone with this information." Taehyung left and after a few minutes.

The girl flinched again when the door was knocked. She opened it and smiled at her brother before hugging him. "Hoseok, Oppa!"

"Did somebody come?" Hoseok saw two glasses so he got protective of his little sister.

"Yeah, Taehyung."

Hoseok instantly felt he was falling from the sky the moment he heard the name. He never imagined that his sister would land herself in the mess and become one of his friend's playtoy. Neither Jimin nor Taehyung knew that Hyuna was his sister even though he was a part of the group for years.

Hyuna suffered alone all those years but when one day Jimin lost interest in her and let her go, she finally found her way back to Hoseok. The helpless brother could only wait for Karma to hit back as he neither had money to fight against Jimin nor the intention when the man had bought the law and order and kept it in his pockets. Moreover, he knew that Taehyung was Jimin's biggest ally and he would do anything to protect his best friend.

To his luck, the two best friends soon turned against each other and he benefited from the situation and sided with Taehyung. He betrayed Jimin, but he knew very well that if Jimin got a hold of him, he would be in trouble so he took Hyuna and ran away.

Hoseok got to hear from Yoongi after a few months that Jungkook had gotten married to Jimin, and he assumed that his sister would now be safe and no one would touch her, until now when Taehyung came knocking at his door.

He knew if Jimin was capable of getting away after kidnapping a minor and probably marrying him against his will, he could get him and Hyuna killed and no one would bat an eye. Not wanting Hyuna to relive any bitter memories or get caught in the crossfire with Taehyung, he decided he would leave Korea, this time, after selling his paternal house and to never return. "We are leaving, pack your bags."

**

Do-Jihan kept calling Jimin but the man's priority right now was only and only his little life partner. After bringing him back from an optician, Jimin put him in bed and went to the kitchen to make him steam cabbage with duck ham.

Once he was done with cooking, he made sure to cuddle with Jungkook after feeding him to comfort him.

Taehyung is back, you dick!

And Hoseok is leaving again. Coincidence?

If you don't respond, my job as Hoseok's babysitter is done. I am not going to stalk him anymore. Do it yourself.

Jimin woke up in the middle of the night and groaned. They both had slept and Jungkook was hugging him closely. "Baby," he whispered and kissed the boy's cheek but he knew Jungkook wouldn't wake up. 

Not wanting to get up from the bed, Jimin decided to go back to sleep, ignoring his hunger. The phone was long forgotten. 

After a night of peaceful sleep, Jungkook woke up in the morning and saw Jimin sleeping in his shirt from the day before and he also had his trousers on. The shirt was crumpled, Jimin's collar bones were visible through the opened buttons and Jungkook rubbed his eyes before slowly leaning in and licking the skin of his husband that was tempting him. 

Jimin smiled and then opened his eyes. "How is your headache?" He pulled the boy up to see his face.

"Gone," Jungkook smiled. 

"Good," Jimin wrapped his arms around the boy's waist and pecked his cheeks. "We will go to get your spectacles and then I will take you out on a date. We will do whatever you want."

"What about my school?" Jungkook pouted. 

"I have informed them that you will be taking rest for a week. I will stay at home with you."

Chapter Text

"Why don't you just go talk to Jungkook with proof? I am sure he will listen." Minho asked Taehyung and the man kept his gaze over the bar while drinking. 

"Yeah, I am sure he won't stay with Jimin after that," Hyunsik agreed with Minho and Taehyung controlled to not lash out on his friends. Or were they really his friends who never bothered to call him?

Sighing, he pushed the glass to the bartender for the refill and looked at the two. "I cant, it's not like before. Jimin has good political support and Jungkook is now his legal husband. I can get in trouble."

"Since when do you care about trouble, Tae?" Hyunsik chuckled. "We stood with you and we will do it again for you."

Taehuyung looked at Hyunsik's hand over his shoulder and scoffed. " No, you did it for you."

As Taehyung maintained his intoxicated gaze with his friend, the man retreated his hand. "Jimin was our friend too. We wouldn't have attacked him if it wasn't for you." 

"No, you did it because you thought you will be the new Jimin in my life. When you knew I got in trouble, you left immediately, you never called me while I was away, you are here now because you know I am out of danger and that Jimin is in power. You are here for you, again, for your protection," Taehyung very casually punctuated. "Not for me". 

The two were left scowling. "Thank Jimin that you are still not in jail because if he wanted, I couldn't have been able to help you. He really owns the law and order now, which makes me think..." Taehyung smirked. 

**

"I am looking ugly in these glasses," Jungkook pouted in front of the mirror. 

"You can never look ugly, cuteness. We are going out, without excuses." Jimin asserted. 

"Fine, but if anyone looks at me, I am going to eat your head off."

"As long as it's the head down there, you know I won't complain," Jimin replied, fixing his hair as he stood beside Jungkook. 

The younger pushed him away from the front of the mirror and began to survey his face from all different angles again. 

"You look beautiful, my human. How do I make you believe that I don't lie to you?"

Jungkook looked down for a moment and moved away from the dressing table. He still needed to hear from Jimin about what Hei-Ran told him. 

As they began to walk out of the house, Jungkook was determined that he was going to talk right now. Jimin took his seat and Jungkook sat beside him as always. "I think I should get my driver's license."

Jimin suddenly quirked his brows and looked at Jungkook, completely surprised but the boy was right. He should know now how to drive. "I never realized." Jimin mumbled and looked towards the road.

"What?"

"That you should learn and get the license. It's not going to be an issue. Take some time and adjust with your spectacles. I will teach you myself." Jimin told the boy and held his palm, caressing it softly before bringing it to his lips and kissing it. 

"Do you know Hei-Ran?" Jungkook asked and Jimin slowly left the hand. There was a sudden tension in Jimin's body that didn't go unnoticed by Jungkook. 

"I might have known someone by that name, why?" 

"Did you know that there was a senior in my school named Hei-Ran and I had a crush on him long ago?" Jimin did his best to not look at Jungkook. He had the best distraction too as he was driving. "Then he failed and became my classmate and I sort of fell out of infatuation."

"It's not good to know that your husband had a crush on someone."

"You know why I am bringing this up. Don't act dumb." Jungkook warned. 

Jimin bit back his smile. "Yeah, I know exactly whom you are talking about."

"What did you guys do? He is at my university. I sort of ran into him-"

"Does he have classes with you?" Jimin interrupted. 

"What?" Jungkook hollered. "No! He is in the economics section and Jimin, don't even try to trick me."

"Alright, fine... I got to know about his crush or rather your crush on him and I might have pointed Taehyung towards him. I just wanted to buy some time to make sure things don't take turn so sinister as they did."

"Why would you do that? What if your friend beat him or harmed him in any other way?" Jungkook asked angrily. 

"But he didn't." Jimin scoffed. "I wouldn't let anyone."

"Like you didn't beat Jin Hyung to pulp?"

"That bastard had it coming and can we please not talk about this? Like ever again?" Jimin felt annoyed. "We are now married and nothing of what happened really matters except it makes me really angry."

Jungkook nodded while looking outside the window. "You should stay away from that fella. I don't like him." Jimin added.

"Too bad, because I do. He is the only one who talked to me beside Candy."

"That's because he mustn't know you are married. Did you tell him you married me when my name came up?" Jimin asked exasperatedly. 

"Why should I? It's not like you left a good reputation there."

"So you are now worried about what he thinks about me and let it influence your decision to tell him the truth?" Jimin's face twitched a little. 

"There is no harm in omitting a certain truth if it doesn't hurt anyone."

"It's fucking hurting me, Jungkook!" The man pressed the brakes and the car halted at once. 

"Jimin!" The boy suddenly held onto the seatbelt and questioningly looked at the man. He always felt safe beside him while he drove but Jimin was behaving very irrationally over almost nothing. "Calm down, please."

Jimin looked away, immediately closing his fists and thinking. The way he abruptly stopped in the middle of the road could have been catastrophic. "I-I am sorry," he apologized in a small voice and restarted the car. 

"Are you alright?" Jungkook asked worriedly.

"I am, baby," Jimin breathed in deeply and resumed driving. 

"I am sorry, Jimin. I will tell him about us if I see him next time," the boy said slowly before reaching out for Jimin's hand. 

The man nodded before clasping his fingers with Jungkook's and pecking them while controlling the steering with one hand. "If you want to."

The voice was broken and Jungkook could hear the disappointment clear as the day in it. He felt remorse. "I am not ashamed of you, Jimin. I just couldn't tell him because it was too sudden and when he told me everything, I couldn't think of anything. It has nothing to do with your reputation. I am proud of you and your actions."

Only if Jungkook knew the whole truth about Jimin's actions. It was like he said, Jimin never lied, but he was guilty of omitting many truths. 

"What do you want to eat?" Jimin sniffled as if he had suddenly caught a cold. 

Jungkook's eyes perked up to ensure that the man wasn't tearing up, but he wasn't, to his relief. "Ice cream?" 

**

Taehyung hopped into his bedroom and Namjoon could see him beaming, but was having difficulty believing. It meant two things, either Taehyung has found a way to destroy Jimin and Jungkook's relationship, or God had sent someone to smack his head and he really was happy. 

"Who got you smiling like that?"

Taehyung looked back in the corner at the couch and found Namjoon standing, looking through a few books from the shelf.

"First tell me, who brought books into my room?" Taehyung frowned and moved towards his big cousin. "I did, you need to have some constructive hobbies now that you are starting afresh."

"Well... You can take the books out through the same door you have brought them in because I wouldn't need them. I talked to Leo."

"You did?" Namjoon suddenly felt the heavy weight melt off of his head, shoulders, chest, and many other places. "And you are going to go meet him?"

Taehyung nodded while pressing his lips together like he used to do as a baby. "Thank God!" Namjoon let his weight down on the couch with a thump. "I thought you were really beginning to spiral back to where you started. I am proud of you, Tae. Go meet him, see if there's more and I will talk to your parents about him."

"No, don't!"

Namjoon frowed at the tone. 

"I want to be able to tell them first, Hyung. I want to see the look on their faces when I tell them that their son is in love with someone." Taehyung clarified and Namjoon nodded. It made sense. 

"Well, can I drop you at the Airport? Or is there anything else?" 

"You have done enough, Hyung." Taehyung leaned down and placed a kiss on his forehead. "I will take it from here." 

Chapter Text

Jimin managed to not let their little fight turn into a gigantic mess. The week passed quickly and he felt a bit giddy, thinking they had their first fight after the wedding. Jungkook was in his university and he was at work. 

He missed Jungkook and thought to surprise him by going to the university and calling him out for the lunch, but he had no time to spare today, and he also didn't want Jungkook to feel overwhelmed by it as he was already struggling at making friends due to the fact that he was married.

Forgetting everything, he was signing a few documents brought by his PA when his phone rang. Jimin would have ignored it, but he decided to check in case Jungkook was calling and when he spotted Mr. Lee's name, he answered it instantly. "Hello, Mr. Lee."  

"Jimin, my boy... How are you?"

Jimin chuckled. "Very well, how are you doing?"

"I am fine, Jimin... Just wanted to know a few things. I hope I didn't interrupt you in the middle of something."

"I am sure you wouldn't have called if it wasn't important. Please tell me... What is it? "

"You never told me what kind of relationships you had before you found Jungkook. Was he your first love?"

Jimin's mind tinkered with numerous questions. Why was Mr. Lee suddenly asking him that? "I have had a few relationships, but nothing serious. I love Jungkook more than anything. You know that."

"I know and that is why I am with you."

"What is it, Mr. Lee? Why are you asking me this all of the sudden?" Jimin's eyes darkened with anger and fear.

"Your friend found his way on my doorstep and he had certain information about your, well lady friends," Jimin had assumed it was the same. "He is tracing your steps and he already knows your address."

"He won't come here," Jimin replied blatantly.

"How are you so sure?"

"I know him since childhood, Mr. Lee. He never does the work. He will ask other people to do it for him."

"What if you are wrong?"

"Then I will be ready if you are with me." Jimin appealed. 

"I am always on the side of love, son." 

Jimin smiled. "May I ask you a question if you don't mind, Mr. Lee?" 

"Anything for you, my dear boy. I love youth and I would have loved to spend more time with you and Jungkook, but your condition wasn't favorable at the time you stayed in Jiangyin."

"Why do you believe in love? For a man of your position, they all run after money or power. I haven't seen anyone who has so dedicatedly helped someone. I never meant to disrespect you by asking this so I held back, but I need to know."

"You don't know the pain of unrequited love and I couldn't be happier that you will remain clueless at this front. I had someone I loved like you love Jungkook. Might I say... She is related to your Jungkook."

**

Jimin called the driver again as he felt anxiety rising slowly in his head when they didn't return from the university yet. He dialed the number of his driver when the door opened and Jungkook ran to him to hug him. 

"What took you so long?" Jimin asked, filling the boy in his arms protectively.

"I went shopping."

Jimin narrowed his eyes in a questioning manner. Jungkook never liked to buy things unnecessarily and they had done a lot of shopping over the week they were together at home. Before he could say anything more, the driver followed in, carrying a few bags. Jungkook ran back to help the man while Jimin slowly trudged towards them. 

"Why did you buy all this, baby?" Jimin asked, chuckling a little. 

"I will tell you in a minute, I have to pee." Jungkook then raced to the bedroom and the driver laughed. 

"He looked very excited for this." The older remarked. 

"Yeah, I can see that," Jimin laughed too, not touching the bags yet. "Stay for dinner." 

The driver shook his head. "It hasn't been even one year since your wedding. I can't stay for dinner at the house of newly-wedded."

As Jimin saw his uncle wink, he smiled while blushing a little. 

When Jungkook returned, Jimin was on the couch and the driver was nowhere to be found. "Did uncle leave?"

"Yes, sweetie. And you should have called me when you were running late. I was worried about you."

"Sorry, it was just so short notice. I wasn't in school for a week and Candy didn't think that she should disturb me so she never told me, but we are all going to Japan for a photography exhibition. I have bought a camera and a trolley bag for the same. I am sorry because it's expensive."

Jimin tilted his head as to process everything and then his gaze moved up to Jungkook who moved towards the bags to unpack. "Hold up, Japan?"

Jungkook sat over the rug after crossing his legs and nodded whilst his hands remained busy with the bags. "Yeah, for four days and three nights. We leave on Wednesday."

"No, no, no... You don't leave on Wednesday," Jimin replied, eyes serious and face stern. "You are not going to Japan and when were you planning to ask me? Did you think you'd just call me from Japan?"

Jungkook's face decolorized a little. He never thought Jimin could deny him of anything so he decided he'd just inform the man as he had no time left for shopping. There were only two days left before they would have to leave.

"No, I am going." Jungkook pouted and didn't discern his husband's anger.

Jimin stood up with a loud growl. "I SAID YOU AREN'T GOING ANYWHERE!"

Jungkook flinched majorly and it hammered onto Jimin's heart, softening his eyes as he saw the teen running off to his bedroom. Jimin sighed and plopped back down on the couch. He shouldn't have yelled. Jungkook didn't know that he had a conversation with Mr. Lee and that Taehyung knew about their whereabouts. 

Jimin couldn't tell Jungkook about it either because the boy was terrified of Taehyung as it was. He couldn't make him live his life in constant paranoia every time he stepped out of the house, hence, Jimin took it upon himself to protect Jungkook without saying anything. It was tough, protecting someone, loving someone, and hiding things from that very someone you loved so much.

With everything making itself prominent in his mind, Jimin took a few minutes to line up his thoughts and then ordered Hawaiin pizza. After a while, he knocked at the bedroom door with the food but Jungkook didn't open it. Jimin found that the door was already unlocked when he knocked harder this time while checking the safety lock.

The sight of curled up and sobbing Jungkook was enough for Jimin's soul to leave his body, but he needed to be strict sometimes, perhaps not like how he was, but he needed to work on himself to control the temper and find a reasonable way to tackle the teenager. "I ordered pizza," Jimin mumbled. 

"I am not hungry," Jungkook replied and sobbed softly. 

Jimin felt relieved that the boy at least replied. "I am sorry, baby. I shouldn't have yelled at you." 

Jungkook didn't stir and remained in the fetus position when Jimin sat beside him. He slowly spooned the boy and kissed his nape before pulling Jungkook closer. "Please forgive your husband, Jungkook-ie." 

The boy turned around and hugged Jimin. "I have left everyone and my everything is you. I know you won't ever leave me, but when you yell at me like that, it feels that you will."

Jimin almost teared up at an honest confession. "I know, sweetheart. I won't do it again." As he slowly began to rock the younger's body, Jungkook felt calmer and calmer. 

"Get up now and tell me something good. I got you your favorite pizza." Jimin pressed a soft kiss on the silky black hair.

Jungkook grinned a little. "I got A + in my sculpture." 

"I was hoping for an "I love you" but this is even better." Jimin leaned in and pecked the pink lips. 

"I love you, Jimin," Jungkook uttered softly while sighing and sitting up for his pizza.

Jimin tore open the box with the speed of light and saw the boy grabbing a piece and eating a mouthful. Watching Jungkook eat was satisfying to Jimin. With a small smile, he also picked one piece and started to eat it just so Jungkook wouldn't stop eating, even though, he wasn't hungry all of the sudden after the argument. 

Once Jungkook finished, Jimin caressed his hair. "You are still not going to Japan, baby."

Jungkook whined but he knew that he was spoiled good by Jimin. He would definitely make the man agree to it. He still had two whole days to convince Jimin. So, instead of yelling and fighting, he decided to take the road of love. "I want love-making."

"That you can get," Jimin smirked. 

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

"Who is he?" Candy's older sister asked her as she stood at the train station while Candy tried calling Jungkook and his picture flashed on her phone screen. 

"My friend, you know he is married too," Candy remarked as she disconnected the line to re-dial. She didn't know that Jungkook wasn't coming at all. 

Sa-Rin's face paled. "What's his name?" She asked in horror. 

"Earlier, he was Jeon Jungkook, but now he writes park Jungkook." Candy replied and tsked when Jungkook again didn't answer the call. The time was running low and she was being worried for her friend. 

Sa-Rin suddenly wanted to stop Candy and tell her to stay away from Jungkook, but she couldn't, given the girl was leaving in a few minutes and she didn't want to spoil the trip for her. 

**

"Jimin, PLEASE!" Jungkook yelled as the man was standing in a white formal shirt and blue trousers behind the coffee maker with a piece of toast tucked between his fingers that he was eating. 

Jimin ignored Jungkook as if he wasn't standing in front of him with bags and screaming while tearing up. 

He looked at his phone and saw Candy's name flashing there. "It's just a matter of four days. I will be home on Saturday evening. Please don't do this. I could have just left without telling you, but I am showing responsibility and decency to ask your permission. I am an adult and I can make my decisions."

"Then leave," Jimin mumbled. "What are you waiting for? Because you aren't getting permission from me."

"Fuck you, Jimin! You are behaving exactly like my parents. You used to manipulate me. Tell me how it wasn't unfair for my mother to decide whom I loved. What happened now? Do the same rules not apply to you? You are controlling my life now."

Jimin felt anger overcoming him and he beat the remaining toast on the kitchen slab before padding towards Jungkook, fast. "They ruled over you all your life. I loved you, took care of tiny little things for you. But nothing is enough, right? I deny you of one thing and I am suddenly a monster. I am compared with your parents who even beat you. I don't see the fair comparison, Jungkook."

Jungkook started hiccuping as he tried his best to choke back the tears of fury. His body trembled with anger. Throwing the camera bag on the floor, he ran into his room and closed the door behind him. He didn't know if Jimin was right or wrong, but he knew he wasn't wrong to expect that he'd get to go on a university trip. It was a bare minimum.

Jimin glared at Jungkook's luggage and somewhere he felt so afraid that his boy would leave him for this. Another emotion was hurt. At the end of the day, he loved Jungkook so much, and saying no to him was the toughest thing he had to do. His laptop was inside the room so he couldn't leave for work without it. More importantly, he couldn't leave Jungkook like this.

Pulling out his phone from the pocket, he informed his PA of his absence and then unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt. He could hear nothing from inside the room and his anxiety grew. He sure wanted to spoil the boy, but now he realized that he couldn't keep giving him everything he wanted. He needed to be strict sometimes and not bend every time in front of the younger.

Sighing and rubbing his forehead, Jimin leaned back on the sofa and closed his eyes. Chains of thoughts ran through his mind. In one second, he recollected everything from how he took Jungkook on his motorbike, and then in the next moment, he thought of the day when Taehyung got his hands all over his boy. The bracelets that Taehyung brought for Jungkook were still kept safely in his closet. He needed to return those to his now-his-enemy. 

He thought of how he met Jungkook at his aunt's house, how he went to his school to convince him, or how he obtained his boy at three fifteen one morning. He gambled his everything and fought so hard to bring Jungkook into his life. Did he still lack somewhere? The words from Jungkook broke his heart.

Thinking for hours, he stood up on his feet and walked into the kitchen to clean up the mess. He decided to cook for Jungkook as the boy was a big fan of food, and he knew that if there was anything that had an ability to cheer him up, it was a delicious meal. He spent over an hour in the kitchen and once he was finally done with plating and presentation, he knocked on the door. 

Jungkook opened and Jimin looked at his extremely puffy face. He still had fresh tears in the corner of his eyes. "Sweetheart," Jimin's voice faltered and he immediately cleared his throat. "I made lunch. Come out and eat."

"I am not hungry," Jungkook replied and walked back to plop on the bed, covering his body with the duvet. 

"Please eat, you haven't eaten in the morning either."

There was no response and Jimin took an opportunity to go into his closet and change the clothes. When he returned, Jungkook was in the same position. Sighing, Jimin sat beside him and caressed the duvet. "I did it for a reason, Jungkook. You should trust me a little."

Jungkook only sobbed softly with eyes closed. 

"I promise I will take you to Japan, anywhere you want," Jimin said softly but the boy didn't budge. 

"Please eat. I am hungry too."

"I need a nap, Jimin. My head hurts," the boy scurried away from under Jimin's palm that was stroking the duvet.

"Okay, get some rest. I will wake you up in a few hours." Jimin placed a kiss on the boy's hair and walked out of the room. He ate a little and cleaned everything before bringing the laptop and started working on it.

Jungkook woke up in a few hours due to hunger and everything seemed like it was spinning. He walked out to see Jimin working on the couch. Nimbly, he made his way into the kitchen and opened the fridge. 

Jimin's neck whipped around and he settled the laptop over the table before walking into the kitchen. Jungkook kept his gaze at everything but Jimin. As the boy began to rush out of the kitchen, Jimin held his palm. "Still not hungry?" Jungkook shook his head. "Sit with me." The man asked in a low tone politely. 

Jungkook didn't say anything. Jimin's eyes didn't leave his husband and his heart received stimuli of pain on the inside. "Can I take you out to dinner?"

"I am not hungry," Jungkook sighed and cruised his hair up to get them out of his eyes. "I will go talk to aunty."

Jimin knew that Niz was in Seoul or she could have been on her way back to Busan so she wouldn't answer any calls from Jungkook. "I called her just now but she didn't answer me. I think she is busy with something." The man lied.

Jungkook nodded. "I will go sleep then."

Jimin wanted to kiss the boy. He was craving the soft lips so much. "Do you need cuddles?"

"I don't need cuddles. Ever."

The response made Jimin smile a little. At least Jungkook talked to him. After finishing his work, he decided to look for a place to go for dinner as he was in no mood of cooking. He prepared the outfits for both of them to be worn for dinner. He also arranged accessories for Jungkook. 

As he walked out of the closet, he saw Jungkook laying straight on the bed while tears were running down from the corner of his eyes. As he sat, Jungkook squirmed and pulled his folded hand down from his forehead to put it over his eyes. "Jungkook..."

"Please don't cry, baby. Let's go out. It will help."

"No, photography lessons would have helped in college." The boy replied sternly and completely turned around before pulling the duvet over his head. 

Jimin put his hand on his forehead, caressing it. What would he do now? He knew that the boy wouldn't be able to say no to food, but Jungkook was so relentless that he stayed hungry the entire day. 

"Let me make you some Ramen, then. Don't go to sleep on a hungry stomach." 

Jimin slowly made a beeline towards the kitchen and when he returned with a bowl of hot Ramen and a pair of chopsticks, Jungkook had already fallen asleep.

Jimin placed the bowl over the table and laid beside his little husband who was sighing in sleep due to his incessant crying. Caressing his face, Jimin couldn't get enough of his innocence. 

Chapter Text

"Wake up," Jimin patted Jungkook's cheeks a bit too harshly. Jungkook's eyes shot open. "Get up!" Jimin hurriedly ushered the boy in the bathroom and Jungkook couldn't understand what was happening. 

"Jimin?" He questioningly looked at the man.

"We are going to Japan for your exhibition." The man uttered in haste so Jungkook would hurry.

"But, how? Why?"

"Go take shower and come out. The flight is in two hours which means we have to leave in ten minutes."

Jungkook ran to the bathroom. His bags were already packed so he didn't need to worry about it. He didn't know how much did he miss but at least he would get to attend some of it. He felt nervous and excited. Had he left with everyone, he would have settled down by now, but now, he was surely to take more time to grasp everything, and the trip would end for him sooner than the others. Nevertheless, he felt happy. 

As he came out of the bathroom, he noticed that Jimin was already dressed up. "Ready?" He asked Jungkook and the boy nodded before running to the closet to grab his shoes.

They left shortly after and Jimin drove fast. Jungkook remained quiet and felt weakness following him after staying hungry the previous day. He wanted to ask Jimin what changed his mind, but he couldn't talk just yet. So, he decided to play with his hoodie sleeves.

After parking the car, Jimin rushed in with Jungkook's luggage and before they could get inside, he stopped the boy by pulling on his wrist.

Jungkook looked back as Jimin pulled out the tickets and a credit card. "Here's the ticket. I already checked in a window seat. You don't have to wait in the boarding pass line. Go over there on that kiosk and you will be able to do it yourself.

"Aren't you coming?"

"No," Jimin kept his eyes low and dug his hand in the pants to pull out his wallet. He needed to show Jungkook that he trusted him and that the boy had all his freedom, that he wasn't embodying his parents-in-law.

"Here," he kept a black American Express card in Jungkook's hand. "It's unlimited so you can use it anywhere and buy anything you want. Keep it safe and if you have any questions, call me. Okay?" He now held Jungkook's arms and asked.

Jungkook teared up and nodded. Suddenly, he didn't want to leave Jimin behind and he felt too small in front of the man with such a big heart. He shouldn't have said too much to him. He jumped on the man and hugged him. "I love you, Jimin."

"I love you too, baby," Jimin kissed the teen's head and nudged him to hurry.

"I will call you," Jungkook said with his quivering lips and Jimin smiled, nodding at him to encourage him to go on.

"Thank you," Jungkook pressed his lips against Jimin's and deepened the kiss, wanting to take as much of his husband with him as he could.

Jimin circled his arm around the boy and his heart hammered inside. How he craved the lips so much. "You are welcome, baby boy."

Jimin couldn't work until he received Jungkook's text that he had safely landed. The boy went on to spam him with details how he didn't miss anything as everyone had traveled via train so they reached only at night and then slept in the guesthouse. Everyone was now on the way to their first destination. Jimin sighed in relief.

After Jungkook slept last night, he couldn't help but replay the words the boy had said. He really didn't want Jungkook to feel that he was living a life as he did in the past. He decided he would do everything to make the younger feel like he deserved the world and he got the world he deserved.

He booked the tickets at midnight and waited for the morning to surprise the boy. Working for an entire day, he got up when the driver knocked on his door. "Uncle," Jimin smiled, looking up.

"It's nine, Jimin. Leave now."

Jimin now looked around and realized. "What would I do at home?" He pouted. "It's such a big house. I can't live alone. You are coming with me."

The driver chuckled and grabbed the chair. "How is everything going? Is Jungkook settled well now?"

"He is," Jimin dreamily looked in a corner of the office. "He is still a kid and sometimes I forget that."

"You are also a kid and you forget it all the time." The driver remarked, knocking at the table. They laughed together.

"Taehyung met Mr. Lee," Jimin told the older and the man nodded. "You knew?"

"Mr. Lee called me. Taehyung had found Hyuna. I think they made her talk. "

"I know that," Jimin soughed. "I am going crazy thinking about all this and the work stress. On top of that, I don't want anything to make its way to Jungkook. I need to protect him." Jimin stated after shutting down his system.

"You should relax a bit, Jimin. Everyone makes mistakes and everyone deserves a chance at redemption. You are in love with Jungkook and you are rich. Don't act like if you don't work so hard, the roof will fall on your head." The driver decided that it wasn't the time for Jimin to feel low, so he jested.

It successfully made Jimin laugh. "Leave your car at the office and let your uncle take you home tonight."

"Only if uncle stays the night and have drinks with me."

Jimin was lying sleepily in his bed after drinking senseless. He really didn't want to hear any voices tonight or have nightmares. He knew that some of those voices weren't real, but sometimes he couldn't tell the difference between what he saw or heard. 

His driver slept in the guestroom as he re-read Jungkook's texts filled with so many kisses and hugs emojis. The boy had sent him a picture of everything he had done throughout the day. From the exhibition to the conference room, or the meals he took, the octopus balls he ate.

Jimin was relieved to find that Jungkook was staying in a single room of the guesthouse. He asked the boy to let him know if he wanted to stay in a hotel but as he expected, Jungkook denied.

Half past two, he began to miss Jungkook's presence so much that his pants felt tighter in the groin region.

After successfully and continuously making love to him from their wedding day until now, yesterday was the first day his Jungkook didn't let him touch him. Three more days seemed like a fiat next to impossible.

His hand slowly rubbed over the cloth of his pajamas and a shaky, guttural moan left his lips. "Jungkook, baby..." He mumbled as he freed his member and softly created friction with his hand around the shaft.

"It's dry," he opened his eyes and pumped a little hand cream from the nightstand into his palm before rubbing it around.

Taking in a relaxing hum, he closed his eyes and envisioned Jungkook under him when he fucked him. The boy's naked body, his parted lips, his echoed moans, his glossy eyes, the desperation, the sweaty body, tousled hair, everything was a huge turn-on for him.

From slow jerking to fast movements, Jimin wanted to cum all over himself with his husband's name on his lips. The boy looked beautiful in his imagination with his pink lips and the same shade of nose and cheeks. He remembered how he used to place hickeys all over him but since school started, he had to be mindful. All the wild thoughts made him moan louder and his hand masturbated faster.

Within a few minutes, the build-up was released as he grunted and let go. His groin felt waves of pleasure as his muscles relaxed. Slowly, he opened his hooded eyes to the disappointment that he couldn't kiss his Jungkook, but one day was over, only two more were left.

Without cleaning himself, he fell asleep.

Meanwhile, Jungkook missed Jimin more than he could imagine and in ways more than one. He was feeling as though he had a withdrawal symptoms. His system wanted the load to be off but he didn't touch himself in a long long time. He didn't have to since he got married.

He wanted to text Jimin, but realizing it was already late, he reminded himself that he'd without amiss, have phone sex tomorrow.

He did the same as Jimin, imagining his husband hovering above him, dominating him in every way. He loved when the beautiful hooded eyes surveyed his body. It made him feel pretty.

Chapter Text

"Baby!" Jimin closed his eyes as he welcomed his boy in his arms. The days never felt so blue to him before, but all was good now. His husband was in his arms and he felt as if alcohol kicked in as his body tingled all over. 

"Why didn't you come to the airport?" Jungkook asked, his voice calm and like that of a kitty growl in seduction. His eyes were also closed as he only grazed his lips over Jimin's neck skin. 

"I was preparing something," Jimin released Jungkook from his arms. 

The younger's eyes then discerned that the whole house was dimly lit with candles all across the living room floor running along until the bedroom. Licking his lips confidently with his eyes on Jimin's lips, hands on the man's shirt collar, Jungkook smiled. The reflection of flames shone on their faces. "I want you right now."

"Change into these and come to bed," Jimin pointed at the skintight nudie. Jungkook could tell by the structure of the dress it was girly and when his questioning eyes averted up at Jimin, the man slowly retreated his steps with a soft smirk on his lips. 

Jungkook was shy, but he was hornier. He'd have done anything right now so he quickly stripped and threw his clothes on the floor. He wondered if he should keep the underwear on or take it off with the dress.  Deciding on the latter, he looked at his naked body that mingled so well with nude mesh thigh-length babydoll. Although the reflection wasn't clear, he knew he was looking damn gorgeous. 

Jimin was lying on the bed when he stepped in. The only light in the room came from a street lamp outside the bedroom window. He was on top of the sheets wearing only white briefs. Jungkook could spot a big bulge. Quietly, he walked around the foot of the double bed and lied down on the cool sheets next to Jimin, resting his head on the pillow.

Jungkook was shivering with forbidden excitement, his penis beginning to stiffen. Jimin reached over and grasped Jungkook's right palm and placed it on his swollen pouch. Jungkook began to squeeze Jimin's erection through the thin cotton material of his underwear. The erection continued to elongate until the head of Jimin's cock slipped up and beyond the elastic waistband of his briefs.

"You are so beautiful, darling." Jimin's deep voice caused Jungkook to stroke the shaft faster, causing pre-cum to freely flow from the slit. 

"Take your underwear off," Jungkook replied and Jimin chuckled. Raising his hips, he peeled away the white briefs.

As Jimin lay totally naked and placed his right arm under his head, Jungkook viewed his entire body. Their lustful eyes continued ogling each other and Jimin added the touch to it. Jungkook's eyes moved downward across Jimin's rib cage, bare stomach and thighs, then back up toward the object of his affection.

"What do you want me to do?" Jimin asked in a hoarse whisper.

In answer, Jungkook reached over, his hand grasped the base of Jimin's swollen erection with his right hand, pulling his thick shaft downward slightly until it was standing tall. Jungkook naturally began to stroke him lightly with his fingers, making sure he bumped the flared edge of his sensitive, exposed glans with each stroke. 

Jimin leaned back on the bed while Jungkook moved down to his groin, gently fondling his ball. Jimin spread his legs to allow Jungkook better access to his sac. Jungkook got up on his knees so he could better see what he was doing. His own erection bobbed back and forth as he leaned over and grasped Jimin's cock at the base and lowered his mouth to his swollen, wet head. 

Licking the clear liquid, Jungkook was immediately pleased with its taste. As he went on sucking, he breathed in deeply of Jimin's musky scent through his flared nostrils. He was so intoxicated with lust that there was no place of shame tonight. 

Jimin reached around and began to fondle and tug downward on Jungkook's scrotum as the boy bobbed up and down on his own thick erection. 

Jungkook knew how sensitive the tip was getting with the grunts Jimin bestowed and that his husband wouldn't last long. He tried to be careful not to hurt Jimin with his teeth as saliva dribbled down the shaft and out the corners of his own mouth, serving as excellent lubrication as he continued to worship Jimin's long and thick penis with his mouth and tongue.

"I am going to cum," Jimin whispered and Jungkook decided he wanted him to cum in his mouth, and that he was going to swallow. Jimin repeated again. "I am about to cum."

He tried to gently pull Jungkook's head up as he approached orgasm, but the latter refused to stop sucking and increased the rhythm of his strokes until he heard Jimin grunt louder. 

Aggressively, Jimin grasped the back of Jungkook's head, holding it in place as he arched his hips upward, causing his rigid member to slide deeper into the boy's mouth, bumping against his throat and causing him to gag. The boy pulled back slightly and stopped moving when suddenly he felt his mouth filling up with his warm thick jism which he began to swallow as quickly as he could.

The inexperienced boy let a few drops escape from his lips as he continued to nurse on Jimin's rigid member, swallowing his seed eagerly. It was often Jimin doing this for him and not the other way around. Jimin sighed a long sigh of pleasure and lay still while Jungkook's mouth still hungrily kept sucking on his deflating, but still a swollen member.

His own penis was as hard as a rock when he felt Jimin pull him up and flipped him on the bed. "Gave daddy good time?" 

Jungkook nodded, his hands running astray on the man's chest to shoulders. Jimin reached between Jungkook's legs and began fondling his cock. "Baby gets a good time too."

As Jimin lightly grasped Jungkook's penis in his fingers and began to masturbate the boy, the latter moaned and called out Jimin's name. 

Jungkook didn't know how, but Jimin's hands were cold that he caressed over the thick thighs, causing goosebumps to erupt. Slowly, Jimin blew and rubbed his palms together before lightly stroking his pretty husband's cock. With just a touch, Jungkook began to feel his own orgasm developing deep. "Mouth... Please." Jungkook pushed Jimins head down as he knew he wasn't going to last long and he wanted to cum with the plump lips around his shaft. 

Jimin went hard immediately, not playing around, hollowing his cheeks before bobbing up and down fast. Jungkook screamed so loud and held onto the sheets. His legs trembled, he didn't hold back and released the streams of cum without warning in the dominant's mouth who savored it all.

Jimin continued to suck as the boy orgasmed. He kept stroking Jungkook for another few moments, allowing his sperm to serve as lovely lubrication for what he was going to do next. 

**

Sarin picked up the call she was getting for a long time but she was ignoring it. "Hello?"

"Hello, Dr. Kim," Taehyung replied. 

"I was actually going to bed. If it's not important, can we talk in the morning?"

Taehyung chuckled on the other side. "If I tell you that after making you leave Busan, Jimin is now in Seoul, I am sure your sleep will disappear for many nights."

"I am not afraid of you or Jimin," Sa-Rin replied. "I don't want to do anything with you or him. I heard you two ended up on bad terms. I am not going to side with either one of you."

"But why not when you can side with me and help me? You are the only one who can. You treated Jimin and your words won't be considered a hoax." Taehyung laughed slowly. 

"I am never going to do that, Taehyung. I vowed to protect patient confidentiality and it's against my morals and ethics. I have an idea why you are doing this. I heard the whispers. As I said, I know you two ended up on your terms of friendship."

"Don't. I won't ask you to bend your morals anyhow. You just need to be a messenger. That's all."

"No, Taehyung. I am sorry, but your expectations were wrong. I am not going to help you."

"Then your sister will," Taehyung spoke quickly before Sa-Rin could disconnect the call. "I know she studies with Jungkook and she is his only friend. I am sure she will do anything to protect her friend."

As Taehyung laughed menacingly, Sa-Rin gritted her teeth. "Don't go near my sister. I will do as you say."

**

The nudie was ripped, strewn over the carpet, Jimin continued to plummet himself into Jungkook and the boy had his legs facing the ceiling as he spread for his husband. "I love you," Jimin bashed hard while chanting the same thing over and over as if he wanted it to etch into Jungkook's mind. 

Jungkook's hands were holding onto his under-thighs as he took Jimin in so good and repeated. "I love you too..." 

"I am cumming again, baby."

"No! I want to go first," Jungkook yelled and closed his eyes, arching his back a little. Jimin held back with much difficulty and when the boy under him groaned, he let go inside Jungkook's tight little anus. 

Huffing, Jimin got down, turned Jungkook towards him, and cuddled. He kissed Jungkook's sweaty forehead. "No more," the younger whispered. 

"Okay," Jimin whispered, marveling at the beautiful red face. "Baby?" Jimin whispered after a few seconds but Jungkook went into slumber.

Jimin didn't know when he slept, but it was only natural after staying up all night. 

The older's eyes popped open when his phone rang. He covered Jungkook's body properly with the duvet before jumping on his feet to find the phone that was somewhere in his clothes that were on the floor. 

He looked at the screen to see aunty's name. "Hello..." Jimin's voice was croaky. 

"Jimin," he heard the lady crying on the other line. "My mother passed away."

Chapter Text

"Sweetie," Jimin leaned down to sleeping Jungkook and picked his sleeping body up to make him sit. Jungkook opened his eyes a little. "Baby, get up." 

As Jimin began to press soft kisses on Jungkook's cheeks, the boy encircled his arms around the former's neck to lean on his shoulders and sleep again. "No, no, get up, baby."

Jungkook groaned in his sleepy and tired state. "But my back hurts, Jimin."

"I know," Jimin kissed his cheek again and pulled him on his feet. "We have to go."

"Where?" Jungkook cried exasperatedly. 

"Busan."

Jungkook's eyes shot open at the name.

Jimin held Jungkook's body close as he walked into the familiar house. The boy couldn't take the news well and immediately broke down followed by throwing up because of the wine they have had during their night in between their non-stop sex. Jimin was tired himself but he worried about Jungkook more. The boy hadn't recovered from his trip. Moreover, he was nervous about seeing his mother and father. Jimin had to ensure him over and over that, he wouldn't let them near him. 

There were family and friends present, all in black apparel. Jungkook himself was in a blue suit with Jimin. He found his aunt crying while serving the guests. They walked over to her and hugged her. "I am sorry," Jimin teared up. 

Niz nodded. "Thank you for making it."

"Of course," Jimin caressed her hands and pulled Jungkook in a hug when the younger started crying. 

When Jimin began to aid in funeral rites, Jungkook couldn't do much. His heart felt like it would give up anytime, breaking him down completely. He avoided eye contact with his family. Momo walked over to him and they hugged each other to cry. 

"How did it happen?" He asked the sister. 

"You know grandma fell down the stairs a few months ago," Jungkook nodded at that. "She never kept well since then. She left in peace. She is in a better place, isn't she?" The young girl asked. 

Jungkook nodded, biting back his lips. "Yes, she will be watching over us."

Momo was sobbing softly in his arms when he saw Mr. Lee walking into the house. He was in no state to question his presence there. 

Once the funeral was done, everyone returned home. The friends bid their goodbye, leaving only the family behind. There was silence in the house. Everyone was spent and there were no more tears to cry. Mrs. Jeon and Mr. Jeon sat opposite Jimin and Jungkook while Momo sat with her grandpa who was laying still, probably thinking of the beautiful life he had spent with his wife, or perhaps thinking of his own time when he'd say goodbye. The old man was left with one regret in life. He should have helped his girl when she found her one true love. The world has changed. 

The man saw Niz every day and he only worried about the day when he'd the world behind. There was no one for her to call her own. He could understand the love she had, the purest one, that she couldn't find herself loving anyone else after that. The young love had left such an impact on her mind. 

Shay cleared her throat. "You knew about Jungkook all along." She spoke in a low tone. 

Niz nodded.

"Did you help them?" She asked and looked at Mr. Lee sitting beside her father and Momo. She couldn't completely recall who the man was, but she thought that perhaps the man was Jimin's family. 

"It's not the time to start this conversation, Unnie. Please shut up."

The disrespectful words that her younger sister asked her to shut up erupted lava of fury inside the older sister. "You did! How could you let it happen?"

"ENOUGH!" Niz yelled. 

"You deserved it, Unnie. You deserve to be loathed by your children," Niz knew that few words if she spoke they couldn't b taken back, that she should be watchful, but she has always been that and still, she wasn't given peace on her mother's death day. 

"Excuse me?" Shay's eyes began to tear up and Mr. Jeon shook his head, leaving the room and not wanting to meddle in between the sisters. For him, Jungkook was dead. It didn't matter anymore what happened. 

"Yeah, you ruined my life. Do you realize it? You walk in here all happy and act like you own this house. You own me. Why? Just because you are ten years older than me? Well, guess what? I have never seen anyone who's smaller than you. Your teenage kids are more thoughtful than you."

"What are you saying, Niz? I am your older sister and I love you. This is also my house and they are my parents too."

"No!" Niz stood up. "They aren't your parents. Don't fucking dare to call them your parents. All you ever did was to bring them gifts with your money. I was the one who took care of them. When Eomma couldn't walk, I was the one who bathed her every day, carried her to the washroom every time. I did all that. When were you then? Did you offer help? Did you stop to think your younger sister must be having a hard day? Did you care to offer your help? Yeah sure they are your parents on paper, but you are no daughter of them."

Shay covered her mouth to cry and looked up hurtfully. "I know you don't mean that."

"I mean it. I mean every single thing I said. You ruined my life. I don't have anyone because of you. If you didn't interfere in my life all those years ago, I-" Niz took in a sharp breath and sat down on the floor as her head felt like it was spinning. "I would be married to him." She sobbed with her head hung low. 

Jungkook and Mr. Lee both stirred and walked to her, but she remained curled up, breaking everyone's heart at the sight. 

"Then I would be married and have kids on my own and you know what I'd do for them?" Niz asked with blurry vision as she directed her eyes at the older sister who stood tall. "I'd love them, understand them and give them the life they deserved."

Shay saw how Mr. Lee held Niz's hands and she could tell now. She recollected the similar face from decades ago. 

"God is unfair," Niz complained, working to loosen to knot in her neck that was prohibiting her from talking. "He gives someone incapable with everything. You don't deserve to be a mom." 

Shay was too stunned to speak. She only cried and saw Niz getting up.  

"I don't regret a single moment when I let all this happen," she pointed at Jungkook and held out her hand for Jimin so the man walked closer and she pushed Jungkook towards the man. "I don't regret making their lives. I wish I was Jungkook's biological mother so instead of running away, I would have gotten him married with pride in front of the whole world. Don't you stand in front of me in my house and question me."

"Enough!" The old father who was listening to everything yelled with his broken voice. He knew he'd failed in life.

Niz walked over to her father to sit beside him. He needed comfort at this moment and she knew she shouldn't have said anything in front of him. Mr. Lee saw the older sister leave the house with her husband while Momo silently stood behind him. 

Jimin hugged the silent Jungkook who now understood the story of a little and an older princess. 

Momo tugged at Mr. Lee's blazer. "Can I call you uncle?" She asked. Mr. Lee nodded, trying to work a smile but it was so broken that the man couldn't pull it off. "It's okay to cry, uncle. Men can cry too." The girl offered her arms to comfort and the man hugged the little girl by leaning down and placing a kiss on her forehead. 

"You are a very smart girl, Momo." Mr. Lee sweetly uttered. 

Niz looked at the two and smiled through tears.

"Momo, come here, sweetie. Let's take a walk." Jimin called the girl and along with Jungkook, walked out, leaving Niz, Mr. Lee, and grandpa behind. 

They walked out in the courtyard and sat down by the wall over the grass. "Do you remember grandma, Jimin Oppa?" Momo asked, her head placed on Jungkook's shoulder and Jungkook's head leaned on Jimin's shoulder as they sat together. 

"Of course, I do," Jimin smiled. "She made me sit beside her when aunty called me for lunch one day." 

Jungkook smiled too, thinking of very same day when Niz brought Jimin over and surprised him. 

"She even gave me a few secret recipes of what Jungkook liked that she made,"

"Yeah, I love how she made beef. I couldn't wait for the holidays to go and eat it." Jungkook responded. 

"Yeah, she always used to wait for us by the door whenever we informed her about our arrival." Momo added. 

"Come with us, Momo. I will make you two granny special dinner."

The girl looked down. Her parents would never allow her. 

"Why are you leaving so soon? Can you please stay for a few days?" Momo politely pleaded more than asked. 

Chapter Text

Jungkook sat in school with an absolutely absent mind. It was a week later that he returned, but he couldn't focus at all. Candy tapped on his shoulder. "Let's go." 

"You seem excited." Jungkook chuckled. 

"I didn't tell you this before, but it's my sister who is the guest lecturer," Candy wriggled her brows proudly. 

"Really? Is she a doctor?" 

"Yeah, therapist." 

"That's why they want everyone to attend the session." Jungkook picked up a notepad and a pen to go to the auditorium hall where the guest lectures were organized. 

All students settled down on the chairs and Jungkook could tell he has seen the lady that stood on stage under the illumination somewhere. He just couldn't pinpoint where has he really seen her. 

"Thank you everyone for joining the session today. I hope you will get something out of it and you are able to make a difference with what you learn." As the voice resonated in the large hall through the speakers connected via mic, everyone practiced their attention. 

"My name is Sa-Rin Kim. I have mastered psychology and I have been a practicing therapist for ten years," the lady spoke and Candy waved at her. Jungkook hid his face behind the notebook as he continued to listen. "We are going to talk about OCD today. Does anyone know what it stands for?"

Unmistakably, she received a holler from students. "Obsessive-compulsive disorder."

"Right. We think it's common because lately the movies or the TV shows are projecting such disorders in a healthy light and educating us all that not all mental disorders render a person maniac," Sa-Rin walked to the side and turned on the presentation that suddenly projected behind her. The words were written in bold on one slide. "Now... I want you to understand that this disorder comes from two words. Obsessive and compulsive. Both words have different meanings and a person suffering from OCD can either have obsessive part of the compulsive part, or both present in them."

A few took interest in the topic and Jungkook seemed to not pay attention yet.

"Most people suffering from OCD have compulsions rather than an obsession. There could be behavioral or mental compulsions. Can anyone tell me any example of how a behavioral compulsion would look like?"

"Biting nails?" A voice answered. 

"Good guess. Although it's a habit in many children that they bite their nails, when we teach them, tell them how they are intaking germs, scare them educationally, they stop doing it. But if someone refuses to stop biting nails even after that, what happens then?"

"They have an OCD?" Another voice asked from the crowd. 

"Not necessarily. We cannot deem a person fit or unfit on the basis of just one habit. In therapy, we do comprehensive diagnostic assessments to analyze before we can reach any conclusion. So...biting nails, walking a certain way when you are outside, keeping the AC at one particular temperature, watching TV at only one set volume. All these are examples of behavioral compulsions."

Jungkook's eyes squinted a little as he now focused.

 "Now... Mental compulsions," Sa-Rin resumed. "A person struggles with their thoughts. One overthinks on why they are having the thoughts they have, they try to solve the intrusive thoughts in mind, argue to themselves, repeat numbers or certain phrases in your head."

Jungkook started noting some of those traits down. 

"A person suffering from OCD won't harm you. Let me be very clear on this. But the person will avoid the situations, memories, certain activities, people... Basically anything that can trigger their OCD. They can go to lengths to hide things."

"Can you tell us an example?" Jungkook asked now and Sa-Rin's heart started beating faster than it was. 

"Sure," she nodded. "Let me take an example of a girl who has a compulsion of keeping sharp things with tips pointing up. Like knives in the kitchen. So if she finds knives pointed downwards in the stand, she would do two of these things. One, she would every time correct the position of knives, or she would simply hide all the knives so as not to have those intrusive thoughts in her head, thinking about how the knives are not in their place. I will give you another example. One doesn't like the way you organize the ingredients in the kitchen. So what would they do?" She asked Jungkook. 

The boy shrugged. 

"They would either organize the ingredients by themselves or-"

"Not allow anyone in the kitchen at all," Jungkook replied dumbly as if it was his muscle memory talking. 

"I was going to say they would make an organization chart, but yeah, that can happen too. But your answer is too much work for any person with OCD. one cannot control what others do so anyone with OCD would either do things themselves the way they are used to doing, or they would simply hide the things, which is what I have observed in most of my patients. OCD can be mild, severe, and fatal. Most of my patients that come to me are pretty tamed after the therapy. They are very peaceful beings. You can say that majority of people have mild OCD."

"What about severe?" Jungkook was now completely immersed in the topic. 

"Severe cases are treated with medication. They are given what we call in layman language as happy pills. Serotonin boosters. People need to feel that they are safe. We trick their minds into thinking that everything is fine around them so they are relaxed."

"Can an OCD person have a certain object in front of their eyes all the time? Like they want to keep a certain thing by their bed, or can they also talk to themselves in the middle of the night sometimes?" Jungkook asked. 

The made Sa-Rin breathe, collect her thoughts, and then respond.

"Keeping things can be counted as a behavioral compulsion, sure. Some people cannot sleep without dream catchers because they think that those objects protect them from having nightmares, and if they don't have them by their side, they aren't safe. But talking to themselves isn't common among patients with OCD. There are different kinds of this disorder and one thing I can say about it is that it's not typical in everyone, but there is always a pattern. One can talk to themselves if they are constantly solving the equations in their heads. Some people add the numbers they see throughout the day. So if it's something like this, then yeah, one can talk to themselves. It can take over one's life if not controlled."

**  

Jungkook reached home and saw Jimin sitting on the couch. He smiled at the man and Jimin opened his arms for him to get in there. "I missed you," Jungkook hugged Jimin tighter but his mind constantly ran hither and thither. 

"You are so late. How was your extra lecture?" Jimin asked, sniffing the boy's hair. 

"Good, useful I think," Jungkook pulled back and narrowed his eyes. "Are you hiding anything from me, Jimin?" He asked, scanning the man's face to catch any sign of discomfort, but Jimin didn't give him anything.

Jungkook didn't know if it was even true what he was thinking, but given what he learned today, there were many patterns he saw in his household. He didn't know what would he do if Jimin indeed had OCD. He had no clue. He definitely felt a bit disappointed, a bit hurt that Jimin never trusted him enough to share this with him, and, he also felt a bit scared of Jimin. 

Whatever he learned, he came to the understanding that Jimin was controlling a few things altogether instead of changing the position of that pointed knife. 

"I am hungry, let me make something for us," Jungkook pulled away, wanting to see what would happen. 

"No, no..." Jimin held Jungkook's hand and stood up. "My baby sits here. I will make him anything he wants." Jungkook tried hard but he couldn't see anything beyond care and love in Jimin's words and his eyes. How could all the love Jimin bestowed on him be because of his OCD? Jungkook wasn't willing to believe. 

He let the man walk into the kitchen and followed him after some time. "Let me at least help." He asked. 

"No need, baby. I have got you."

Jimin was busy washing vegetables when Jungkook decided he'd pick a spatula and keep it upside down. 

Jimin smiled at the boy who suddenly flinched as though he was caught red-handed in theft. "What's wrong, baby? You look edgy today. Do you want me to run you a bath?"

Jungkook shook his head and got out of the kitchen.

After eating, the younger wandered here and there aimlessly and the older could tell that he was thinking something. Assuming that he could be missing his grandma or home, Jimin called the boy.

"Jungkook?" Jimin spoke louder when Jungkook didn't answer the first time. 

"Huh?" The boy turned.

"Let's go to bed."

Jungkook nodded and they soon were under the covers. Jungkook was always the first to fall asleep, but couldn't tonight. Two hours passed and he slowly slid out of the bed.

On lightfoot, he walked into the kitchen and turned on the lights. The spatula he flipped upside down was now in its previous position. Gulping hard, he got goosebumps all over his body. 

"This can't be," he huffed out. "Jimin can't have an OCD. One spatula doesn't prove anything." Jungkook refused to believe the truth.

"If OCD looks like this, then all Asian mothers have OCD." 

Chapter Text

"Take out fine line markers. The theme is "run away" for today. Think of anything that comes to your mind. It could be an escape from reality into your dreams or it could be something like climbing the mountain top. Draw anything that speaks to you. It has to be black and white," the teacher instructed the class. 

"Sir, can we use one more color?" A girl asked. 

"No, just black and white."

Jungkook took out his marker but before he could reach his canvas, his hand met with an envelope. Blinking his eyes, he pulled it out and it felt thick between his fingers. "Did Jimin put this?" He asked himself. Nevertheless, he was in no space to open it, so he decided to do it later. 

Focusing on the canvas, he let his hands doodle what his mind told him. There was dark night and he drew a splitting image, chiral of each other. On either side, there were trees, night sky, little stars, cactus, and a T-rex hanging in the void, trying to reach the pinnacle, but he had hands too small to lift himself up. 

The boy returned home and looked around. The home was clean, there was never a mess in the house as he recalled. Everything began to trouble him. Jimin never let him work, there was an aquarium in his room and a broken doll painting, the two objects that were brought from his old house to this one. Jungkook couldn't understand why. 

He suddenly remembered about a certain envelop and hastily dug his hands into the bag to take it out.

As he opened it, he found a piece of paper and a few news paper cuttings. Deciding to read the paper first, he glided his eyes through it and the first word made his heart stop. It was a letter. 

Jungkook,

It's time that I talk to you. I want to apologize the first thing. I never intended to harm you, but I realize I did. I am hoping that now you know about Jimin's situation, you must know how dangerous he is for you. When I warned you about him, I didn't lie. I really meant well for you. 

I have always been the richest one in the group. Be it family or friends. You can assume how easy everything came to me. I am stating it here because you should understand my situation. I had no understanding of the concept of denial from anyone, to hear anyone say no to me. When I found Jimin gaslighting us, I couldn't bear it. 

Not only my childhood besfriend betrayed me, he betrayed me when I really and actually liked someone. You are the only person who made me feel this way, Jungkook. I might not have been a perfect guy, but I could have been, for you. 

When I say I wasn't perfect, I never cared about anyone, I didn't care if I caused an accident. There were people behind me to clear things for me. I never cared if I slept with someone in the day and someone else in the night. I didn't care after breaking people's heart. The thing was, I felt nothing after doing anything. No remorse, no shame, no guilt.

When I saw you reading in that yellow book one morning, I had to turn my head around and look twice. You made my heart stop, Jungkook. The things I felt were indescribable. I didn't think it was love, but it was definitely infatuation.

I turned for help to the only person who made me happy. Jimin. My best friend. But he jarred me with an invisible knife. He told you exaggerated truths about me. He made me look like a monster in your eyes. If I ever got you, I would have been the happiest man. But Jimin snatched that from me. My first chance of falling in love. 

You never listened to me, Jungkook. You should have listened to me. 

Did Jimin give you any pendant?  Don't be amazed yet.

How do I know?

I have recorded the statements of the three girls and put a pendrive in the envelop. You won't believe me, but you will believe these girls when they tell you their own stories. 

Jimin suffers from OCD, Type - aggressive or sexual thoughts, and order and symmetry. 

He was first diagnosed with order and symmetry type of OCD, but as he hit his puberty, he realized it was more than that. He likes to treat people as subjects to express his aggressive and rudimentary thoughts. 

Rose, Honey, Kitty, these were the petnames he had given the girls who have recorded their confessions. Order and symmetry makes him see things red. If he sees one crooked painting in the house, he would spiral out of control.

Did you notice his face twitching sometimes? He needs to have control. The pendants are a symbol of that. 

The girls all had a similar kind of pendant, the same material, length, given how Jimin is a fan of symmetry and order. This is the same reason he keeps his medical documents in front of his eyes, always. He needs to be sure that they are safe, that he is in control of who will see them. Check the broken doll portrait and you will see.

There is more, but I am afraid I cannot tell you much about it. You are going to have to find it out on your own. But I can tell you what I know. 

He hears and sees things. Read the newspaper cutting. 

The intention behind writing this letter is obvious. Jimin ruined my chance at first love. It seems to me it was also last. I want to ruin his love now. It's more than revenge. I didn't only lose my first love, but I also lost my best friend.

I love you, Jungkook. You are the most beautiful boy I have ever seen. I can never love anyone beside you. I will still wait for you. I am staying in Seoul. If you decide to leave this place behind, I will be with you. I will take you away, keep you safe. I promise. 

Yours always
Taehyung...

Everything  suddenly was colder than an iceberg around Jungkook. The chills that washed over him hurt his ribs. He struggled to see Jimin as the same man who worried about him, the same man who did everything for him. Was all his care part of his OCD too? Jungkook couldn't understand. 

Would Jimin really ever hurt him? He recollected when the man once choked him by his neck. "But that was anger, right?" Jungkook mumbled as hot tears sizzled his cold skin. "Jimin would never hurt me, right? He is fine. He is okay. We will live a long life together. I love Jimin. Please, God! I want my Jimin."

He had no courage to see the recordings. With the same trembled hands, he did pick the newspaper and wiped his eyes. It was dated sixteen years ago. 

After fire broke out on the gas station, one died and one was injured trying to save two children named Park Jimin and Kim Taehyung.  It was a miracle that the kids were saved.

Kim Taehyung, son of Kim Minjae, the owner of the gas stations across the Korea, Park Jimin, son of Park Bogum, were found in critical conditions after inhaling the fumes that came out of the petrol.

Although there was no sign of physical injury to the kids, Park Jimin seemed to have suffered a blunt trauma. Kim Taehyung was also critical, but he gained consciousness shortly. 

After interviewing the five-year-old, he described how his best friend, Jimin, hugged him and protected him from getting exposed to fire. The innocent friendship between the two was exemplary and if there was anything we got out of the incident, it was the lesson. 

If Park Jimin's driver didn't expose himself in the fire to save the two little lives, there would be three casualties. The man's back had third degree burns and he is currently undergoing treatment. 

Jungkook didn't understand. Was Jimin like this because of the accident? What did he have to find out on his own as mentioned in the letter? It was too much to take in just a week. He hadn't the strength to go through it all. He was a naive teenager who made a few impulsive decisions, and now his own husband was turning out to be a stranger in his bed. 

He shoved everything in the bag and ran into his room. The painting was hung above the bed and he climbed on top to caress its edges. There it was, a big folder kept between the frame and the canvas. 

He saw the car's headlight outside the house and he had no time to take out the folder.

Jumping down from the bed, he only wanted to do one thing, test one theory. So far, Jimin had kept fish in the room like his soul resided in them. He wanted to see what would happen if there were no fish. 

Chapter Text

Jungkook flinched when he heard Jimin clearing his throat. He felt terrified, but what made him even more terrified was that he was scared of his husband, the man he loved. 

"Sweetie?" Jimin's playful voice reverberated and Jungkook straightened up. "What are you doing here outside?"

"N-nothing," Jungkook stuttered, his eyes weren't ready to lift up and look at the man. 

"Come on, let's get inside."

Jimin put his hand towards Jungkook and the teen slowly stepped closer. Jimin's behavior wasn't unusual. After not seeing each other for the entire day, the two usually hugged and kissed each other. Just as Jungkook entered the house and Jimin closed the door behind them, he sped towards the window of the living room. 

Jimin only looked at the boy and smiled, thinking that he might still be missing home. "Do you want to go out to eat, Jungkook? I saw a really good bistro that opened nearby."

Jungkook shook his head.

"Are you okay?" Jimin now followed the boy to the window and Jungkook's muscles tensed. He was struggling inside his mind. This man has loved him so much, given him too much, took care of him in every way. But the words from the letter also made him not ignore the things the older had done or was capable of doing. 

"Jungkook?" The boy flinched again when Jimin raised his hand to touch his face. "Hey..." Jimin pulled him close and hugged him. 

Jungkook wrapped his arms around Jimin's back and started sobbing. "Baby, I know you miss grandma. She wouldn't want you to be like this. What if tell you she is watching over you from there?" Jimin pointed at a star and Jungkook whipped his head slowly to visit the pointed finger.  

The boy didn't say anything and hugged Jimin again, ensuring himself that whatever happened was just a bad dream. His Jimin was perfect. He loved his Jimin and couldn't live without him. 

Once Jimin successfully calmed Jungkook down, they sat on the couch. Jungkook still didn't talk, but he wasn't as terrified as he was a few hours ago. It was until Jimin walked into the room. 

"Where are the goldfishes?" He asked Jungkook from the door and Jungkook jostled up. This was his time, he thought. He could talk to Jimin about it. 

"I don't know." He replied, walking closer to the man and eyes taking in how Jimin's face started twitching.

"Where are they?" Jimin repeated, this time, he closed his fists shut as though he was struggling to keep himself calm. 

"Why?" Jungkook asked. "Why did we have goldfish in the house?"

Jimin saw red all of the sudden. His body felt an impulse that originated somewhere from his head and ran down to his upper body and then he felt it tingling all over his skin. He could feel his body shiver. It wasn't just one impulse, it was wave after wave that made him blind. 

Jungkook gasped when Jimin held his collar and pushed him back on the wall harshly. "Where are they?"

"Jimin..." Jungkook teared up with pressure on his neck. "JIMIN!" He choked and coughed but Jimin didn't leave his collar.

At last, Jungkook felt he'd pass out as Jimin kept asking him the same question. He courageously kicked Jimin and the man stumbled back a little. Jungkook fell down on the floor and coughed, wheezed a lot while drool came out of his mouth. 

Jimin took a few moments and so did Jungkook before the older walked to Jungkook. "Ba-baby?" Jimin called in a broken voice and Jungkook kept his head low, still breathing frantically. "I am sorry."

When Jungkook lifted his head up and glared at Jimin, his eyes were watery and his face red along with his neck. "Thanks for everything, Jimin."

"I am so sorry, please, listen to me..." Jimin began to cry and reached over to hold the younger's hands with a slight tremble. 

"No!" Jungkook scurried back quickly. "Don't touch me!" 

Getting up, Jungkook ran inside the room, leaving Jimin on the floor, shaking.

Jimin saw Jungkook getting out with a few things in his hand and racing inside the other bedroom on the same floor.

As he closed the door behind harshly, Jimin curled down on the floor and cried with broken sighs and hiccups. 

The next morning, Jimin woke up and only found Jungkook's figure leaving the house. He rushed to see by the window that the driver was waiting outside.

Once the car left, Jimin walked into the bathroom to take out his medicines. He stared at them as if they were a hoax and did nothing. How could he lose control when he was on medication? There were no labels on the three bottles. He always made sure to keep the bottles bare of content. 

Jimin couldn't think anything except intense guilt. He needed his Jungkook back. He called Jungkook but the phone was turned off. He didn't feel any strength in his body to work or barely get through the day. Sitting on the toilet seat, he just stared at his medicines. 

He sat there for almost an hour and when he started to walk out, he now realized that Jungkook must have found out. Why else would he throw away the fish? But how did he find out? It didn't seem that important. The only thing that worried him now was how he must look in Jungkook's eyes. A monster? An abomination? An imperfect and weak man? He didn't like the idea of it.

The day was the longest day for him. When the time arrived, he showered and called the driver to not go to pick Jungkook up. He left home with hope, still dreadful, but he couldn't lose Jungkook, even if the boy thought he was pathetic, he was willing to live under the weight of it.

He waited outside the university door and when Jungkook spotted him, he started rushing past the cars to get a taxi. Jimin could only tear up and follow the boy home. Their destinations were same but their paths were now divided. Jungkook got off the taxi first and rushed into the room before Jimin could follow him.  

Jimin banged the door gingerly. "Baby, please forgive me. I beg you. Talk to me." 

Jungkook could hear Jimin crying and it squeezed his heart to see his man cry, but he wasn't ready. He didn't know if he would ever be ready for all this.

Picking a pillow from the bed, he covered his head by it and sobbed infinitely.

Jimin kept knocking at the door for hours until his feet gave in and he leaned against it, sitting and sobbing softly. 

The next morning arrived. Jungkook opened the door slowly and found Jimin curled up there. He immediately shut his mouth with his hands to not make any sound as he couldn't control himself after spotting the state his husband was in. Jimin was shaking with cold and his face was pale as a ghost. It didn't look like he had eaten anything yesterday. At least Jungkook ate with Candy at school.

He made his way into their bedroom that looked like a war was fought there. Things were scattered and messy. Jimin liked everything to be picture-perfect. The state the house was in reflected the state of Jimin's mind.

Ignoring everything, Jungkook brought the duvet and put it over Jimin before hastily gushing out of the house. 

Jimin lifted his head up when he found the warmth around him and realized that he was covered by his husband. Throwing the duvet aside, he rushed to check the rooms but Jungkook was gone again. 

"Is everything okay, Jungkook?" Jimin's driver asked. 

"No," Jungkook replied. 

"There are fights in marriage, Jungkook. Don't let them overthrow your love for each other. I have seen people all my life but love like you two is rare."

Jungkook remained silent.  

Another day passed and Jungkook got out of the university to see no sign of Jimin. He slowly walked towards the driver who was waiting and got in the car.

When he was dropped at home, he slowly walked in, not wanting to see Jimin, and that's what he got. 

Jimin wasn't in the house.

He sat in the living room, holding his head. He decided that it was time he did his laundry and also fix clothes in the new room for the next few days.

Feeling a bit hungry, he cooked. Not only just Ramen, but he watched Youtube tutorials to cook a proper three-course meal and left the food in the kitchen for Jimin. It didn't matter if he was scared of the man, he still loved him dearly and cared for him.

Jimin returned and when he sniffed the fragrance of food from kitchen, he walked into it.

When Jungkook heard the sound of utensils through the ajar door of his room, he discerned that the man was back from work. He wanted to see him, check how he was doing, but he couldn't get himself to walk out.

Jimin ate as he sobbed softly. While he couldn't gulp the food down due to pain in his throat, he still did. Jungkook made it for him. He felt worse after eating because as much as he was willing to get into Jungkook's arms and cry a whole lot, he had to fix the kitchen first. The itch in his brain that everything wasn't in its place, he felt helpless as he began to clean up.  

Chapter Text

"Welcome home, sweetheart!" Jimin beamed when Jungkook came back from University on the third day of their fight. The boy froze in his place when he found Jimin smiling so wide and then he spotted Mr. & Mrs. Park sitting on the couch. 

"Jungkook, honey!" Mrs. Park stood up and Jungkook reluctantly walked towards them, unable to swat away Jimin's hand that found its way on his back.

He bowed and greeted his parents-in-law. "When did you arrive?" He asked in a slow voice. 

"An hour ago. Jimin had us fly here."

"He wouldn't take no for an answer." Mr. Park added. 

"You must be tired, get some rest." Mrs. Park patted the boy's head. Jungkook wondered if Jimin told them about the fight and the reason behind it.

"I will be right back," Jungkook forced a smile and slowly began to walk to the other room with his bag.

"Baby, that's not our room. Did you forget?" Jimin smiled and stopped Jungkook and the younger felt anger. He knew why did Jimin invite his parents.

"I have some stuff in there," Jungkook replied wryly and continued to walk. 

"I cleaned it, baby," Jimin strolled over to Jungkook and took his bag.

Jungkook glared at Jimin in close proximity and noticed that the elders were looking at them. He smiled nervously, turning around. "I forgot." He announced before stalking to his own room. 

"What do you want for dinner, Jungkook-ah?" Jimin called and asked from the living room as he moved to sit with his parents. 

"Any-anything!"

Jimin turned to his mother. "Thank you," he mumbled. 

Mrs. Park nodded. 

"Come here and take your apple," Jimin asked again.

"I don't want an apple!" Jungkook yelled.

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away, sweetie." As Jungkook came out to sit with his parents-in-law, Jimin handed him an apple before getting back to work.

The boy didn't know anything about the elders. He hardly had any time to spend with them. When he first visited Busan after the wedding, that was the only time he stayed with them for a few days. "How is school, honey?" Mr. Park asked as Jungkook munched on the fruit.

"Good," he nodded. No matter how hard he tried to present himself as cheery, the broken look on his face wasn't easy to get rid of. He forced a diligent smile with difficulty. "I have made a friend," he murmured. 

"You are adorable," Mrs. Park laughed. "When do you have semester break?"

"In a few days after exams," Jungkook replied more naturally this time. 

"You must come to Busan and this time, you are staying with us. Jimin's sisters talk a lot about you, but they are just too shy to talk to you over the phone."

"He is a shy bean too," Jimin spoke from the kitchen while working on the meal he was going to prepare.

Jungkook felt an urge to help Jimin as there were more than usual people to be cooked for, but he stopped himself. This made him wonder why didn't his parents offer him help. Did they know about Jimin's condition? 

"Why don't you show them your sculptures and paintings, baby?" Jimin helped jittery Jungkook who couldn't raise his eyes even. 

"They aren't that great. I am only learning." Jungkook spoke in a tiny voice. 

"They are great, mother. You should see the sculpture he had done of me."

"Of you?" Mrs. Park scrunched her face at Jimin. 

"Why not? Am I not a muse material?"

"You sound like a douche, Jimin. Have some modesty." She joked and Jungkook found himself smiling a little that was noticed by Jimin. Every move of the boy was noticed by Jimin. 

"Show us, Jungkook." Mr. Park requested and the boy couldn't say no to the father-in-law. 

Pulling out his phone, he showed them pictures of many artworks, paintings, drawings, and the infamous Jimin's sculpture that was kept at school. "You are very talented, Jungkook. I am glad you chose arts." Mr. Park complimented the boy who politely bowed. 

Jimin served the dinner and everyone sat at the table. The two usually ate at the couch in front of the TV, but today, they used the dining table. Jimin sat beside Jungkook and the elders sat across the table. The dinner was fun-filled.

Mr. Park made Jungkook open up to them after sharing a few anecdotes. Jimin picked a glass of water to help Jungkook before the boy could reach it. "Thanks," the boy spoke in a little voice without looking at Jimin.

"You are welcome, sweetie," Jimin smiled and petted the teen's hair. Jungkook closed his eyes and slid back a little on his chair. 

Mrs. Park saw everything happening in front of her eyes and she wasn't a fool to not understand that they were going through a big fight. She could only assume it was related to Jimin's condition. 

"Hello, doctor."

"I did what you said. Please leave me and my sister alone or I will go to the police now."

"Jeez! I know who woke up on the wrong side of the bed today." Taehyung remarked.

"Why are you calling?" Sa-Rin asked curtly.

"To say thanks and to tell you that you will never hear from me again, or Jungkook." 

"What do you mean never hear from Jungkook? Hello? Hello, Taehyung?!" Sa-Rin yelled but the call was disconnected. 

"I think it's past Jungkook's bedtime. We will go sleep." 

"I am not a kid!" Jungkook growled and then slowly chuckled in nervousness. "Jimin..."

"No, no, he is right. You both have college and work tomorrow. Go to sleep. We will also rest now."

Jimin grinned at Jungkook and held his palm. "Let's go, sweetie."

Jungkook knew the excess of endearments or the obvious touches, Jimin was doing it on purpose. But what he didn't know was for how long could he cope.

He turned around to see his parents-in-law not moving yet from the living room. He had to at least pretend to go with Jimin for now, and later he could simply go to the top floor.

Jimin closed the door behind them and looked at Jungkook's back. He walked around to find that the boy was tearing up. "Jungkook," Jimin whispered in a very low voice, his face concerned. "Please talk to me now." The man slowly wiped his tears. 

Jungkook shook his head. "You lied to me."

"About what?" Jimin asked in a whisper again.

"I know about your OCD."

Jimin gulped. "I see," he kept standing in front of the teen but his heart kept thudding against his ribcage. How did Jungkook know? How much did Jungkook know? There were many questions that were raised in Jimin's mind. "It wasn't an excuse to be violent with you. Please forgive me.

"You don't get it. Do you?" Jungkook looked in Jimin's eyes with so much hurt. "You lied to me, Jimin. You lied to me about something so big. You hid it from me and broke my trust. How am I to ever believe you on anything?"

"I never lied to you, baby. I just couldn't tell you this. I was working up on my courage to tell you, but you were so happy and carefree. We had just gotten married and you were getting used to your new life. I couldn't just snatch it away from you by burdening you with this." Jimin explained, his palms slowly grasping Jungkook's forearms. 

"You did more damage by hiding it, Jimin. What else are you hiding from me?" Jungkook asked, eyes barren and lips quivering.

"How did you know?" Jimin asked instead. 

"That's not important," Jungkook said curtly. "The thing which was important was trust. You broke it. I am never trusting you again."

"Jungkook, sweetheart," Jimin cupped Jungkook's cheeks. "I have been dying for three days. Please trust me one last time. I won't ever hurt you. I am working on it, sweetie. I am working on my anger too. I won't be violent again."

Jungkook bit his lips while shaking his head slowly. He hadn't the clue if everything written in the letter was true or not, but he knew that Jimin broke his heart. Big time. "I can't." He slowly shook his head before softly pulling Jimin's hands away. 

Jimin saw the boy move to the bed and pull the covers up. The man wasn't sure if he should get in the bed with Jungkook or just lay on the floor. Hesitantly, he did climb on the bed, and got under the same duvet. 

Jungkook was facing the other side. Painful soft moans escaped his mouth as he trembled and soon, he was silent and asleep. Jimin, on the other hand, couldn't sleep. How would he ever close this distance between them?

"Kkyu..." He whispered in Jungkook's ears and the boy turned and tucked himself in his chest. All the coldness left the man's body and was replaced with warmth at the touch. He encircled his arms around the tiny waist and cried silently. "Baby, can I please take one kiss?"

"Mm..." Jungkook pouted with a nod. 

Jimin combed the bangs up from the boy's forehead to just look at his face for a few moments. How smile has wept off of it because of him. Slolwy, he leaned in and kissed Jungkook's forehead. 

"I am so sorry, my little baby." Jimin's breath hitched as his fingers traced down to see a blue mark on Jungkook's neck.

Rushing to the bathroom, he closed the door so he could cry without disturbing Jungkook's sleep.

Chapter Text

Jimin woke up to sleeping soundly Jungkook in his arms. How he missed the sight for his sore eyes. His husband's baby powder fragrance made his mornings. He knew if Jungkook was awake, he wouldn't even try to look at him. So he just laid there for a few peaceful minutes to bask in his presence.

When the boy started to stir, Jimin closed his eyes and carefully flipped his body skyward. He realized Jungkook's reaction was to jostle back and then he heard the younger sigh as he drew away.

Jimin's heart thud against his ribs and then he felt a soft hand on his head, gently caressing his hair. He wanted to open his eyes and see if Jungkook's eyes were exhibiting pity, love, or both. He couldn't, wanting the touch to be extended for as long as it could.

Jungkook finally retreated, and Jimin heard the bathroom door open and then close. If it was any other day, he would just bust in and shower with Jungkook and make the boy giggle. Today, he waited for Jungkook to come out.

Just when Jungkook got out in a bathrobe, he found Jimin getting up from the bed and taking a walk towards him. "I will be traveling tonight. Uncle will come back after dropping me at the airport so... You won't have any problems going to college and coming back. Be safe."

Jungkook nodded.

Jimin kept his gaze on the younger for a few seconds before he went in the shower. Once bathed, he returned to his job, cooking. Jungkook realized that the aquarium was turned back on and there were four fish dawdling in it. He didn't know what to think about it, but he knew this was his life now. He had to deal with everything.

He walked out to the sizzling sound and stood a little far from Jimin. "Where are you going?" He asked in a very small voice and Jimin smiled.

"Work. I was trying to get this meeting arranged for a long time, and it miraculously opened up for tomorrow. If I get the deal, it's going to make us a huge profit."

Jungkook nodded again without looking at Jimin.

"But my parents are here. They will keep you company."

Jungkook now discerned that perhaps Jimin invited them for this reason. Nevertheless, he went back to the room to get ready. Once done, he tried to open the bedroom door from inside but realized that it wasn't opening. He knocked from the inside for Jimin to open but the room was soundproof. Thankfully, he had his phone.

When he called the man over the cell, Jimin immediately opened the door and checked the lock, realizing that it was malfunctioning.

"It's weird," he mumbled. "Let me check it real quick. You go, eat, and leave."

Jimin tried twice and thrice but the lock as if wasn't functioning at all from the inside. He immediately called the engineer and requested him to visit on an urgent basis.

Jungkook left with the driver and Jimin stayed behind for some time. Once the engineer arrived, the man sighed in frustration on the observation. "How can all the locks stop working together all of the sudden?"

"They are working on electromagnets, sir. It shouldn't have happened but it seems that the mainframe is tampered with. I will have to replace it."

"How long is it going to take?" Jimin asked. 

"I will get them done by tomorrow morning," The engineer promised. "Please make sure that no one locks the doors or one might get locked inside the room if there's no one to open the door from the outside."

Jimin was in no condition to argue or even think about it. He nodded. "Just make sure it's done on priority."

The engineer promised and soon left.

Jimin instructed his parents on how to not lock any door inside the house and also told them to instruct Jungkook on the same. Suddenly, he got an uneasy feeling that if he left tonight, something wrong might happen, but he needed money so he had to go finalize the deal. 

Soon, he left for his office to get things ready for the travel with his packed bag and decided to leave directly from the office in the evening for Saudi Arabia. 

**

In the evening, Jungkook returned home. He wanted to see Jimin so bad, but he knew that his man must have been on his way to the airport as he had texted him a few moments ago. 

He felt cold so he turned up the thermostat and sat down in the living room silently when Mrs. Park came out of her room. "You home, honey?" She asked and Jungkook stood up, looking back at her. 

"Mother," he bowed at the lady. 

"Sit down, I will make something for you."

"No," Jungkook stopped her. "I will make it myself." He rubbed his head a little. 

"Relax, I know Jimin cooks and you don't know how to cook," she walked into the kitchen and began to use the utensils. "Besides, you must be tired. Take a shower if you want and yes, one more thing. The locks have some issues because of the magnets used in them or something. You shouldn't close any door from inside."

Jungkook nodded, recollecting the incident in the morning. He slowly walked in and changed his clothes the first thing after washing up. The house was smelling like heaven and he felt his stomach growl in hunger as he stepped out happily.

As he ate and his mother-in-law sat beside him, Jungkook felt a thud sound in the veranda. He ignored it as it wasn't audible clearly. He continued to eat and when he went into the room to bring his homework, his door fell shut. He flinched at first and panicked, but he remembered that his mother-in-law would still be able to open the door from outside once she notices that he was gone.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Park's door also turned shut. She banged on it, thinking Jungkook might have done it by mistake. "What's wrong?" Mr. Park asked who was lying on the bed. 

"The heat, it seems like Jungkook has turned up the thermostat and we are stuck here."

"Let me call Jungkook." Mr. Park immediately called him, but Jungkook's phone was lying outside in the living room on the couch while he was stuck inside his bedroom. 

"I say we call Jimin... Something is off." Mrs. park asked the husband who shook his head. 

"No, maybe he is in the bathroom. Let's wait for some time and not trouble Jimin because you have a bad feeling."

"Just please," Mrs. Park pleaded. "The baby is alone outside."

**

"Father? Everything alright?" Jimin asked, standing outside the airport gate, taking out his luggage.

Mrs. Park snatched the phone from her husband's hand. "Son, I think something wrong is happening. We are locked inside the room and Jungkook is not picking up his phone. The thermostat has been turned up, and I think if we don't get out, we might suffocate here. We can't change the settings from inside the room. And I don't remember closing the door, it happened by itself."

"I am coming," Jimin panicked. 

"What happened?" The driver asked.

They are locked in. "Turn around... I can't leave. I have to go back home."

"Jimin, are you crazy? I am going back, I will check. You go finish your trip."

"No," Jimin shook his head. "I sensed something was wrong in the morning. I shouldn't have left in the first place. Please let's just go." Instead of letting the driver on the driving seat, Jimin sat there and burned the ignition to return.

**

Taehyung was sitting in his car parked by the ocean when a boy knocked on the window. He rolled it down and handed him an envelope full of cash. The boy urgently accepted the cash and ran like hell. Taehyung started the engine and stopped after driving for barely a minute, in front of the big house. Slowly, he disabled the lock of the house from the outside and invited himself in. He looked at everything and smiled. "You did a good job here, Jimin." 

Slowly, he made his way upstairs to the floor where Jimin and Jungkook lived. He observed everything. Jungkook's picture in the living room, his phone blaring on the couch, and Jimin's name flashing on it. Everything was silent as the storm was about to hit any moment. 

His eyes averted to the room where Jungkook was and as his steps were slowly trudged towards his prey as a predator. Right before he stopped in front of the door, he hesitated for a moment. If he did this, there would be no going back. Was he ready to risk his life? 

In a moment of hesitation, his hands couldn't touch the lock. He came here to take Jungkook away from Jimin's life for good. All the planning of months, and after it was executed successfully, he was still hesitant. Gulping, he shook his head to tell himself that he was doing the right thing, making Jimin pay back for his betrayal.

Taehyung was still in a dilemma when he hissed and felt a slight pang on his neck before he fell unconscious into the arms of someone. 

Namjoon held the unconscious body of his cousin. With tears in his eyes, he dragged the younger outside. 

**

Jimin arrived at the house and found the gate secured from the outside. With every step he took, he ensured that everything looked exactly the same. His mind gave him a sense of security that everything was just fine. He needed to open the doors and find his family. The driver ran side by side. "Get that door!" Jimin pointed to the room where his parents were before running to change the thermostat setting.

Once he regulated the temperature, he immediately rushed to get his bedroom door and found Jungkook wheezing on the floor. "Jungkook?" Jimin ran to hold the boy in his arms and hugged him tightly. "Are you okay?"

Jungkook hugged the man back and tried to breathe in the cold air that suddenly flew around. The heat was too much that he was sweating through his clothes but the cold whiff of air brought his breath back into his lungs as he closed his eyes, and dug his face into Jimin's crook of the neck, feeling his home. "Jimin... I am scared."

Chapter Text

Jimin pulled Jungkook's head in his lap as he slept on the couch. No one could sleep except him and they all sat in the living room. Jimin checked the house twice and thrice to find that nothing was stolen or out of place. He still couldn't convince himself everything was just a bad coincidence. 

"You should sleep too. We will sleep outside, just in case." Mr. Park asked his son. 

Jimin shook his head. "I am not sleepy at all."

"Lie down for a few hours, Jimin. You shouldn't stress much. The engineer will be here in a few hours." Jimin's driver also tried to convince him. 

Jimin thought for some time and nodded.

Picking up Jungkook slowly, he walked into the bedroom and placed the boy on the bed. "Jimin," Jungkook squirmed. 

Jimin's driver closed the door behind them. Jimin looked back, but he knew that everything was under control now. "Yes, doll?" He leaned down and caressed Jungkook's cheeks. 

"I need you inside me, I miss sex." The boy groaned with closed eyes. 

Jimin smiled and laid beside Jungkook on the bed. He was still in his formal attire that he didn't get an opportunity to change. "I love you. Do you know that?" Jimin asked in a whisper. Jungkook didn't respond, but his brows drew closer. "I want to make love to you so bad. But I will wait for you, Jungkook."

**

Taehyung opened his eyes in a car that he had stopped moving before he realized that he was in an ambulance. The door opened and four men in light blue scrubs lifted his stretcher and carried it out. Just when he tried to cock his head to the side, he felt an insurmountable pain in his back and joints. His head spun and before he was carried into a white, big building, he spotted crying Namjoon along with his parents.

He couldn't understand what was happening. He couldn't recollect where he was, but he had this feeling that it was all finished now. What? He didn't know.

He closed his eyes and he could feel the men taking off his clothes and changing him into different ones, with the smell of anti-septic in them.

He couldn't sit anymore before the men tucked him under the covers. It was cold but slowly, the sheets warmed and he fell into a slumber. The whole night, he kept reminiscing in his para-sleep.

The glimpse of him and an engineer he hired to fire up the locks came into his mind first, then he saw a huge ocean and a big house. He could see the things in sequence. He was outside the house, standing in his black suit. He could feel this heart thumping as if he was scared and was about to do something really wrong. Tears started falling out of his closed eyes. He shivered as he felt the fear from before.

He was contemplating whether he should go inside the house or not. He didn't know yet why he was going into the dark house, but for some reason, he felt that if he did, he'd lose Jimin, his only friend. The boy who saved his life once.

He saw in the vision and felt that Jimin was angry at him. He didn't know why. Then he saw himself going into the house. With each step he took, he remembered things. Jungkook. He was supposed to fall in love with Jungkook, but Jimin stabbed him in the back. Jimin stole his Jumgkook from him. He was there for Jungkook, to make things even.

He was going deeper and deeper inside the house and things were becoming clearer and clearer. 

Then he felt a cold trickle slither down his spine as he stood in front of the door. In his dream, he could see himself on one side of the door and a trembling Jungkook on the other side of the door. The teenager was begging him to leave him alone, curled up in a corner.

He looked at himself. He was looking like a terrified little bitch with how his hand was hesitating to open the door. He wasn't even an inch afar from the lock, but he just couldn't put his hand on it. Then he heard Jungkook calling a name. It was Jimin.

Taehyung looked at himself wailing. He had failed. It didn't matter if he took the boy away, he'd still cry for Jimin. Would he ever succeed to make Jungkook forget Jimin? Would Jungkook even talk to him at all? Would he look at him? The answer to every question was no.

He wanted to love Jungkook, but how would he love Jungkook if all Jungkook would do is to hate him?

He wanted to retreat his hand when he felt a pang on his back and everything turned black. Gasping frantically, Taehyung shot his eyes open and he saw sunlight filtering in the room from windows.

He looked around and the place looked like a hospital, except there were no other people in his sight and there was no equipment.

He was all alone on a lonely bed until a man in scrubs walked in with a plate of food that looked unfit even for animals. He heard a few voices outside. Where was he?

**

A week later, Jimin's parents left as Jungkook's exams were approaching and they didn't want to be a distraction for the shy boy.

Jungkook was relatively better now, but Jimin wasn't sure if he would still behave normally once his parents left.

"What do you want to have for dinner?" Jimin asked Jungkook.

"Anything," the boy replied without looking up from his books.

"Jungkook, can we talk?" Jimin suddenly inched closer and pulled the boy's book away from his hand. The teen scarcely had enough to go about, and the man's cologne made him want to submit.

He nodded.

"What is it that you know?"

"That you have an OCD. You hid it all along. You didn't care that it could hurt the people who care about you. Every time I asked you to let me take care of you, you pushed me away." The boy said in a monotone while fixing his eyes over the couch.

"How did you find out?" Jimin asked, curiosity clear in his voice. He had added two and two already. Taehyung's arrival at Mr. Lee's place, the malfunctioning of the locks, and the bad feeling in the pit of his stomach, couldn't have been a coincidence.

"As I already told you before, I had an awareness lecture on OCD. I figured it  out." The boy was vexing, but he still didn't know if what Taehyung said about everything else was true or not.

If it was just one thing that Jimin had hidden from him, it would have been easier for him to forgive him, even when the man practically tried to kill him.

"I am so sorry for what had happened, Jungkook. You know now that I sometimes can't control it. I wouldn't raise a finger on you in my right mind." Jimin leaned closer.

Jungkook looked at the lips of the man, momentarily deciding to just kiss them and forget everything. But he knew he couldn't. He needed to know if Jimin hurt all those people.

"Did Taehyung meet you?"

Jungkook's eyes averted from Jimin's lips and glared into his eyes. How could he question him when he himself was so wrong? "What do you think?"

"I don't know. He might have tricked you into talking to him," Jimin held Jungkook's hands. "He isn't to be trusted Jungkook."

"That's what you told me before. And it turns out, it's really you who can't be trusted, Jimin. How can you still not come clean and blame others." Jungkook remembered having the same conversation with Jimin a long time ago. He still didn't entirely trust Taehyung. But he was determined to find out.

"Do you trust him more than me now?" Jimin asked, hurt written over his face.

"I don't know. Should I?"

"Jungkook, this is ridiculous. Can we just get this behind us, baby? We are married now and we shouldn't be fighting for so long."

"Are you hiding anything else from me?" Jungkook sighed determinedly, retreating his steps a little.

"No."

"Are you sure?"

Jimin knew that it wasn't just Jungkook's out-of-the-blue OCD awareness lecture that was talking. He knew for sure that Taehyung was somehow involved. He just didn't know how? But he knew he'd find out.

"Yes," Jimin replied with the same determination.

"Then we have nothing to worry about. But I need time. I need to focus on my exams first."

Jimin smiled, believing the boy. "Take as much as you need. I don't want to come in between your studies." He took courage and kissed the forehead of his husband.

Jungkook didn't reciprocate.

Chapter Text

Jungkook was writing his exam. He managed to study for it and the reason that he loved art, made it all easier. Jimin was in the house, arranging the table as a big gesture so that he could finally ask Jungkook's forgiveness and contain all the differences, love each other tonight.

Once he set the table with fancy napkins, scented candles, fresh flowers, Jimin smiled proudly and could feel his heart drumming inside. Even though the boy hadn't been like he was before, Jimin did manage to make him trust him again. "Almost forgot."

Running inside the room to his closet, he took out a new ring he had bought for Jungkook. He stood over the stool to take it out from above the shelf but his hand touched something else. Catching the object, he dragged it and found an envelope. If he didn't put it there, it was obvious who did.

Quickly opening it, his blood dried when his eyes found the day he dreaded. The day it all started. On top of it, he recognized Taehyung's handwriting in a heartbeat. Knowing how Jungkook got to know about him, he scoffed with teary eyes. The box of ring in his hand was tautened as he nodded.

Suddenly, he felt a panic attack. He ran to the bathroom to get his medicines, but he couldn't take them. Not when Jungkook has been in touch with Taehyung and he was paranoid as anything.

Taehyung was the only one who knew what happened to him after the accident and he never liked to talk about it. Jungkook knew too. What else did Jungkook know aside from his OCD? He had to know.

With shaky hands, he read the letter and thick tears fell from his eyes. He was grateful that he was alone in the house. Otherwise, he would have fatally harmed anyone in his sight with the number of intrusive thoughts and anger that built inside him.

Rushing out to the dining room, he pulled the clothing off the table, causing everything to collide and fall on the floor with faint thuds and a few shatters. He wanted to end it all. End his life. He ran back maniacally to the bathroom and emptied down all his medicines in the toilet.

Throwing the bottles here and there, he knew he couldn't stay at home. If he wanted Jungkook's safety, he had to go away. He packed a pair of clothes, all while his panic attack, and left the house just in time.

Jungkook arrived at a sight that made his heart jump to his ears. He couldn't understand. The living room looked different. There was another aquarium in the living room, a smaller one by a single coucher. The broken dishes were on the floor. Did someone enter the house and did it? Did someone hurt Jimin? He felt terrified.

Quickly, he took out his phone and called Jimin. The phone rang but the man didn't answer. He called Jimin's driver next. Albeit the driver was with him the entire day, Jungkook assumed that Jimin might have told him something.

Worried, Jungkook spent the night staying up alone in the house, and just as the morning arrived, he called Mr. Park.

"Jungkook, how are you?"

"I am good, father. But I haven't heard from Jimin since yesterday. Did he call you or mother?" Jungkook asked, softly sobbing and hiding it.

"We haven't talked in two days, son. Don't worry. I will do something. I will try to contact him."

Jungkook felt hopeless. He cleaned up the house while he waited. The time was running extremely slow and also extremely fast.

It was afternoon and Jimin still didn't return any of his texts or calls. Jungkook didn't know what else to do except sit on the couch, cover his face behind his palms, and cry. "Where did you go?" He croaked.

As the time flew and evening arrived, Jungkook now thought of filing a missing person complaint with the police. Jimin's driver was also constantly trying since last night, but Jimin as if didn't want to be found, he hid well.

As the darkness surrounded the city, Jungkook felt more anxious than before. Did something really wrong happen to him? He knew he now had to go to the police. He couldn't wait anymore.

Immediately, he began to pack a small bag with essentials with an idea to leave and stay with Jimin's parents until he heard back from his husband as he couldn't dare to spend another night alone in the house that turned spooky to him. The same house where he had so many special memories.

He had called the driver and the man was waiting outside when he heard footsteps. "Jimin?" He called but no one responded. Jungkook ran out to find Jimin sitting emotionlessly on a couch.

The entire room was dark except a certain area that was illuminated by a night lamp. It shone Jimin's skin and Jungkook stepped closer hesitantly.

Jimin looked as though he was wasted. His breath was shallow as if he was having a hard time, but on the surface, the man had worn calm and composed expressions. His eyes were hollow and pained.

"Where did you go, Jimin?" Jungkook stepped closer.

"Sit," Jimin spoke in a very small voice but the house was so silent that Jungkook could hear it well. He looked at Jimin's pointed finger and grabbed the couch across the table.

"Do you want to know what's wrong with me?" Jimin asked, now looking directly at Jungkook.

The teen whimpered in fear and gulped. "Before that, I want you to introduce you to someone."

Jungkook's heart raced. Jimin's behavior was bizarre. Almost as eerie as it was when they started talking over the phone. Sometimes Jimin's texts sounded spooky to Jungkook. But this was whole another level.

"Meet Mia," Jimin pointed at an empty couch.

"T-there's no one there." Jungkook could hardly breathe anymore.

"You can't see her. Do you? She says she is proud of her baby brother."

Jungkook stood up, backing away a little. "Stop it, Jimin."

"You think I am lying. I am seeing her sitting right there and she is looking at you," Jimin turned his head at an empty couch. "Should I?" He asked nobody and Jungkook's eyes widened in horror and the older kept talking to the thin air.

"Mia says she is sorry. If she didn't die at a young age of two, your parents wouldn't have been so obsessed to protect you with everything they had." Jimin continued, trying to breathe through it all

Jungkook screamed, covering his ears, and saw Jimin just sitting there, unaffected, looking at an empty couch.

Jungkook felt that darkness was closing in on him from all sides. He couldn't breathe and his skin tingled, hyper-aware of every breath of wind against it.

"STOP!" He yelled.

Jimin stood up now. "You think I am kidding? Hm?" Slowly, he began to walk towards Jungkook. "There, your grandma just arrived." Jimin chuckled and pointed at the kitchen. Jungkook looked around like a person scared to death. "This is what Taehyung wanted you to figure out, hm?"

"Jimin, I beg you. Please stop, I am scared."

"Shh, shh, shh... They won't harm you," Jimin assured as he kept walking forward and Jungkook kept his feet moving backward. "The goldfish... You know, in many mythologies, fish bring good luck in the house."

Jungkook's shaky body looked around. He could see no one and Jimin talked to non-existent people as if they were right there.

"Without them, I can't control who comes and goes. They filter out good spirits and prohibit the evil ones to come inside the house."

Jimin spoke so sincerely that he meant and believed in every word he said. "And you threw them away."

Jungkook shivered as he shook his head side to side.

The distance between them was getting killed and Jimin as if turned blind to Jungkook's condition. The teen shook so hard with goosebumps all over his body. He didn't know if Jimin was going to punish him again for throwing the fish or for hiding the letter from Taehyung.

He pushed the man and took an opportunity to run into the room and closed it. His phone chimed, and with shaky hands, he looked at the notification of Jimin's texts.

I can't come inside, but they can.

Come on out, sweetie. You wanted to know me, right? You were angry that I hid from you. I was trying to protect you.

What do you think of me now, huh? Am I still your hot and sexy husband?

What happened now? Hate me?

Don't like what you hear?

Talk to them for me, baby. They are in the room. They won't go unless you talk to them.

Make sure you talk.

Chapter Text

Jimin was passed out on the couch and his eyes opened to an ajar door. He remembered everything gradually and just as he recollected the whole story, he jostled upright. His head felt vertigo as he cupped it with both hands and looked around. 

The house was completely dark and empty. Accumulating up on his feet, he ran into the room. "Jungkook?" His words ceased when he found no trace of Jungkook. 

"Baby? Where are you?" Jimin ran madly to check all the rooms on his floor, but they were all empty and cold. 

He ran up to the upper floor and then the ground floor to find no one in the big house but only himself. Opening the house exit door, he looked around the ocean in a hope that Jungkook might have stepped out for some air. When Jimin finally concluded that the boy wasn't present anywhere, he thumped down on the shore of the ocean over the cold sand. "It's cold outside, baby. You catch a cold so quickly. Why did you run out?" Jimin croaked loudly, trying to hold the sand in his palms and it wouldn't stay in his fists and slither away, just like Jungkook.

He looked around the cars and found that one car was missing. Jimin immediately knew that Jungkook was with whom. He called the driver.

Jimin's driver received a call while driving and he hesitated to pick it up. Jungkook was asleep on the back seat. The way the boy was crying over the phone, or how he hugged the man when he arrived there, he knew what must have happened. He had seen Jimin's attacks, and he couldn't handle them. He knew what Jungkook must be have gone through. He told Jimin many times to tell Jungkook about all of it. Only if he listened. 

The driver disconnected the call, but Jimin called again. 

He knew that he had to talk to Jimin if he didn't want him to spiral further out of control. So, he decided to text Jimin instead. 

He is with me. We are driving back to Busan. 

Jimin dropped on the bed after seeing the text from his uncle and tears fell over the screen of his phone. He'd lost Jungkook. 

Please take care of him.

**

Jimin sat in the same position for the whole night. Everything in his mind had calmed down as if the storm had left and the waves now lapped on each other slowly, trying to recover from the blow, but they were in pain. It hurt. 

The sun was up and his blank stare on the wall was hindered when he received a call that made his heart leap. He looked at the screen and it was from Aunt. 

Clearing his throat, he picked it. "Jimin, is everything okay, son?"

"Jungkook arrived there?" Jimin asked slowly. 

"Yeah, but he is constantly crying and he isn't talking about anything. We are worried. Are you fine?"

"No," Jimin replied and tears burned his eyes again. It made Niz think that Jimin was hurt physically. He wiped the tears quickly while his chin quivered. "But I will be. Please take care of my Jungkook. I will come to bring him back in a few days."

"Did you two fight?" Niz asked in haste. 

"Something like that. But tell him that I still love him like I always did. I will come after a few days once he is well-rested."

"Why did you fight, son? I can help if you tell me."

Jimin opened his mouth to say but no words came out. He tried, he tried really hard, but then he simply disconnected the call. 

Niz ran back into Jungkook's room and the teenager hugged his aunt hard and sobbed madly. "Baby, tell me. What's wrong?" 

Jungkook could only sob like he had lost everything. "Did he... Did he hurt you?" Niz asked hesitantly. She knew Jimin loved Jungkook too much to do that, but the boy's condition was hinting at it.

Every question, Jungkook answered by shaking his head. Niz knew that Jungkook needed some time. She left the room after calming him a little and asking him to take some rest.  

Jungkook laid on the bed with closed eyes, but he had no clue how to sleep anymore. He didn't know what to do anything anymore. He didn't know what to tell his aunt? How could he say anything about his husband to anyone else that could dent Jimin's reputation?  No matter how scared he was of Jimin, he was still married to him, and he still loved him. 

**

Jimin dangled upside down on the gym bar. His veins over the forehead were popping and his blood was rushing to his head. Unable to support this position with his legs, he situated his hands on the floor as he whimpered in pain.

Nothing felt good to him. No amount of luxury gave him comfort. He knew he had to take medicines, but he was in no way under his own control to think straight or get out to do anything. He missed his Jungkook, the adorable boy he has for his husband. He missed Jungkook's giggles in the house, he missed how the boy was too much work to wake up in the morning, but he loved waking him up. He missed Jungkook's fragrance and his squishy cheeks against his palms. He missed the warmth in his embrace or his moans in the bedroom. Everything hurt. Each nerve in his body felt like it had given up. 

He laid on the floor, completely stiff and steady. His chest raised faintly and fell as he breathed slowly. The corner of his eyes constantly pushed down the tears and he sniffed from time to time. Why couldn't he control it? Why didn't he make Jungkook feel safe? Would Jungkook ever trust him again? Would he ever feel safe with him? Would he ever let him kiss him on those pretty lips and hug him?

Jimin felt too ashamed of himself. Jungkook believed in him, respected him, relied on him as he knew that he would take good care of him. But what now? Jungkook must think that Jimin was too broken and incapable of anything. He stopped breathing all of a sudden when he discerned a presence in the house.  He had no courage to turn back and see, but he was sure it wasn't Jungkook and anyone else other than Jungkook really didn't matter anymore. 

What if there was a burglar? He would be happy if someone just killed him so the pain would end, so the embarrassment would go away. 

"Son?" His mother's voice made him cock his head around and a hard sob left his lips and the woman crouched down and pulled his head on her lap. 

"He left me. I was afraid of it. I didn't tell him because he'd get scared. Now he did. He left me, Eomma..." Jimin sobbed, hugging the torso of his mother. 

"He is scared, honey. But he'll understand. Give him some time. Shhh..." Mrs. Park stroked Jimin's hair. "Did you eat your medicine?"

"No, what's even the point? My Jungkook is gone."

**

Around dinner time, Jungkook walked out and Niz smiled at him. "Feeling better?"

Jungkook nodded.

"Hungry yet?"

He nodded again.

Niz made him sit at the table and served him everything he loved to eat. The whole spread reminded Jungkook of the day when Niz prepared the same meal almost a year ago when he had decided he'd stop thinking about Jimin and let him go. Jimin was invited here as his aunt surprised him.  

Jungkook wondered if he actually did. What would be his life right now? He'd certainly be in the prison of his parents, but he wouldn't feel his heart yanked apart to shreds. 

Silent tears rolled down his cheeks as he ate. His grandfather looked at him and put his hand over his hair. "What happened, Kookie?"

"I am sorry, grandpa. I can't tell you," Jungkook shook his head with his pleading. He knew he had to answer the elders. 

"Why is that?" The grandpa oddly smiled. 

Jungkook sniffled and shrugged.

"When I was young, one day, I came late from work and found your grandmother strolling in the courtyard, waiting for me. When she asked me why was I late, I yelled at her because I was angry after the whole day of work. She didn't appreciate my tone and I didn't know why she was so agitated. She took Shay with her and went to her parents' house."

Jungkook stopped crying there as he concentrated on the story. 

"I went to bring her back. Her family asked me this very question and I told them that I was sorry and that I yelled at her, but she didn't tell her own family why was she so angry at me as she didn't want them to feel any less of me." 

Jungkook gulped.

"It's okay if you don't want to tell us too. It only means you care about him in every sense. It's going to be okay, Kookie."

Chapter Text

Jungkook was in pain. His head was hurting for a day, but he thought it was just too much stress that got the best of him and if he slept, he'd feel alright. He was wearing his spectacles so he didn't think it could be related to his eyesight, also, it was nothing like how he felt at university when he had a headache the first time. It was the worst. 

Four days ago, he got one text from Jimin. He couldn't help but cry looking at it. The text was simple, yet impactful.

How are you, doll? Take good care of your health. 

The pain started ever since. It was the seventh day since he had left Seoul. As he was getting up slowly, his mouth left a shriek that caused Niz to run to him. "What is it?" She barged into his room and leaned down on the bed.

"My head. It feels like it will split and my brain will fall down," Jungkook sat stiffly as the painful whimpers left his mouth because if he moved even the slightest bit, it felt like his insides were moving with him - being broken free in the skull.

"Can you walk slowly, son? I will take you to the hospital." Niz asked but Jungkook only screamed and cried. He really couldn't move even a little because with every tremble in his body, his pain multiplied.

Niz ran out of the room and called Jimin before calling the doctor to pay a home visit as Jungkook wasn't in a condition to move at all. She wasn't sure if she should also call the teen's parents, but in the end, she did.

**

A room was knocked and the man inside beamed. "Come in, Hyung!" He called with a hopeful smile.

Just as the door opened, Leo came into the picture and Taehyung stopped smiling. He couldn't speak when Namjoon also followed behind Leo.

"How are you?" The older asked affectionately. Taehyung nodded, unable to form words, and looked away from Leo. "Oh, crap! I forgot to lock the car. I will be right back." Namjoon told the two and bounded out of the room.

"I am sorry," Taehyung told Leo, breaking the ice as they stood near the door.

"Hey, no. You don't have to apologize for anything. You haven't done me any wrong?" Leo flashed a small smile. 

Taehyung pondered hard if he really did not do anything wrong with Leo? His whole life, he couldn't do anything selfless, but now he realized that by not encouraging or lying about his real feelings towards Leo, he did the right thing for the first time in life. It made him smile.

"I have a boyfriend now," Leo breathed out and Taehyung freely smiled.

"Does he know you have come to see me?"

"Actually, he is the one who drove me here." Leo blushed a little. "I really liked you Taehyung. I... was a mess when I couldn't catch you that day and Namjoon refused to tell me anything. I met my boyfriend around that time and he sort of fished me out of the dark pit. He knows everything about us."

"I am surprised," Taehyung chuckled. "But I really am sorry for not returning your feelings. I wish I could. But I just love someone else."

"I know," Leo looked down, simpering a little. "So? when are you returning home?"

"Soon," Taehyung grinned.

** 

Jungkook laid straight and tried to move his head to the left. It didn't hurt. He whipped it to the right, it didn't hurt. The doctor had given him an injection for pain so he felt fine for four hours. But when he tried to lift his head up from the bed, the pain returned and it struck its deadly presence in such a way that Jungkook cried like he did when his father beat him.

It was on cue that Jimin entered the house at the same time as Jungkook began to cry, and he ran when he heard the wailing. Behind Jimin, Mrs. Jeon followed close.

Niz's hands were shaky as she looked up at Jimin who opened the room door ajar and dashed in without a second thought. He immediately crouched on the floor, taking in Jungkook's thick tears, his veins thumping on his temples, swollen, his face puffy and red.

"Baby, shhh... It's going to be okay," Without thinking, he hooked his arms under Jungkook's back and thighs to pick him up, and just as he did, Jungkook screamed louder.

"NO! NO! NO! PLEASE NO!"

"It's his head, it hurts if it moves." Niz suddenly supported Jungkook's head in her palms and Jimin couldn't understand for a minute what to do.

Mrs. Jeon also walked into the room but maintained her distance and only saw how Jimin was also tearing up at her son's pain.

"Jimin," Jungkook sobbed, his tears running down through the corner of his eyes, falling into his ears and then leading astray. "It's not true. An apple a day- it is not true."

Jimin didn't answer and only very slowly turned around to get out of the room while Niz had to stride close with them as she supported Jungkook's head.

**

Jimin waited outside as Jungkook went through diagnosis. Everyone was silent and Jimin was in deep thoughts. He knew he'd punish himself if the diagnosis wasn't favorable. Jungkook was given sedatives so he was sleeping. Mrs. Jeon was sitting beside Niz and the latter was hoping that Jungkook and Jimin would talk and clear things off.

Hours passed and Jimin dropped the ladies back home before coming back to the hospital. His father arrived before he had to leave. When Jimin returned, the diagnosis result was ready.

"What is it?" He asked the doctor and the man smiled.

"Nothing really. He is completely fine, just severely stressed. Whatever it is, please work on it and as soon as he starts feeling happy, the inflammation will also subside." The doctor assured.

"Where's the inflammation?"

"Blood vessels over here," The doctor put his hand over his head to show the man.

Jimin nodded.

"I will do my best."

**

The next morning, Jungkook woke up to see everyone in the room except Jimin. The boy groaned and Mr. Park patted his head. "Take it easy, son."

"How long was I sleeping?" He asked.

"One night," Mr. Park chuckled, caressing the boy's cheek now.

Jungkook purred at the affection and Mr. Park wished Jimin was here to see, but his stubborn son didn't want to come in front of Jungkook because that was the only way the boy could be happy without thinking about him.

Everyone talked to Jungkook one by one. Mrs. Park also visited and left, but Jimin didn't show up. Jungkook wanted to ask, but he was really not ready in honesty.

He missed Jimin so much, but he still got goosebumps whenever he'd remember the last night in Seoul. He loved Jimin and he was equally scared of Jimin. All these days, he was thinking and kept overthinking. What if Jimin really harmed him one day? Would Jimin ever be able to control his anger and aggression? It was just a bruise last time, what if Jimin would do something more chronic the next time?

In the evening, the doctor came for the checkup and it was as if on cue, Jimin walked into the ward and Jungkook's eyes fell on the man. Slowly he blinked away as Jimin trudged closer. "Look here very slowly," the doctor instructed and Jungkook did. "Here, move your head slowly. Yes, that's good. Slower." The doctor kept instructing.

Jimin anxiously stood close and Jungkook inhaled deeply to get in the familiar cologne that made him go crazy a few weeks ago. As pain suddenly struck him, Jungkook scrunched his face, and Jimin lurked to hold his hand. "Easy there, baby."

The doctor hummed. "Take medicine for one more day and we will check again tomorrow?" 

Jungkook blinked in response and Jimin left the hand he held. The doctor walked out of the ward soon after. "Thank you, Jimin." The boy's small voice made the older look down at him and he sat beside him on the same bed.

"You get well real quick for me. I don't want your thank you." 

Jungkook smiled and Jimin's heart began to beat in a euphoric state. After a miserable week, he had finally hope. If he convinced Jungkook enough to talk and begged for forgiveness, he was sure he might get it from his husband. 

The routine was all as it was and another day passed. When the doctor performed his checkup, Jungkook was in a much better condition. He could lift his head up today, but slowly, and it hurt very little. It was progress. 

"You can go home now, Jungkook. Keep taking medicines and continue to come for a checkup once a day."

Jungkook happily looked at Niz. 

Jimin was more than happy to drop everyone back at home. "I will come tomorrow to take you to the hospital." He told the boy after helping him in the bed of his bedroom. 

"No, it's fine. Aunty can take me," Jungkook replied, feeling his breath huffing after the small walk. 

"I will come at the same time, be ready." Jimin disregarded the plea and involuntarily leaned down to kiss the boy's forehead before he returned to his own house, wanting to give a little more space to Jungkook.

Chapter Text

Jimin drove Jungkook to the hospital the next day, the ride was extremely silent yet comfortable. The older sighed as he looked at Jungkook leaning back at the seat. "How was your day?" The former asked the latter after a few minutes.

"Okay," Jungkook replied, unable to look at Jimin so he held his seatbelt and played with it. 

"Do you feel any pain?" Jimin asked, stealing a quick glance at the beautiful face and hoping that he'd get to kiss it again soon. 

"Not like before."

Jimin resumed being silent again as the drive continued. 

As they arrived at the hospital, Jimin rushed out to open the door for Jungkook. "Thank you," the younger inhaled with his nodding, but kept his eyes on the ground. 

Jimin looked around. The day wasn't sunny and he was feeling nervous. What if it rained? Leaving the car outside, they walked slowly inside the hospital. Jungkook was a little ahead of Jimin and the man only kept his eyes on the teen's body as he slowly walked. He smelled so good that Jimin wanted to grab him and just stick his nose in the teen's neck, hugging him close. 

Was this progress? Jimin didn't know. But it was something. His husband had allowed him to take him to the hospital alone. It meant that Jungkook was trying to not be scared of him. 

They sat in the doctor's office. Jimin observed silently as the doctor asked Jungkook to do certain movements and the boy was able to do them without scrunching his face. The doctor then smiled, and so did Jimin. "Good job, Jungkook. Medicine for two more days and then you won't need me anymore."

Jungkook happily beamed at the doctor at the news.

"Mr. Park?" The doctor then addressed Jimin. "I am going to change the medicines for the last two days." Jimin nodded and accepted the prescription from the doctor's hand.

The checkup was finally done and they walked out of the office to make a beeline towards the exit.

**

"You can go sit in the car." Jimin unlocked the car door with his remote and Jungkook trudged ahead while Jimin entered the pharmacy to get the medicines.

Jungkook decided to wait outside the car as he saw Jimin buying the prescription from a distance when he heard someone whistle at him. He turned around to see someone familiar. As their eyes met, Jungkook gulped because the figure began to move towards him. 

Jungkook knew this face very well, but he couldn't recollect the name. It was the guy whose younger brother was a senior in his school, and his family lived in front of his parents' house.

"It's been so long, Jungkook... Where did you run off to? Don't you have any mercy for me?" The boy asked. Jungkook now remembered the name. He was Shari who had a crush on him, the same guy who dove to catch the ball in the baseball match to impress Jungkook many years ago.

Blinking his eyes, Jungkook opened the car door to get inside when Shari lurked and held his wrist. "Please, Jungkook," Jungkook's breath got caught inside his lungs as he looked at Shari's hand that was on his wrist with wide, panic-stricken eyes. "I couldn't ever get to express it. I need to know if rumors are true about you. Everyone says that you ran away with someone. I...Really like you, Jungkook. I have liked you for four years."

"L-leave m-me..." Jungkook felt his body tremble. 

"I will if you talk to me at least once like a normal person and hear me out." Shari raised his hand to touch Jungkook's face, and the teenager flinched back before he felt a jolt on his body when Jimin pulled Shari away like plucking lice from hair and harshly kicked him on the ground. 

Jungkook gasped and his legs felt like jelly. He couldn't move, couldn't scream, and only looked at everything.

After inflicting one punch on the face, two kicks on the guts, and many strikes on the arm, Jimin sat over the other boy and began to frantically attack his jaw. Jungkook shut his mouth with his palm as tears started rolling out of his eyes. Everything turned blurry and he saw someone pulling Jimin back. Shari was screaming and bleeding mess.

Jungkook wiped his tears quickly when Jimin turned to him. He was terrified. The whole thing had triggered the bad memories inside his brain so he started backing off. 

"Jungkook?" Jimin called loudly when the boy ran. 

Jimin only saw as Jungkook stopped a taxi and got inside. He knew he fucked up again, but at the same time, he couldn't let anyone look at his baby or talk to him the way Shari was doing, let alone touch him. He didn't need mental disorders to act the way he did. He would've thought to kill Shari even if he was normal. 

He immediately followed Jungkook and entered the house right behind him after chasing his cab. Jungkook went straight to his room and Jimin traced closely. "Baby, I- I am sorry."

"It seems like this is the only thing you say to me these days," Jungkook said slowly, his eyes pained and his face dejected. 

"He was trying... To touch you." Jimin reeled, trying as best as he could to not yell.

"You would have killed him." Jungkook glared into Jimin's eyes.

"I-" Jimin's gaze stammered.

"You would have. You would kill me too if I do anything against your wish."

"I won't, I could never, my Jungkook," Jimin suddenly padded ahead only to be stopped by Jungkook when the younger flinched back. "Please baby. I know my words don't give you a lot of assurance. But I promise you in all my senses, I will never harm you again."

Jungkook shook his head quickly, averting his gaze to the ground as though he couldn't look at Jimin's face while breaking his heart. "I know I fucked up bad, but please give me a last chance." Jimin desperately tried to hold Jungkook's hand, but he didn't. 

Jungkook fell back on the bed while holding his head. The headache seemed to have returned as he sobbed. Jimin breathed evenly as he knelt in front of Jungkook and courageously held his hands. "Please, let's just go home. Let's please talk, darling. We can't keep doing this. I know you are scared of me now. I'd be too if I'd seen myself in a situation like you have seen me in. But please understand that I can't help it, Jungkook. If I could, I'd never show you this side of me."

"This is where you made a mistake, Jimin. You should have told me when you first had a panic attack in Jaingyin. I asked you. Did you think I was that shallow that I'd leave you? I loved you so much. I still love you, Jimin. You should have trusted me. I could have helped you, but it's all about would have, could have, should have now. I can't ignore the fact that you have been manipulating me and many other people. I still love you, but I can't be that person who accepts abuse. You hurt me, Jimin."

"I know," Jimin suddenly sobbed voicelessly. His shoulders shook as his tears fell. He bowed his head in front of Jungkook and brought the younger's hand to his own lips. "You can punish me all you want, Jungkook. B-but please... P-please don't leave me alone. Let's start afresh. I promise you, I'll make everything right."

Jungkook slid down from the bed to sit in front of Jimin and hugged him. The two cried in each other's arms. Jungkook wrapped Jimin closely as the man looked so weak and broken. "Please baby, I am begging you. Please come with me. I am incomplete without you now. I can't imagine myself living a fulfilled life if you aren't a part of it."

Jimin's voice muffled down into Jungkook's neck. 

The boy soothed the older's back with one hand while his other remained in a tight grip. "Shh, please don't cry," Jungkook whispered. 

Once he made Jimin stop crying, he pulled away slowly. "I can't, Jimin. I think I need time to think about everything. I am sorry."

Jimin nodded. He knew what he was agreeing to, but waiting for some time was better than losing Jungkook forever. No matter how hard it'd get for him to get sleep in the night or to breathe during the day. He'd wait.

"As long as you need." 

Jimin slowly leaned in and kissed Jungkook's lips softly.

Jungkook closed his eyes and pulled Jimin's head in to deepen the kiss. He didn't know for how long was he going to be away from Jimin, and he needed to savor the kiss one last time before he couldn't anymore, until the next time. 

Chapter Text

Jungkook's alarm rang and he got up immediately. Turning it off and smiling, the first thing he did was to wear his glasses and called his aunt.

"Happy birthday, aunty!" The 19-year-old boy croaked excitedly in his morning voice.

"Thank you, son. How are you?" Niz asked.

"Doing good. What are your plans today?"

"Not much, Kookie... We will have a nice family meal. I wish you could come too." 

Jungkook threw his blanket on the floor and cradled his feet in his slippers. "I would have taken a day off from college, but the semester had just started and I have a lot to adjust with."

"You do that then," Niz instructed. "Don't skip. I was just missing you so it's only natural for me to say those things. Are you taking care of yourself well?"

Jungkook pouted. "I am a big boy now."

"I am proud of you, honey. Study well and come home some time if you feel like."

**

Jungkook walked over to his kitchen and quickly poured himself the cereal after getting ready for the big day. Once done, he did the dishes and washed his hands. Finally wearing his shoes, he opened his drawer and pulled out an envelope from it before running out and getting in his small car.

As he drove off, no sooner than later, he arrived at a building where he parked his car in the basement, and hastily rushed towards the elevator while carrying his satchel bag.

The elevator door opened on the fifth floor and he got out. With long strides, he was inside the office in the next moment. "Hello, Ms. Kim," he bowed.

"Jungkook?" Sa-Rin looked up from her iPad screen and took her glasses off. "You don't have an appointment today."

"I know, but I wanted to come in and ask if you could squeeze me in. I have decided to open the letter today. I think I am ready."

"You think so?" Sa-Rin smiled.

Jungkook nodded and took a chair after Sa-Rin gestured him to. Jungkook was breathing anxiously, and the lady could see how his leg was shaking as he tapped it over the ground.

"How did you feel when you found out about Kitty?" The lady asked again. Over the months, Jungkook had been taking therapy diligently so he could deal with his feelings, and be ready to go back to Jimin as possible.

One year ago, he made a decision. He needed to know how he really felt and figure out a way to not be afraid of Jimin anymore, but Sa-Rin always asked the toughest questions to him, which made it all too difficult. He didn't think it'd take so long, but as the time was now passing, he was feeling like he'd lose Jimin if he waited one more day. One thing was always clear to him, he loved Jimin, no matter what. 

"Jungkook?"

"I felt enraged, betrayed... Dejected."

"How do you feel now?" Sa-Rin closely looked at Jungkook

"I am fine now. It's time to move on. Whatever happened is in the past." Jungkook confidently nodded. 

"Why don't you look at me and say it?" Sa-Rin asked.

Jungkook tried, but he couldn't. He still felt deeply hurt by whatever happened. He needed strong resilience and the ability of forgiveness to forget everything and move on like nothing happened after he had seen the content of the Pendrive that Taehyung had sent him. 

Jimin had sent him a letter after three months of their separation. He couldn't bear to open it. He wasn't ready for whatever it was. He assumed that it might be either of two things, a lie, or a truth. Both lies and truth were going to hurt him equally. He hadn't the strength to find out anything else so he needed to be strong first. Hence, he began taking therapy. 

"It's okay, tell me about your day. What do you like the most about living alone?"

"It has to be not taking showers on holidays." Jungkook grinned.

"I have to agree with you on that," Sa-Rin laughed. "How is your aunt?"

"It's her 38th birthday today," Jungkook announced excitedly. "She was asking me to come home this morning."

"Why don't you go?" Sa-Rin asked.

"It's not because of Jimin," Jungkook defensively replied. "I mean, it's not like he lives near my aunt's place anyway. His parents' home is far from my aunt's place so there is no way I'd cross paths with him."

"I thought you said you were ready." Sa-Rin chuckled now.

"I - I am, but not yet to meet him," Jungkook replied calmly. "I know that it's Jimin who sends me money every month via Aunt and I have acceptance of it. I know that my aunt must think that I don't know about any of it, but I appreciate it. He is my husband, I just don't talk to him anymore."

"What are you ready for then?" Sa-Rin asked, leaning ahead on the table.

**

Jungkook arrived at his old house, his and Jimin's house by the ocean. He often visited here. The house was empty after Jimin moved back to Busan and Jungkook returned to Seoul because of his studies. He rented out an apartment near his university, learned to drive, bought a small car. He was getting things back on track all the while trying to make peace.

Slowly, he sat on the shore and took out the letter from his bag. When it arrived all those months ago, it had a fragrance of Jimin's cologne, but now, it hardly smelled like anything. Lovingly, he tore open the seal and pulled out the paper with a handwritten letter.

My most precious,

I have thought and disregarded the idea of writing to you many times, and I am not sure if I will be able to go through with it until the end because I have a pile in my room I couldn't finish. 

When you hid from me that you have received a letter from Taehyung, it angered me and I felt like I was caught during thievery. It wasn't a good feeling. I didn't want you to find out about me like that. I was angry that the chance of telling you everything myself was taken away from me.

On our honeymoon, I thought about it and I thought hard. You were the happiest I had ever seen you. I didn't want to dim that bright spark in your eyes yet. I won't lie, I wouldn't have told you anything until you were older, perhaps a few more years, but look where it got me today.

When the accident at the gas station happened, it was raining that day. Taehyung told the uncle that he wanted to eat ice cream. Uncle had gone across the road to get it for us.  If it wasn't raining, we wouldn't have needed to take shelter under the petrol pump.

We were waiting for him to come back when a man arrived and he lit a cigarette near the pump. I don't remember anything after that except there was a pungent smell and too much heat. I hugged Taehyung in fear, tried to pull him away from the flames, but we both fell down.

 When I woke up in the hospital, I saw a man who was smiling at me. I couldn't tell at first if he was smiling or making fun of my injuries, but then I looked at him as he pointed at the aquarium of the infirmary room.

I asked him who he was and what was he doing here?

He told me he was my great great grandfather and as long as I wanted to talk to him, he said to keep those fishes near me. I was already diagnosed with OCD at that time. I thought that this was happening because of the accident and it'd go away.

When I recovered and returned home, my parents didn't think twice and got me an aquarium for my room after I asked them. They suspected nothing.

Over the next few days, I kept talking to him...my mother heard me many times at night. She thought it was all the trauma after the accident.  I was liking talking to my great great grandfather, but it got worse when one day, I saw a strange face in my room. It was an old lady and she threatened me that if I didn't talk to a girl in my school, she'd kill me.

I told my parents about it and they took me to the hospital. They performed an assessment but nothing came out concrete.  It didn't stop. I kept seeing strange people. One day, I tried to kill myself.

When I woke up in a hospital, they told me I was diagnosed with Charles Bonnet Syndrome. A group of disorders where I was having hallucinations and seeing dead people.

I wasn't convinced that it was any disorder because when I talked to the girl in school, I came to know that her grandmother had passed away a few days ago and that she had no friends. The old lady wanted me to be her grand daughter's friend. 

I know it will scare you, but I still don't think I have a disorder. I see them as clear as anything. They are as real as you and me, baby. I know I am sick and I don't deserve a perfect human like you.

Here I come clean with everything. I am not denying anything. What you asked me about Kitty and all those girls, it was all true. Please forgive me.  I thought I would make it through. if I kept everything under control, I thought I'd be able to create a beautiful life out of myself. I forgot I was a big mess and I didn't deserve anything. By marrying you, I put you in danger.

It's good that you are staying away from me. I am willing to sign for the divorce if you need me to. Just say the word, Jungkook. I will do anything to make it right for you. I was selfish to love you madly.

Forever yours

Jimin

Chapter Text

Two months later

Jungkook received a call early in the morning. He picked it and just as he heard the words from another side, he blankly stared at the wall. He couldn't move for some time, collecting his thoughts.

Once he had made his thoughts streamlined, he rushed to pack a small bag before texting Candy that he wasn't going to be in college for the next few days. 

As he stepped out of the house, the tears he had managed to keep safe, rolled out. Not only he had lost his grandfather a few hours ago, but his aunt was also technically an orphan now. 

An hour from his home to the Airport felt like only a blink of an eye with how much he was immersed in his thoughts. When his grandmother passed away a year and a half ago, Jimin was with him to take care of him. He handled the situation well regardless.

Getting in the flight was another blink and he landed before he could say anything to anyone. Just as he was nearing the home, the anxiety in him was building more and more. He never thought as a kid he'd see the days when he'd lose his grandparents. It happened finally and there wasn't anything he could do to stop it. All the time he'd spent with them suddenly felt like it was too little. He felt angry at the creator for snatching away the two people he loved.

The outside of the house was a big boodle. He could see many cars and people. All he could think of now was of the dreaded day his grandmother died and how his aunt and his mother quarreled. 

Jungkook didn't know that tears were running astray on his face, blurring his glasses when he finally got inside the house through the open gate. He could see familiar faces, his family and extended family. Some of them assuringly nodded at him, and some turned their heads away.

Jungkook had to find Niz. He walked past his parents, looking at them with quivering lips. Mr. Jeon looked away and Mrs. Jeon couldn't say anything even though it looked like she wanted to. 

Jungkook found Niz and hugged her. The lady was very much aghast. She wasn't crying anymore, but just as she felt the boy hug her, she teared up.

Jungkook then went to the coffer to pay his last regards as he silently cried.

"Oppa," Momo spotted Jungkook as she mumbled slowly and walked over to him. 

Jungkook's eyes fell on Jimin at a distance just as he turned to hug Momo and his heart stopped. Jimin was looking at him and he couldn't tear his eyes away as well, even if he wanted to. The distance between them felt too big. Neither Jimin moved from his space nor Jungkook. 

He could see Jimin's face pale as if he wasn't eating all that well. His eyes had dark circles and his lips were chapped. Even with everything, the man was still the most beautiful man present in the house. 

Jungkook noticed how Jimin's face twitched constantly and he felt like someone had pushed his heart down to the earth's crust. Did he make the right decision? He knew he needed time, but thinking about himself, he forgot how would Jimin take it. He only expected that Jimin would also work on betterment, but looking at him now, Jungkook was sure that Jimin had gotten even worst. All these months and all the suffering. Did it count for nothing at all if they were still standing where they had left off from?

**

Once the funeral rites were performed, the guests left slowly. Jimin and his family, Mr. Lee, Jungkook's parents, and his sister were left behind.

Jimin built the courage to talk to Jungkook, but he couldn't. The younger seemed like he was doing fine without him, and Jimin didn't want to be selfish anymore. If Jungkook wanted, he could have contacted him. If not on his own, he at least would have responded to his letter. He stood in the courtyard, thinking about the beautiful time in his life and also the most dreaded one. His dilemma was put to rest at once when he heard the euphonious voice. "Hi."

"He- Hey, Jungkook. How are you doing?" Jimin tried to smile a little. 

"Better than before," Jungkook smiled purely at the older. "I have been taking therapy and talking about us with Dr. Kim. I am also doing good in college. I was wondering about how you were doing?"

Jimin didn't know how to respond to it. Did he mess it up again? He realized that Jungkook must have had a few expectations from him when he was putting so much effort to try and get over the horrors. Shouldn't he have been working on it too?

"I've been better," Jimin replied, unbidden.

"I read your letter," Jungkook said quickly. 

"You did?" Jimin's lips now edged up a little. 

"Yeah."

"What did you think of it? Why didn't you write me back?"

"Can I be honest with you, Jimin?" Jungkook sighed and folded his hands behind his back, looking at the ground for a moment.

"I understood you better. Sure. But at the same time, I felt by your words that you have accepted your fate and forced yourself to believe that you have already been beaten," the words took Jimin aback. "And we live in 2022. You could have texted me." Jungkook chuckled a little. 

"Yeah - I know... That part was a bit overboard, but I wanted to make it as emotional as I was feeling and nothing says heartfelt than a handwritten letter."

Jungkook blushed a little as he smiled to the ground. When his eyes from behind the glasses averted back up, he inhaled in deeply to stir the intense gaze of his husband. "I am still working on me, Jimin. I hope you can give me some more time."

"As I said, Jungkook," here Jimin was, thinking that he'd never hear from Jungkook. "As long as you need," Jimin replied and this time, he was determined to start doing everything right by himself too.

**

Jungkook was driving Niz's car in the evening to get the groceries for the house. Everyone had faced a huge loss, but he somehow managed to find peace after talking to Jimin. He knew that he made Jimin also feel the same peace that was warming up his heart. 

As he entered the grocery store, he found a few people toppling over each other. Jungkook wanted to stop the fight, but he had a big day and he didn't want to be involved in anything. He turned around and walked away. 

"Sir, there are people fighting in the aisle," Jungkook informed the security responsibly and made a beeline towards the vegetable section. 

He could hear voices yelling so he shook his head to not pay attention before he heard a familiar voice. "Juhwan!" The voice yelled and Jungkook's hand started shivering. 

He wanted to call Jimin, but then he lined up his thoughts. He wasn't going to be scared anymore. Otherwise, all those years of staying away from Jimin and working on himself would all go in vain. With strength and courage, he got around the aisle to sneak a peek and when his eyes really fell on Taehyung, he knew he had to leave. 

Taehyung was holding a boy in his arms and the boy seemed to be heavily drunk or passed out. "Jeon Juhwan! Open your eyes!" Taehyung shook his cheeks, but the boy didn't move as Jungkook saw. 

Jungkook didn't know who Juhwan was, or he couldn't even see the boy as he wasn't facing him. Collecting the bare minimum he needed, he rushed to the billing counter. Thankfully, no one followed him and he walked out with his grocery bag. He was putting it inside the car when Taehyung's voice made him jump. 

"Jungkook?" Taehyung stepped back as he comprehended how shaky Jungkook's body was. "I mean no harm." He held his hands up so that the younger boy would know he wasn't going to harm him. 

"Don't speak my name. Don't you dare speak to me!" Jungkook yelled even though he was terrified of Taehyung. 

"I deserve it but please at least listen to me. I am getting married." Taehyung pleaded with his hands still surrendered in the air.

"Fuck off!" Jungkook got inside the car, closed the door, and drove off like a maniac.  

Taehyung sighed and ran back into the store to check on Juhwan, the spitting image of Jeon Jungkook. As much as he'd no clue what the two boys were doing back in Busan on the same day, he had to help the drunk one. 

Chapter Text

Taehyung helped Juhwan up and put him in his car after carrying him out. He drove having no idea where the teen lived. "Juhwan?" He called and the younger opened his eyes.

"Hey!" Juhwan swayed a little and Taehyung held him in his place with one hand so he wouldn't unfasten the seat belt. "I think I have seen you somewhere."

"No," Taehyung pulled over at the side. "Do you know where you live?"

"Mm..." The boy pouted and nodded. Taehyung averted his eyes from the boy to the road.

"Where do you live? I will drop you home."

Juhwan unlocked his phone and shoved it in front of Taehyung's face. The man stared at the location and then at Juhwan who closed his eyes again. Hesitantly, he drove the boy to the area which wasn't really known for anything good. The goons, local thieves, and contractors lived there. He himself had hired people multiple times in the past.

When they arrived, Taehyung had to hold Juhwan to support him as they walked multiple sets of stairs.

Just as he put the boy in bed after getting inside a small apartment, Juhwan passed out with no clue of his surroundings. If there was anyone else, he could have exploited the boy sexually or in many other ways. Taehyung gulped as he thought about it and it made him shudder. He jostled when the home phone rang.

Taehyung walked over to the voice slowly but it stopped ringing by then. He read the notification on the screen.
16 new voicemails.

He pressed the pound key and one by one, the voicemails began to play.

Juhwan-ah... Come back home. We will manage somehow. Your father is going to sell his field. Please call me.

Taehyung looked at the date and found it a week old. He went to listen to the next voicemails. Each one of them said the same thing.

Putting the receiver back, he turned to the boy again. Juhwan had a sheer resemblance to Jungkook. He couldn't help but walk closer and sit beside him.

He kept gazing at the boy's closed eyes and he could tell how Juhwan's heart was racing. He knew all about drunkenness and its side effects. Slowly, his hand rubbed over the boy's head and then he retreated.

As he sat there for a long time, he thought and thought some more. Finally, he pulled out his phone and called Namjoon. Once done, he stood up, took one last glance at the boy, and turned around. He tried hard to walk away but he couldn't, not until he moved closer and leaned down to peck the boy's cheeks.

**

Jimin walked into an office and looked at the male sitting across the table. "Please, Mr. Park. Have a seat." The man asked when he felt there was a bit of hesitation in Jimin's steps.

Jimin looked down as if he was ashamed of many things, but he accepted the offer to sit. "How are you doing today?" The doctor asked with a bright smile. 

"I am... Better now." Jimin looked up, nodding a little. 

"Why don't you introduce yourself again, Mr. Park. I know you have done so over the phone, but it's different when we do it one-on-one." 

Jimin gulped and determinedly inhaled. He had to do this. He couldn't lose Jungkook again. "I am Jimin, a man who had found love in a blink of an eye and lost him in a heartbeat. I need you to help me so that once he comes back, he won't leave me again."

The doctor encouraged him with a smile. "I took him away from his house, got married to him," Jimin chuckled bitterly as he reminisced. "I didn't tell him about my mental situation. You must know from the files that I sent over that I have OCD and Charles Bonnet syndrome. I want you to help me be in control, doctor. I don't want to hurt Jungkook anymore." 

"Do you have Jungkook's picture with you?" The doctor asked.

Jimin nodded, his eyes gleamed with thick tears as he pulled out his wallet and dug the polaroid of Jungkook from their honeymoon. The boy was a bit drunk, his face was flushed and he was grinning innocently.

"Your Jungkook is adorable." The doctor complimented when Jimin flashed him the picture.

Jimin smiled and the tear fell from his eyes that we wiped. "He is the kindest and sweetest person. He is working hard, taking therapy for over a year so when we meet again, he would know how to make our relationship work," the doctor advanced his hand and patted Jimin's arm when the latter began to sniffle softly. "I have been mulling in my own demons. I can't control them, but I want to now. I met him today and he was disappointed with the letter I sent to him a year ago."

"What did you say in that letter?" The doctor asked. 

"I told him how I started seeing dead people and how I don't believe that I don't have any syndrome. I told him what I see is real. But I want to get a grip on my mind. I want to be able to accept that I am sick, that I don't really see the deal people. Please help me, doctor." Jimin held the man's hands and bawled.

The doctor had to get up from his chair to get to Jimin as he calmed him. He offered the crying male water and sat beside him once the broken man had stopped crying. "This is what we are going to do, Jimin. You and I... We will put Jungkook's picture here for now," Jimin let go of the picture and handed it to the doctor who placed it on a table. "Now, I want you to think about something that would make you angry, lose control." 

Jimin whimpered as he thought about something and shook his head. 

"Now, I want you to imagine that Jungkook was the one who did it."

Jimin closed his fist and his face scrunched. The tears rolled down his cheeks and he screamed, shaking his head like a maniac. "I don't want to hurt him!"

"Then don't," The doctor held Jimin's hands. "Look at him, look at his smile. Channel that anger into another emotion. He is your one and only. You can do it."  

**

The next day, Jungkook walked into the kitchen. Niz hadn't eaten anything the entire day yesterday so he decided to cook something for her and Momo.  As he began to clean up everything and ready the station to cook, his mother walked into the kitchen. 

Jungkook craned his neck to see, but then he got back to his work without saying a word. "Jungkook?" The woman called wryly and the teenager set down everything in his hands on the kitchen island before turning. Shay stepped closer. "Come back home." She asked, still holding onto her egoistic tone. 

"What home?" Jungkook asked in his low voice while taking out the pans from a drawer. 

"You are suffering for your wrong decision and you still are not bending a little. That imbecile wasn't your worth. Now that you have learned your lesson, come home. We are leaving Busan now because of Momo's college. We can start afresh. No one has to know about anything that happened in the place. We will have a new place and a clean slate."

"Who are you calling an imbecile?" Jungkook asked, setting this down on the kitchen island and turning around.

"You know who," Shay raised her voice. 

"I am in love with Jimin. You don't deserve to know what happened between us and you are incapable to understand love and feelings. Don't say another word for my husband," Jungkook proudly enunciated the word. "Your home was never my home. He is my home. I'd rather die than come back to you and your majestic ego."

"You are paying for your sins, Jungkook. I thought you'd be wise about it, but no. Guess some people never learn."

"Yes, they don't. Their deceitful idea of reputation is so much for them that they forget humanity, they forget about their child's pain. They have no acceptance of who their child is, but you know...they will regret it all when they are on their deathbed alone, breathing their last breaths. They ought not to expect their child to show up. Because I won't."

Before Shay could raise her hand on Jungkook, he retreated his steps and walked out of the kitchen, meaning every single word he said. 

Meanwhile, Juhwan woke up and looked around the messy space. He sat up on the bed to blankly stare at nothing and yawned before falling back to the bed. 

His eyes then fell on the dresser to see a few papers there that he didn't put. Groaning, he trudged towards them while his head pulsed as though it was ready to break open. 

When his eyes glided through a paper, he found a check of five hundred million wons with a signature of Kim Taehyung. 

Chapter Text

Two years later

"I am twenty-five and do you know how much I have gained and lost by now?" Taehyung asked the waiter who brought his cappuccino. The boy only shrugged, looking around so he could ask for help. "Sit down." The man patted a chair and the waiter hesitantly shook his head.

"A lot," Taehyung nodded, continuing as if he was talking to a friend, and the waiter looked as if he'd cry. "I have experienced love, my first love, lost my first friends and my wife."

Meanwhile, Jimin entered the cafe and looked around to find the one whom he came to meet. He took off his sunglasses and tucked them in his jacket's chest pocket. A girl started playing with her hair just as Jimin's eyes traveled on her for a moment and flashed him a smile.

Jimin scoffed, shaking his head with a mischievous smile over his lips. "Still got it." He mumbled. 

"Of course! You are just twenty-five." Jimin's smile slowly shrunk as he turned around to see his former best friend.

Slowly, he took a seat, placing his hands over the table. "Make it quick, I don't have much time."

"I got married," Taehyung voiced, looking into Jimin's eyes with a smile.

"So I heard," Jimin replied wryly. 

"I didn't feel peace, ever," Taehyung confessed. 

Jimin raised his brows, flipping his head with a roll of his eyes, a face that said, you-deserved-it. 

Taehyung chuckled gleefully at his friend's response. "She died, Jimin," Jimin immediately looked at Taehyug with a smile replacing shock and pained expressions, his mouth going dry. "I didn't talk to her for days. She didn't even know what her fault was, and one day, something happened that made me realize that she was innocent in all of this." Taehyung waited for Jimin to say something.

The man didn't say anything and just gazed at his former friend. "I am sorry," he whispered, imagining the pain of losing a partner. Although Jungkook was still out there, taking his time, Jimin couldn't imagine what he'd do without that last sliver of hope that one day, the boy would come back to fall in his arms. 

"I wish it was me," Taehyung chortled sourly. "You know, Jimin, the day I realized that I was ruining yet another innocent, was the day I also realized how patient she was. As I was stepping closer to her, I really saw her beauty. She stood in her place, and the first thing she ever asked me after months of our wedding was if I was okay." Taehyung wiped his tears. 

Jimin teared up too, unable to hate Taehyung anymore.

Over the years, he had all the time to realize that his relationship was doomed, to begin with, as it was built on lies, even without Taehyung's interjection.

"Taehyung...I forgive, you."

"And I forgive you, Jimin," Taehyung replied, smiling brightly through his teary eyes.

**

"Come down, Jimin!" Mrs. Park knocked on the door.

"I am not listening, mother. I have made up my mind. Please give me some privacy," he replied without opening the door.

"I said, open it!" Mrs. Park banged harder on the door and Jimin groaned.

"So childish," shaking his head, he sauntered towards the door, and just as he opened it, he saw Jungkook standing with his hands folded behind his back. Mrs. Park smiled and slowly retreated her steps.

Jimin's breathe shook as he tried to stop every movement in his body to just look at the love of his life. "May I come in?" Jungkook asked calmly, but inwardly, he was also freaking out. Jimin was decked up in a dark pink sweater and black pants as Jungkook glanced at him.

The older felt that it was unreal, that Jungkook was just an illusion. That was until Jungkook sneezed and jostled him out of his trance. "P-please," Jimin stepped aside and beckoned the younger in. "Come in."

Jungkook slowly walked into the room. When he was here last time, they made love on the same bed which was now at the center of the room. In place of the fish aquarium, there were fresh flower vases and Jungkook couldn't help but notice that the broken doll frame was also gone.

"Sit, please," Jimin offered Jungkook a place on the bed, and the young man slowly occupied it. 

Jimin plopped down a little far from Jungkook, closely speculating him. The teenager was now a young man, his muscles were leaner and he wore lenses instead of his glasses. But the face was still the same. The same adorableness decorated it and there was the same glint of shyness in his big, doll eyes.

"How are you, Jimin?" Jungkook found himself asking. He really needed to know how Jimin was doing. 

"I am dandy," Jimin chuckled. "Tell me about you. Congratulations on your Job. I heard about it from aunt."

Jungkook's faltering eyes blinked and his lips curved up shortly. "Thank you. I wanted to tell you myself, but I -" 

"It's okay," Jimin waved his hand dismissively. "It's so good to see you for a change."

Jungkook knew that if he kept contacting Jimin all these years, he wouldn't be able to move on from his own fears. The decision to not contact each other while staying away proved to be more challenging than he thought. He now craned his neck to the empty bags on the floor. "Were you going somewhere?" The young man asked.

"Oh, yeah, kinda..." Jimin nervously scratched his head while clearing his throat. The unexpressed emotions which seared through their bodies were difficult to hide. "I was moving out. I have got my own place a few blocks away." Jimin forced a smile and blinked his eyes a few times quickly.

"Jimin," Jungkook took in a quick breathe while his lips quivered. "I am sorry." He spluttered out crying all of the sudden and Jimin's first reflex was to hug him, but he hesitated before he could touch Jungkook. "I vowed to be with y-you in s-sickness or health. I promised you on our wedding night that I'll never leave you, n-no matter what. How could I still leave you to deal with everything all alone? I am so sorry, Jimin." His words caused Jimin's heart to fill with warmth, but he also felt a pang, looking at Jungkook in so much guilt and pain.

"I shouldn't have left." Jungkook shook his head, wiping the thick tears with the cuffs of his shirt sleeve.

"No, Jungkook. You don't get to blame yourself," Jimin shook his head. "You did the right thing. If you didn't leave, I don't think we would even stand this chance." Sliding closer to Jungkook, Jimin stroked his head.

"Did I? I seem to have lost you. You aren't even hugging me." Jungkook sobbed harder.

"Would you prefer if I hugged you?" Jimin asked, still unsure.

"Please hug me, Jimin."

The older let the younger come into his arms and he closed his eyes, a small whimper leaving his mouth at the ardor of having his Jungkook back where he always intended him to keep. His skin was elated with goosebumps and his heart was wilding. "I love you so damn much, Jimin." Jungkook bunched the pink sweater in his palms, not wanting to let go anymore.

"Oh, Jungkook. I love you so much more." Jimin buried his nose under Jungkook's ear, shutting his eyes and softly sobbing.

Drying their tears out in each other's arms, Jimin pulled back first to cup his man's face in his hands. He wiped the wetness with his fingers and smiled. "Are you really back?"

Jungkook nodded, grinning. "I also got something for you from my first salary. I have been saving it for some time."

Jimin chuckled as he looked at a packet that Jungkook advanced towards him. He unwrapped it with speed and found a yellow shirt inside.

Jimin's eyes again teared up in pride. "You are all grown up now, Jungkook," he wanted to kiss Jungkook to say how much he loved the gift, as Jungkook once said he'd buy him a yellow shirt. Bringing the shirt up to his lips, he kissed it. "Thank you."

"I know I took way more time than you might have expected, but I am ready now if you'll have me again, Jimin." Jungkook tilted his head to look at Jimin in his eyes.

"I can't believe it, Jungkook. Is this a dream?" The man asked, bearing the younger's cheek. 

"No," Jungkook shook his head, blinking his eyes to keep the new unshed tears safe. "It's real."

Jimin pulled the younger into his arms again, his heart tickling with unadulterated happiness. "I have to go to France for a week for training and when I come back-"

"The moment you come back, we will go back to our house." Jimin cut Jungkook off.

"I'd love that." Jungkook nodded his head.

"Do you want to go back to our old house? I'd understand if you don't want to. I will buy us a new home. We can start fresh."

"Trust me, Jimin," Jungkook pulled away and leaned his forehead against the older's. "If there's any place in the world where I want to go, it's our home."

"But-"

"No," Jungkook placed his finger over Jimin's lips while closing his eyes. "I really accepted everything and moved on. I am no longer afraid of whatever happened. I was working on myself, training my mind for all these years. There isn't anything that can surprise me anymore. I am ready to take care of you. I am more than capable to take care of you now. I have forgiven you for everything. Please forgive me too. I need you."

Jimin held Jungkook by his forearms, feeling the muscles underneath. This was the boy he married, and now he was an elegant man, so different and strong, yet still the same. "What did you exactly do all this time?" Jimin asked, chuckling a little as his hand fondled Jungkook's skin unintentionally.

"You know how my life was before you, Jimin. I never had a chance to discover myself, to know what I liked or disliked. So I lived my life," the man shrugged. "I took therapy, painted, took boxing classes, learned driving, cooking..." Jungkook's lips kept stretching with every word he uttered.

"You can beat me to death now," Jimin grinned. "I wish I could see you do all that." 

"I have recorded everything, at least my beginning sessions. I will show you." Jungkook said excitedly as he saw the adoration in Jimin's eyes. The intense and love-filled gaze caused him to gulp. "I- I will go now, but I will call you." He suddenly stood up. 

Jimin nodded, he wanted to stop Jungkook and fill him in his arms one more time, kiss him maybe. But he knew that his wait was over. What was one more week compared to three years?

Chapter Text

Jimin called in the expert interior decorators, house painters, and cleaners. He began working on the empty house. Just as Jungkook left, he knew he had to come to Seoul and fix anything that required work in the house. He along with Mrs. Park were on the next flight.

It took three days for deep cleaning, painting, and redecorating of the house. Mrs. Park was leaning against the kitchen counter with the coffee mug in her hands and the biggest smile on her lips. "Should we go and buy something for Jungkook?" 

"Yes," Jimin craned his head from the laptop to his mother and stood up from the couch. "I am happy, mother. You have to accompany me otherwise I will buy him the whole damn shopping mall."

Mrs. Park walked over to Jimin. "Buy him something meaningful." She pinched his cheek and Jimin found himself blushing a little. 

"Four more days." He sighed as Mrs. Park walked away into her bedroom. 

**

It was late at night when Jimin's phone buzzed. He looked at it with excitement, thinking it could be Jungkook. They have been talking over short calls or texting before sleep for three days, so his expectations were valid, but It was a text from Momo.

Congratulations, Oppa. I have always been rooting for you.

Thanks, darling. I promise I will take care of Jungkook this time.

I know you will. Whatever happened between you two, I don't know...but I wanna say that I was always waiting to see this day.

Let's just say, I hurt Jungkook when I didn't want to.

Make up for it now. And if you come to my graduation, I will even put a good word for you.

Jimin chuckled.

I will definitely come to see you once Jungkook is back.

Thanks Jimin Oppa... I love you both.

I love you too, kiddo.

Jimin smiled, but it dissipated quickly when he received another text. Getting his coat and putting something in its pocket, he stepped out of the house to find a figure standing by the ocean in the dark.

"What are you doing here?" He asked from a few feet apart.

"I still love him, you know. I always did, even when I didn't know how to love anyone," Taehyung answered.

Jimin couldn't see the look on his face, but he was sure that regret and pain were right there. "It's settled then. See you never, Tae."

Taehyung stepped towards Jimin with what seemed to be a bag in his hand. "I agree." He replied as he put the bag down and suddenly hugged Jimin.

Jimin embraced back. "I am sorry again, Tae. I guess it was destiny that I got Jungkook."

Taehyung nodded. "I believe it," he said. "Now get your head straight, fucker. Be well."

When Jimin started living with his parents again, the word spread, and everyone knew that he was separated from Jungkook. Jimin didn't even need to speculate on how the man knew about it.

"You know I can't," Jimin pulled away to look into Taehyung's eyes as he cupped his face.

"You will," Taehyung pulled Jimin's hands down gently and held onto them. "For him."

"God bless you both," Taehyung added and just when he began to unclasp his hands away, Jimin gripped his arm. He reached into his pocket and dug out a box to put into his friend's palm.

"What is this?" 

"Something that makes Jungkook hate you. I am sure if it's gone, he will be able to move on...or maybe forgive you too someday." Jimin answered calmly.

Taehyung recognized the bracelets as he opened the box and nodded.

"I have something for you too, Jimin," The man suddenly teared up, and Jimin felt a shiver crawl down his spine. It was a moment in which he felt afraid for his friend. "But if you don't want to accept my prized possession, I will understand." He leaned down and picked up a pram to hold up in front of Jimin's face.

Just as Jimin realized that it wasn't a bag but a little sleeping baby inside a pram, his eyes widened. "Tae... What are you doing?"

"She lost her mother, Jimin. I can't take care of her alone. I have taken so much from you and if you'll have her, I will leave the country without any regrets."

"But Taehyung, she already lost her one parent. She shouldn't lose her other parent too," Jimin couldn't believe what Taehyung was asking and he took pride in how quickly he understood the situation and responded to it.

"I know Jungkook will always hate me. She is my chance at redemption, Jimin-ah. Please take her. You may choose to tell her about her real parents or not. I don't think I can take care of her. I am so broken that I have no happiness left to share. I will be happy to know that she is in the safest hands. I know how hard you fought for Jungkook. I know you won't ever harm him or her."

"Taehyung-ah," Jimin's voice had a lilt of pleading. "Don't do this. I would be lucky to have her, but I don't think anyone can ever love her more than you."

"Please, Jimin-ah... It's not an impulsive decision. The moment she was born, I thought about making you her godfather. But sadly, I had lost that privilege to ask you. I want a healthy home for her. If you can't take her responsibility, I will leave her with Namjoon Hyung."

"Wait," Jimin held the pram when Taehyung began to retreat with it. Taehyung's steps halted as his tears fell while he faced the ground. Jimin sighed. "What's her name?"

**

Jimin wanted to go to the Airport, but Jungkook strictly asked him not to. He wanted to see his man in the house, but unfortunately, Jungkook arrived at a lonely place as Jimin got stuck in a weekend special traffic.

Jungkook looked around and he felt the same giddy excitement he felt on the first night of his wedding, even more, given the circumstances they had gotten married. He was young back then and scared, but time's changed now. He decided to cook to calm his nerves. 

Once he was done, he grew impatient and called Jimin. "I am home."  He spoke just as Jimin picked the call, and in the next moment, he spotted a man walking into the living room.

"I am late, I am sorry, Jungkook. The take-out took time." He raised up the two big food bags and lowered them onto the kitchen platform. The bags were from the place that was all the way over the other end of the city. It used to be Jungkook's favorite and it was also the cause of Jimin's delayed arrival today.

"But I already cooked." Jungkook pouted and Jimin now realized there was the fragrance of food in the kitchen. 

"I- I am sorry, Jungkook."

Jimin didn't know what to do with his hands so he awkwardly turned his frame towards the kitchen, looking at the take-out. "Let's eat what you cooked."

Jungkook felt the need to jump into Jimin's arms like he used to do after coming back from college. But somehow, they both were hesitating, fishing to small talk.

Jungkook scratched his brow. "I will set the table then."

"Do you need my help?" Jimin asked quickly, pacing towards the kitchen already.

"No," Jungkook shook his head. He wanted to treat Jimin to a meal and also a wholesome experience. But then he suddenly realized. "I mean- unless you want to." He stepped back so Jimin could do things his way.

Jimin also shook his head. "I'll do what you want me to. What do you need help with?" Jungkook lifted his head up to look at Jimin with an ajar mouth as his breath quickened.

"It's okay," Jimin stepped near Jungkook. "I told you I have also been working on it. It's a disorder so it won't go away. But I have learned to be reasonable about a few things."

"Nothing is more important than you, Jimin. I took time so that I'd have acceptance of everything you do. It means I am willing to do things your way. It doesn't bother me. Please-"

"No, Jungkook." Jimin finally held Jungkook by forearms. "You don't have to change anything. I worked on it so that you don't have to compromise. I can accept the little quirks. Please don't be a stranger in your house." He flashed a small smile right after.

They sat at the table while very soft music resonated. All Jungkook could think of was tearing Jimin's perfectly elegant suit off and making love. Looking at the scrumptious food, Jimin's lips couldn't help and stretch. "A man who cooks is attractive."

"A man who does the dishes is irresistible." Jungkook shot back in the light of humor and they both blushed at the impromptu comments.

"The food is delicious. Thank you, Jungkook," Jimin looked up at his little baby husband.

Jimin was still the same beautiful man in eyes of Jungkook, but the teenage boy was now a man for Jimin. The smallest thing such as the way he was drinking his wine made Jimin not tear his eyes away from him, but he did reluctantly and regardless, to make his husband comfortable. 

"Don't say thanks. You have cooked for me for an entire year," Jungkook reminded Jimin. "I can cook a meal or two."

Chapter Text

"Do you want to watch a movie or something?" Jimin asked after they cleaned up everything in the kitchen and moved to the living room.

Jungkook deeply inhaled the fragrance of air freshener and the little kick of wine made him feel blissful when Jimin was in front of his eyes to warm his soul. The man had changed into comfortable track pants and hoodies, so did Jungkook. "I love your long hair," Jungkook replied instead. "They really suit you."

"I will keep long hair then." Jimin nodded, licking his lips nervously as Jungkook inched closer, his heart pattering like a machine gun.

"You haven't called me baby or doll for a week now," Jungkook pouted, taking in the string that fell over Jimin's chest and playing with it. "Don't you want to make a move?" The pout disappeared and a confident stare met Jimin's eyes, stopping the man's breath for a second.

"I just...didn't want to...upset you by...going too fast," Jimin answered, leaning into the touch and stroking Jungkook's silky hair befallen on his forehead.

"Please make love to me, Jimin." Jungkook slowly by slowly, wrapped himself around Jimin's body. "I have missed you so much and I am still your baby."

With soft sobs suddenly leaving Jungkook's lips, Jimin's heart cinched in pain. "Doll?" He detangled Jungkook's body as the younger male quickly wiped his tears to rip out a grin at the older male.

"Can I take you to the bedroom now?"

Jungkook nodded, beautiful red depositing over his cheeks. Jimin leaned down and scooped Jungkook's body, carrying him bridal style as a little giggle erupted from the younger's mouth. "Did I gain weight?" Jungkook asked, snuggling closer and looping an arm around Jimin's shoulders.

"I work out, sweetheart," Jimin relented with a lilt of seduction. The strong squeeze on Jungkook's thighs made his body electrified.

Once Jimin neared the bed, he softly put the younger down and Jungkook began to unzip his hoodie while the former looked around to find something.

He turned off the lights to dim ones and put on music. Jungkook blushed, every night they spent making love hit his mind, especially the one after he returned from Japan, but unfortunately he'd lost his grandmother the next day.

He found himself in equal parts of lust and emotions. He waited for this for three years and now he took in every action of his husband. "Please come back," Jungkook called Jimin right as he snatched his clothes from his body and got under the covers.

Jimin's heart thud inside his chest and he tried hard to not let the insecurities take their toll on him, they were clawing him as he heaved through his lungs. "Jimin?" Jungkook hollered with concern.

"Be right there, baby." The man inhaled deeply and then exhaled, trying to not get overwhelmed right about now. Turning around with a smile, he lost a beat in his heart as he skimmed at the younger's bare chest as the duvet softly covered his body from right below the lower abdomen.

He sat beside Jungkook, reaching for his hand, and slowly, their gazes traveled to meet at an intersection, and sparks set off in their bodies. "Come under the covers."  Jungkook offered confidently and Jimin had to get up to walk around and climb on the bed from the other side.

As he propped over to his side, Jungkook turned towards Jimin and eased him by initiating contact. His fingers softly tugged at Jimin's cheeks and tenderly moved to his lips. It goosed the older's skin and brought his bulge to life. Jimin hummed in a guttural moan. "You are so beautiful." Jungkook mused. 

As he began to pull back, Jimin encased the younger and led the kiss, deep, slow, and electric. Jungkook's hands moved with desperation as he pulled Jimin's hoodie's zipper down and Jimin used his own hand to slide down his bottoms.

When they parted, Jungkook breathed the air over Jimin's cheek with eyes glossy and lips curved in a smile. "I have missed you," the man confessed.

"I have missed you every single minute. I can't tell you how difficult it was." Jimin caressed Jungkook's face, softly pressing many kisses over his cheeks between his words. 

"I waited for you," Jungkook's hand softly played over Jimin's chest. 

The man chuckled. "Are you indirectly asking me if I waited for you too? Been loyal to you?" 

Jungkook felt apologetic and also mortified. He trusted Jimin that he mustn't have touched anyone else, that he waited for him to come back, but he couldn't also shake off the possibility from his head that he left Jimin hanging without a definitive timeline.

When Jimin propped Jungkook's chin up with his finger, he felt the man's filled lips on his forehead and he closed his eyes. The chaste kisses trailed down to lips and Jungkook grabbed those lips like he was hungry.

Without breaking the kiss, Jimin's hand rummaged through the drawer and he got what he wanted. With eyes still closed, he rose up on his knees, keeping the lips locked, head dipped forward, and pushed Jungkook down on the bed.

Jungkook kicked the duvet away from the top of his body and heard the bottle pop open followed by a squirt. His legs spread wordlessly and he bit Jimin's lip when the cold touch rang the pleasing tingles through his skin.

His body shivered uncontrollably and Jimin pinned him down with one hand while keeping the other to prep him all the while not breaking the kiss that was turned hot with their heavy breathing through noses. They needed more and more.

Right at the moment when Jimin was about to enter, he unclasped his lips from Jungkook's and they gazed at each other. "There is no one for me except you."

Jimin slipped past the entrance with ease and Jungkook's moan that came out caused goosebumps to rise all over the older's body. He felt in command, in control, and falling into normalcy. The itch in his mind fell silent and he adored and focused on his baby's face.

He gave a few considerate seconds for Jungkook to adjust and when Jungkook slapped softly against his forearms pressed down on the mattress, he understood the indication. The slow rhythm started and moans intensified. "I love you, Jimin. Mmm."

"I love you more. If you leave me again, I am not so sure if I can survive." Jimin's voice came out with a lilt of pain and before Jungkook could open his pleasure-filled and hazy eyes, he felt his husband's body shaking as Jimin broke into tears, surrendering the movements for a while.

"Jimin?" Jungkook's eyes were hit with tears too without hold, but he had to take care of his husband in that vulnerable movement. He flipped them once Jimin fell on top of him, without letting the man's cock out of his entrance, and swiped away the tears that were pouring like a waterfall.

"No," Jungkook shook his head, now on top of his man. "I took my time because I couldn't bear to think of leaving you again too." Mumbling soft nothings to the broken man, he knew how much he had hurt Jimin by keeping himself away. He loved Jimin and cared for him so it was essential for him to come to terms with the truth and accept Jimin the way he was, with all the imperfections.

To make sure that he didn't have regrets later, he took his time, but he knew that he deeply wounded his husband with it and the distance. The husband probably loved him more than he loved him.

Peppering kisses and constantly wiping tears, Jungkook pecked Jimin's nose before he cupped the man's face. "My baby." He pouted after the words.

Jimin chuckled through his tears at that. "I am your baby now?"

Jungkook nodded with a pout, feigning command and Jimin huffed, laughing at his state. "Look what did you do."

Jungkook looked down at the soft cock that slid out from his behind.

"Sorry?" Jungkook scrunched his nose, raising his shoulders a bit.

"You will have to give me a moment, Kkyu. I am sorry for being a mess." Jimin began to push Jungkook down, but the younger pressed his hands on the older's chest and looked up into the deep beautiful eyes.

"Let me clear up the mess then," the slow voice and raspy undertone made Jimin's lips twitch as he huffed through a slight ajar mouth before Jungkook winked and slithered down until he had Jimin's soft and warm cock inside his mouth. He licked at the sit, pushing the foreskin back, and then waited for Jimin's voice. On hearing nothing, he took out his tongue and licked it across the entire length that was suddenly beginning to grow. 

Jungkook could feel the magic in his hands and he finally earned a hum from his husband who was trying his best to not be a blubbering mess. "Moan for me, darling."

Jungkook grinned, pulling away and adding a wink that put Jimin's mind into a frenzy. He had turned the scared little boy into a confident diva who knew what he wanted and he asked for it, but this dominance took Jimin by surprise. "Just you wait until you are under me too, darling."

Jungkook bit his lips intently before raising his eyes and lowering his head down onto the veiny and throbbing cock. The look in his eyes was challenging Jimin, telling him to tear him apart if he could, before he opened his mouth as much as he could and engulfed the whole cock slowly and steadily. 

He gagged a bit but didn't choke yet. The head of Jimin's cock felt like silk in his mouth as his tongue began to make love with the slit while bobbing his head. Jimin undeniably gasped, giving Jungkook assurance of his good job. The deeper he went, the more groans ripped free from Jimin's throat. 

Jungkook was doing his best, but he definitely was three years' worth out of practice. Tears were pooling in his eyes as he choked this time. "Easy, doll. You don't need to choke." Jimin looked down at Jungkook with caring eyes and the younger pulled his mouth off the older's cock.

"Then fill me up," Jungkook looked back up at Jimin with a glistening chin from his own drool.

Chapter Text

Like a temptress, he crawled on top until he could join his lips with his husband for a romantic kiss. "And you need to keep challenging me every night. I am a bit rusty after being dry for three years."

"Did you touch yourself, baby?" Jimin grinned, keeping his hands over Jungkook's waist from his bottom position. 

"Mhm," Jungkook nodded his head slowly and Jimin's heart skipped many beats when the younger's lashes bowed down. He looked so pretty like that to Jimin. Jungkook kept grinding against his pelvis and the man tenderly chuckled before kissing Jungkook's eyelashes. "Ride me, I don't want to let go of you."

"But I like the other position~" Jungkook whined. Jimin had the young man in his arms, but he still kept thinking if this was all real. 

"I know, but this is good too. You can still look at me," Jimin raked his fingers through Jungkook's hair. 

"But, I am a little shy in this position," Jungkook blushed, reminding Jimin that everything hasn't changed all that much. He loved when Jimin took control, loved to surrender his body, and trust his husband with his all.

Before Jimin lost his boner again, he flipped Jungkook on the bed and entered him slowly. Jungkook's heart was ridiculously beating at the stretch. It felt unreal and he let out shaky moans. His voice was so beautiful that Jimin smiled while his own heart was on the go. "Oh, I missed this."

"You are so pretty, Jimin. I don't think there is any man prettier than you." Jungkook's breath was heavy, his brows were drawn together as Jimin made love to him. The red prolonged from his face to his neck and Jimin could see it reaching to his chest in a few moments. His fingers played softly over the skin, gently touching the younger who heaved sighs and trembled with pleasure. 

Jimin didn't answer, but only kissed the lips tenderly. There was no rush in the thrusts, they went on nice and slow while Jimin placed kisses to every inch of Jungkook's accessible skin from his position. With each bottom out, Jungkook moaned in joy, gripping Jimin's neck tighter.

With the rhythm going, no one spoke as they only admired each other, felt skin to skin, the body warmth, and each other's fragrance. Jimin could tell with how Jungkook was clenching and meeting his thrusts, he wanted to ride out his orgasm soon. It was as though he still remembered Jungkook's body really well, how it worked. He pushed in his cock deeper and lower with forceful thrusts and the younger gasped majorly and his back arched. Jimin held his administrations so Jungkook would ride out his orgasm. The white splattered their skins as Jimin adored the tousled hair and ajar mouth heaving sharp pants. 

With one last shaky breath, Jungkook opened his eyes and loosened his blood-spilling grip from Jimin's skin. The older leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. "Pretty baby."

As he picked up speed, Jungkook whimpered at the roughness, but he couldn't get enough of the sexy man and his sweet words whose sweat dripped through this chin as Jimin uttered an "I love you, Jungkook" before grunting and falling on top of the strong man.

He stroked a few more times slowly to release every drop deep inside Jungkook while the latter patted Jimin's head, his fingers curled into the raven hair. 

"Kkyu?" Jimin called after getting on the mattress. Jungkook's innocent eyes looked at Jimin and saw the man thrusting his hand under his head, pulling him closer and kissing his head. "I thought it would take time for us to let go of the hesitation again."

"And I couldn't wait for you anymore," Jungkook's faltering voice made Jimin hold the man's face up. 

"Why are you crying?" Jimin placed a kiss on Jungkook's forehead before wiping the tears. 

"I am so sorry, Jimin. I know I hurt you by staying away for so long."

"You did," Jimin nodded softly. "But I hurt you more."

Jungkook looked at Jimin's lashes that were lowered down and he made the man face him. "You don't have to be ashamed of anything in front of me anymore, Jimin. Everyone is redeemable as long as they realize they were wrong. I forgive you for everything. I love you so much, my gorgeous husband."

"I love you too, cuteness." Jimin inhaled a shaky breath, slowly leaning closer and joining his lips with Jungkook's softly. "I am nothing without you, baby."

Jungkook smiled and tucked his husband's hair away from his forehead. "So I will never leave you alone. Even when you want to poop in peace. I will be right there, in front of you." 

Jimin chuckled, shaking his head a little and scrunching his nose in a scowl. 

**

"Still not sleepy?" Jimin asked, looking at the time which was three in the morning after two more rounds that were rather hardcore. 

Jungkook shook his head. "But I am tired. Can we just cuddle and talk? Please don't go to sleep."

Jimin could never resist the pout and he wasn't sleepy too. Jungkook tangled his fingers with Jimin's, getting on his arm and snuggling really close to him. "I consider myself very lucky that you came into my life, Jimin. Without you, I wouldn't be the man I am now."

"It's all you, sweetie," Jimin rubbed his palm comfortably over Jungkook's stomach, proudly feeling the defined pecs.

Jungkook was stronger, but he could feel his husband was now fragile. The three years apart had poisoned him, even if he has learned better ways to deal with his disorders. It was now his turn to be the strength of the man who once helped him find himself, took care of him like a child. "I love you, Jimin." Jungkook turned and tucked himself in Jimin's neck, nuzzling the skin. 

"I love you too, my Jungkook," Jimin replied, positively wanting to cry no more as the new sun was about to rise in a few hours, setting calmness in his mind. He tried to reach for the water bottle.

"I am sorry, I give you a dead arm." Jugkook lifted his head so Jimin could move his body freely. 

"It's better than the pain I have had in my right arm for years." Jimin teased a bit, smirking as he sat up.

Jungkook blushed now. "Did you visit aunt Niz?" He quickly switched the topic. 

"Not recently, but I know she has written over her house on your name. I have been in touch with her all this time." Jimin gulped a few sips before handing the bottle to Jungkook.

"Yeah," the younger sat down, fixing the covers to hide his flaccid cock. "She is in Alabama these days." He also drank from the same bottle and returned it before going back to his original place, in the arms of his husband. 

Jimin took the bottle back from Jungkook and set it on the cabinet again. "She told me she was starting her world tour." Jimin's soft patting on Jungkook's hair made him close his eyes.

"Do you have work?" Jungkook asked as Jimin constantly played with his hair.

"Do you think I'd go into work when my baby is back after years?"

"But I have," Jungkook grinned, looking up at his husband, and Jimin's brows arched a bit before he settled them calmly. "Kidding! I told them I am getting married so I am on a honeymoon leave for a month."

The sun was rising and Jimin could entirely notice the pink deposited over the cheeks of the younger. "Perhaps, it will help." He held out a ring in his hand and picked Jungkook's left hand to put it there, near his wedding band. 

"It's really pretty," Jungkook put his hand up and adored the bling from the diamond closely. "Did you hide it in the water bottle?"

"Under it," Jimin answered, admiring his husband admiring his ring. "If you want to start a family, I also have a baby."

Jungkook pouted indignantly. "You made a baby with someone?" He befuddled, retreating a little. 

Jimin reached over and pulled him back, pinning him down on the bed again. "No," he enjoyed the jealousy of his cutesy husband who was all willing to throw the wedding rings just now. "She's of a friend."

"Jimin, are you serious?" Jungkook asked, feeling his heart racing.

In the last three years of solace, he often wished he was a woman so he could bear Jimin's child. This was a ludicrous dream he often had.

"I might be," Jimin sighed and Jungkook's brows furrowed in concentration. "I-I don't want to hide anything from you anymore, Jungkook. I should tell you, but if you need time, or if you don't want her at all, I will understand and we will work something out." 

Looking at Jimin's nervousness, Jungkook's heart stopped along with his breath, but he still held Jimin's hand to encourage him. "She is Taehyung's daughter."

"I don't understand," Jungkook spoke absentmindedly. 

"Taehyung met me the day you showed up at my place. I got to know of his wife's demise, and I couldn't keep grudges anymore. I had forgiven him, and I like to believe that it was my good karma that day that got you to show up a few hours later.

"I am sorry to hear about the demise," Jungkook sat up slowly and Jimin followed.  

"He showed up again three days ago, right outside," Jimin pointed at the window. "He was with his daughter and told me he was leaving Korea for a few years. He had made up his mind that he didn't want to keep her. If I didn't take her, he would have given her to Namjoon." 

Jungkook gulped. 

"Sweat heart, he regrets. He apologized to me as he knew you'd hate him if he appeared in from of you. I...also returned him the bracelets he had-"

Jimin stopped talking, registering how Jungkook was thinking deeply with his eyes on his chest. "I understand if you don't want her-"

"Where is she now?" Jungkook cut Jimin off this time.

"Mother took her back to Busan. She knew we needed to figure out things and I had to discuss them with you first. She is going to take care of her for now," the younger nodded. 

Jungkook also dreamt of adopting in the last few years whenever he thought of his future together with Jimin as he knew that it was the only option for him. But this was so sudden and he didn't get a say or time to evaluate his readiness.

"We will talk about it later. Right now, I want you to tell me where do you want to go?" Jimin asked in a small whisper as the sun glowed on their faces and Jungkook looked into Jimin's eyes with a daze. 

"Go where?" He asked, big eyes waiting for Jimin to answer. 

"Didn't you just say that you were on honeymoon leave? It'd be a shame if I didn't take you on our honeymoon."

Jungkook suddenly coughed, causing Jimin to snicker. "I'd be nice if we could take vows together." The younger proposed, suddenly leaning against the older's shoulders and Jimin's arm encircled around the man's tiny, naked waist. "I suppose we could go somewhere for that."

"Just say the word. Anywhere in the world.  Or the moon...because I heard they are doing that sort of thing too." 

"Can we go back to the Maldives again?" Jungkook asked in a low voice. 

"Sure,"

"Okay, no," Jungkook suddenly dismissed the idea with the movement of his hands. Jimin waited for his response. "Let's go to Norway."

"Done," Jimin affirmed and leaned closer. Jungkook closed his eyes as Jimin sniffed the mop of hair softly before pushing the younger on the bed and taking what was rightfully his as he softly licked across his neck.

"Can we go Busan and pick our daughter first? We should make a family trip out of it." Jungkook's heart spasmed through the elation he felt at the word daughter coming out of his mouth.

Jimin's heart resonated the same as he heaved a sigh in content and relief and the earlier soft licks now turned to the hard sucking of blotchy hickeys on the unembellished skin playfully. Jungkook cackled out loud. "Are you sure, Jungkook?" The man pulled away enough to look at Jungkook while cupping his face. The grin couldn't be helped on his face. 

"Of course I am. What's her name?"

"They named her after mother, but we can call her Bugnoo with love."

"Bugnoo?" Jungkook asked, his brows twitched as he laughed a bit at how the name sounded odd, but also cute. 

"I like it, what does it mean?"

"Do you really want to know everything right now?"

With a twinkle of seduction in his eyes, Jungkook licked his lips, maintaining an extended eye-lock with the man hovering above him and slowly shaking his head side to side. "No, daddy."

Chapter Text

Six months later

"Bugnoo? Where did the little bug go?" Jungkook covered his eyes as he played peekaboo with the one-and-a-half-year-old. The toddler cackled, displaying her one and a half sharp incisors with which she was biting everything in sight these days.

Jimin smiled brightly, sitting up on the bed beside his husband and daughter. "Don't call her bug," Jungkook cackled and Jimin didn't know which baby was cuter. "Do you want to shower?" The man stood up before he ended up putting Jungkook on the bed and doing something in the hotel room that would make them late for the dinner.

"I am good, you should wash up as you were out the entire day today." Jungkook followed after placing kisses all over the toddler's cheeks. 

Jimin was preparing the dinner for the baby, warming up the milk as Jungkook hugged him from behind. Jimin smiled as he began to sterilize the baby feeder after traveling all the way to Ohio. "I feel a headache coming," Jimin mumbled. 

"I told you to eat on the flight," Jungkook intoned. "You get headaches when you don't eat." The man detangled himself and took everything from Jimin's hands. 

"Go and call room service. I will do this."

Jimin knew to not dispute with his husband while he was overpowering him and so he walked away slowly only to sit beside the baby girl. He started to play with her chin, tickle her, caress the baby's soft skin gently.

Jungkook let a petulant scowl on his face, but he could understand, their girl was so pretty and adorable that they didn't get enough of her. Jungkook remembered Jimin gloating and saying "the girl is a product of Kim Taehyung, of course, she is pretty." He sauntered towards the suite intercom to call in the room service himself, ordering coffee and some fruits. 

Checking the warmth of the milk by spilling a few drops on the backside of his hand, Jungkook ensured that it was suitable for the baby so he walked over to the bed and put the feeder in the toddler's mouth who attempted to hold the bottle, but her palms were too small or her strength wasn't developed yet to hold the weight. Jungkook sat with her, holding the bottle, and nudged Jimin to get up. 

The older walked into the bathroom that was a see-through affair and began to shower quickly, staring at Jungkook from inside. The younger shook his head, covering the baby so she wouldn't cock her head to see her father naked, albeit the chances were thin. She couldn't move around a lot from her laying position, Jungkook didn't want to take chances. 

Making love has become tough. The couple had been having quickies lately because one night, the baby was crying and they couldn't hear it through the baby monitor as they were too loud themselves. Since then, they either made sure to do it quickly or to be cautiously silent during the whole ordeal. 

Jimin strolled out in a bathrobe and picked out his outfit at the same time as Jungkook finished feeding his daughter. 

"Get ready," Jimin asked softly, looking at the girl closing her eyes to nap for the next few hours. 

"I am ready, it's not like I have to impress the guest."

Jimin sighed and walked closer to Jungkook. Crouching down at his feet, he perched his elbows over the man's thighs. "He has changed, Jungkook. If I wasn't sure myself, I wouldn't ask you to do anything."

Jungkook felt a flicker of worry when he found Jimin's face twitching a bit. 

He nodded, caressing the wet hair of his husband.

**

Jungkook sat with sleeping Bugnoo in his arms, softly rocking her and looking at her, not getting enough of her. Jimin was looking towards the entryway as they waited for Taehyung to join them at the dinner. They have rented out the lawn of the restaurant. The couple had donned a matching black blazer suit. The place was dark and only dim lights were on, enough to see each other and also the food, but not blinding that the baby couldn't sleep with them on. 

"What if he changed his mind?" Jungkook asked, sniffing the flowers that were behind their table in the garden. 

"He will come," Jimin replied, his nerves acting up and the anxiety coiling inside his stomach. "I can take her." The man offered suddenly.

"No," Jungkook pouted, as though he was selfish to share his toys with other kids. 

Jimin chuckled softly in a low voice and they turned to someone clearing his throat. "Tae!" The friend stood up and kept his voice at the same octave.

Taehyung's eyes secured a quick look at Jungkook looking down, holding the baby close as Jimin hugged him and he embraced him back. "I am sorry to make you wait. I was stuck in the traffic."

"It's no problem, isn't it, baby?" Jimin looked at Jungkook so the man quickly glanced up with a small smile and a nod. 

Nervous friends took their seats together and they immediately placed the food order.

**

Taehyung witnessed Jungkook not leaving the baby even when Jimin asked him at least ten times in the brief span of thirty minutes. The youngest man on the table only ate a little silently. Jimin pinched Taehyung's thigh hard and the man jumped on his seat. As a result, Jungkook's head whipped up to look at him incredulously. Taehyung laughed nervously. "Mosquitoes," he said, "how is your job, J-Jungkook?"

"Going well, I mostly work from home because of my daughter now," Jungkook replied, emphasizing a certain word that caused Taehyung to want to cry and smile both. 

Before accepting the invitation to the dinner, Taehyung had rejected it, but a father wanting to see his daughter was what drove him. He said that he'd not be back for a few years, or that he'd never see Jimin again as his friend asked him to because he was still in love with Jungkook, that was before he handed his daughter to him. 

But now, his love for his daughter was far greater than his feelings for Jungkook. He couldn't help but imagine in a short amount of time what would have it been like if he was the one who got Jungkook and if he was the one to whom Jungkook returned his feelings, and it all seemed too beautiful in his head, but it wasn't real. The good thing was, he was able to make peace with his emotions. 

"Dessert anybody?" Jimin interjected. 

"I am good," the men replied in unison and Taehyung looked at Jungkook to flash him a small smile again like a stranger. 

"I need one, soooo... I will be back." Jimin suddenly stood up and without looking at Jungkook, because he knew if he did, the adorable husband would stop him from going, he left the table.

Jungkook squirmed on his chair.

"You don't have to be scared of me, Jungkook," Taehyung spoke when they were alone. 

"Who says I am?" Jungkook relented a grimace.  

"Please forgive me, Jungkook. For everything. I had no right and I was wrong to do everything with you. I don't know if you can ever forget it, but I won't harm you anymore, and I am begging you to forgive me, please."

"I know you won't harm me anymore," Jungkook replied. "I have known it since long." The man recollected his short encounter from the day when he was only a boy as they crossed paths in Busan. Jungkook's features softened a bit and it caused Taehyung to sigh a little in relief. 

"Can I take her?" Taehyung prompted his hand towards Jungkook who hesitated but passed the baby regardless.

Taehyung looked at his sleeping angel with tears in his eyes and in the next moment, he was spluttering out crying like a kid. Jungkook's hand reached over to rest over Taehyung's arm, but he didn't allow it at the end. 

Taehyung wiped his tears with the blazer sleeves before peppering kisses all over the baby's face. "I am sorry that Appa isn't with you, sweetheart. But you have two Appa now. They will love you and teach you to ride a bike, they will take you to school and teach you how to read."

The sleeping baby popped her eyes open and grinned at the man, recognizing him perhaps, and fisted his finger in her small palm. Jungkook's neck tightened and his throat hurt. He sniffled, turning his face around and Taehyung realized that he has led emotions to get the best of him. 

"I would protect your family with my everything," Taehyung spoke louder, inviting Jungkook's attention and the younger turned to see the older. "Including your daughter... With my life, that's a promise."

Jungkook couldn't help an elated grin while his eyes poured streams. Taehyung, on the other hand, didn't hesitate and patted Jungkook's arm lightly while carrying the playful baby who began to play with his hair, pulling them and slapping his face excitedly.

Jimin wiped the tears from the corner of his eyes before sighing and joining the trio back at the table. 

**

The couple was lying naked under the covers and the baby was sleeping peacefully in her cradle. It was almost thirty past four in the morning. "I love you, popo."

"It's time to find cute nicknames for our daughter and you can't seem to stop naming me every other day with a new one," Jungkook chuckled. "I love you too by the way." 

"She has one nickname, it's enough. I'll get confused later." Jimin pecked Jungkook's cheek. 

"Should we sleep now? The sun is almost there and she will be up before that." Jungkook rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand. 

"It's an all-nighter, doll. You don't get to sleep in an all-nighter... At all." Jimin animatedly moved his hands to go with his expressions. "You know, when I was working on my syndrome, I stopped sleeping at all."

Jungkook looked at Jimin intently, playing softly with his hair. They had hardly talked about the past so he turned curious as he continued. "I started seeing them every night and one day, I talked to them that convinced me they weren't real."

Jungkook's brows furrowed in confusion. "But...you did talk to them before too." He said slowly, softly caressing the cheeks of his husband.

"I did," Jimin agreed, "but what my doctor said to me helped. I could only talk to them and they replied to me as long as my mind already knew the answer. The doctor asked me to ask those people something that I didn't already know. And when I did that, those people turned silent. It was all in my head and I came to terms with it finally."

"But you said that Mia noona had pneumonia before she died. I don't think I ever talked about her with you." Jungkook questioned, suddenly remembering the night that zapped him hard.

"I actually heard someone say it at your aunt's place. I didn't think I knew it too, but it was stored in my subconscious mind."

Jungkook breathed out slowly and nodded. "Okay then," his tone suddenly changed and he grinned. "If you don't let me sleep, you are giving me a body massage later. I am sore and tired."

"When have I ever said no to that? Let's make a hot spa day out of it," Jimin proposed and Jungkook eyed him with amusement because he knew the ground reality. "I will massage you and then we will make hot love on the bathroom floor."

"What about her?" Jungkook pointed at the cradle. 

"We can call Taehyung again to babysit."

Jungkook lightly slapped Jimin's arm with a chuckle. 

"Not impressed with my idea?" Jimin yielded a pout, feigning hurt and pulling Jungkook closer to get a kiss on the said pout.

Jungkook softly kissed the delicious lips. "Or we can go to aunt Niz. She wants to meet Bugnoo too. She can have her for the day."

While Jungkook started off joking, he now realized how good an opportunity it was. Niz was also in the states and all they had to do was book a flight and reach Alabama from Ohio. 

"Not a bad idea, we haven't seen her in over a year." Jimin flipped and reached for his phone to check the flights. 

By the time Jimin scrolled through and found a flight at a suitable time, Jungkook was snoring softly. Jimin smiled fondly at the younger and kissed his forehead before pulling the duvet on him. 

There was no rush to book flights today itself. They had to cut their honeymoon in Dubai short as they had to work immediately on the adoption and arranging their lives around a baby, which was tougher than they thought. It was too soon to start a family, sure, but they were blissful.

 Little baby Bugnoo helped Jimin strip his residual insecurities concerning if he could still spiral out of control. He knew that he would never harm either of his babies ever again. As far as their stay here was concerned, Jimin decided that he'd let Jungkook rest so he booked the flights for tomorrow. 

When he thought of putting the phone aside to catch some sleep himself, Bugnoo was up. Her small and excited humps in the cradle caused Jimin to laugh at his condition. He ran on lightfoot to hold her before she started crying. "Baby Bugnoo," he whispered. "It's okay, you are okay, I am okay, Appa is okay too." The man sing-songed, rocking her in his arms. 

Bugnoo cackled softly, showing her one and a half teeth. "Your Appa is tired. Will you be a good girl and let him sleep?" The man asked with soft juts of his head, a blinding smile, and sheer elation. 

The girl mightn't have understood shit, but when she nodded, Jimin preferred to think that he was becoming an expert in baby language, and his daughter listened to him. He also knew that he was going to be the one to spoil her rotten.

Jungkook groaned so the man silently walked over to the bed, climbed on top, and laid the baby over his own chest after kissing Jungkook's cheeks to ensure him that he was here as the younger couldn't sleep without him, and he knew he was always going to be there.