Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Amidst the cameras and the modest-sized crew, Jimin couldn’t shake the uncomfortable shift in the air. The gloomy weather outside, coupled with the relentless patter of rain against the windows, seemed to seep into the room, amplifying the suffocating tension that made him squirm in his seat. That plush white sofa, the kind he would usually sink into with ease, felt unbearable now. The reason? The towering awkwardness emanating from the man sitting on the other end of the couch—his ex.

Agreeing to this collaboration had been nothing short of madness. Right now, Jimin would do anything to leave this house, wrap himself in the comfort of a thick blanket burrito, and roll around his living room floor until he forgot this entire ordeal. What had he been thinking weeks ago when he’d hastily accepted that out-of-the-blue email? Not even he could answer that. But now, as he sat here, one thing was clear—he’d do whatever it took to escape.

Two years post-breakup with Min Yoongi. Two years without crossing paths, avoiding even accidental encounters. And now this—a small interview or documentary-style production. Whose brilliant idea had this been, anyway? He had no clue. What he did know was that the version of himself who had once thought this could be a good idea? Absolutely unhinged. 

The two years he’d left behind came roaring back with an unforgiving intensity. The lump lodged in his throat felt impossible to swallow. 

There was a time when they were the couple everyone in Korea talked about. Unapologetically and obsessively. Jimin had never expected things to escalate the way they did when he, a rising singer, fell for a man who was more than just a YouTuber—someone carving a path as a music producer. What had begun as a friendship had swiftly spiraled into something more tangled, deeper, and inescapably messy. Strangers one day. Drinking buddies the next. Then, suddenly, they were kissing. Sleeping together. By the time Yoongi casually started calling him my boyfriend, Jimin realized he’d grown addicted to hearing it. 

And then they weren’t.  

Back to strangers.  

Jimin blinked. In two years, his own apartment hadn’t changed in the slightest—not even the placement of a trinket. Yet here, in the space he had once called home, every difference he noticed seemed to dig into him, rooting a new discomfort deep in his gut. It was as though the unease lived there now, waiting to be felt. 

Yoongi, it seemed, had moved on.  

Jimin knew this. Of course, he knew this. Yoongi had been just another quiet music producer with a small YouTube following when they’d started dating. But after Jimin—after a high-profile relationship with a famous singer—Yoongi’s name had skyrocketed into the public eye. No one denied his talent or the effort behind his success, but Jimin couldn’t help noticing how Yoongi had conveniently found a fast track to fame.  

Their breakup had been messy, loud. Not just for them but for everyone. The gossip had lingered far beyond the split, and Yoongi had become as much a staple of entertainment headlines as Jimin. So yeah, Jimin remembered seeing him with others. He hadn’t forgotten—couldn’t forget.  

And now, here they were.  

Jimin’s gaze drifted to the sleek black marble of the kitchen counter ahead. The cozy, mismatched couple’s mugs were gone. Even the marble itself was a different color now. The fluffy white rug they used to roll across, the one they’d made love on by the fireplace, had been swapped out for black. The drapes were darker, the trinkets on the shelves completely replaced.

He laughed—a small, ironic sound—as his eyes landed on a single cat figurine perched on a side table to his left. It was the only thing in this house that still felt remotely familiar. A cheap, silly gift Jimin had bought Yoongi back when they were just friends, because it looked like him.  

Yoongi had given him a tiny chick in return. That little figurine still sat on Jimin’s nightstand back home, tucked safely beside his bed.  

“Are you ready?” Jungkook, who had just slipped into the room after the woman explaining the interview format, approached the camera with quick, practiced movements. Flashing an easy smile, he glanced at both of them before adjusting a few settings. Yoongi sipped from a coffee mug, his expression unreadable, while Jimin fussed with the collar of his loose white shirt, trying to compose himself. Finally, Jimin tucked his hands under his thighs and offered an uneasy smile, though it looked more like a grimace. 

The moment Jungkook’s eyes met his, Jimin straightened up, forcing himself to look calmer under the scrutiny of the crew. A slight sniffle and a quick exhale later, he crossed one leg over the other and leaned back with a practiced, wider smile. “I’m ready,” he said, deliberately avoiding the man seated to his right.  

Jungkook turned to Yoongi, who gave a subtle nod of confirmation.  

The red light blinked on.  

This wasn’t new to Jimin. Camera lights were a daily occurrence in his life. But there was something distinct about this—the intimacy of a small YouTube setup. It brought back memories, sharp and raw. Countless times, Jimin had sat in front of a camera like this, arm to arm with Yoongi, recording videos for the channel they’d started together. Fun, lighthearted challenges. Candid Q&A sessions. And that first video—where they’d told the world how they met. How they became friends. How they fell in love.  

They’d been so close then, both nervous but in a way that felt good—charged with excitement. The exact opposite of now.  

“Hello, Suga-ssi. Hello, Jimin-ssi.” The woman who had explained the program earlier addressed them with polished professionalism. Jimin licked his lips and clasped his hands over his knees, nodding politely. “Welcome to the Perspective channel.”  

Both men returned the greeting, brief and simple.  

“Before we begin, I wanted to ask—have you heard of our channel before?”  

Jimin tensed as Yoongi let out a soft hum in response. Determined not to look at him, Jimin nodded. “I’m pretty sure I’ve come across it a few times. I even watched one episode—a friend of mine was a guest, so I got curious.”  

“Same,” Yoongi added curtly. Most likely, it had been the same episode. But Jimin didn’t dwell on that, too busy clearing his throat as the tension between them thickened. “I saw the one with Taehyung.”  

Jimin squeezed his eyes shut for a brief moment. Maybe he should just leave now. Walk out, call it quits. It wouldn’t even be that hard. The fee he’d been promised for this appearance hadn’t landed in his account yet. There was nothing holding him here.  

“Great,” the interviewer continued with a bright smile. “Then I imagine you’re somewhat familiar with our theme. Our goal is to invite guests who’ve become prominent topics of discussion and explore the real stories behind the headlines. It’s a way for audiences to hear directly from you—to challenge assumptions and shed light on the truths that get buried under all the noise. Today, you’re here as our guests because, as you know, you were one of the most talked-about couples of a generation. And, well, people still have a lot to say about you.” 

The guests nodded simultaneously, and a faint smile appeared on Jungkook’s lips. Knowing them for years, even this familiar scene managed to tug at his heart.

“Shall we move on to the questions, then?”

“Yes, yes,” Yoongi nodded. “That’s why we’re here.”

Jimin didn’t say a word, simply echoing the woman’s approval with a slight nod.

“Our first question is about how you two met. There’s a video online discussing it, but people have some rather peculiar theories about how you initially crossed paths before you were a couple.”

When Jimin instinctively turned to Yoongi for a moment, he found that Yoongi was already looking at him. He froze in place, barely holding his composure as the weight of their locked gazes pressed heavily on his shoulders. Finally, curiosity about Yoongi’s response won out, and he licked his lips before turning back to the camera. “It’s… a hazy memory,” he murmured. “I mean, the day I met Yoongi hyu—” He paused, blinking rapidly as his gaze dropped to the carpet, uncertain of what to say next. It had been so long since he’d uttered that name. “The day I met Yoongi-ssi isn’t exactly crystal clear in my mind. Not because of the breakup, though. It’s just… I didn’t know I was meeting someone who’d take up such a huge space in my life.” He shrugged. “I just remember him coming to the company I was working at. He was a friend of one of the producers there, and they were sitting together. I think I greeted them in passing.”

As the silence stretched, Jimin realized they’d never actually talked about this in such detail before. The video they’d made years ago was brief, merely stating they’d met through a mutual friend.

“Yeah,” Yoongi confirmed. “A friend of mine insisted I visit the studio because I’m passionate about music—it’s my life. At the time, I’d just started my YouTube channel.” Jimin turned his head slightly toward him as Yoongi, initially staring at the table, now lifted his eyes to the camera. “Actually, my friend suggested I could record something for the channel using one of the company’s studios, and I was really excited about the idea,” he explained further. “So I went there, and my friend mentioned needing permission for something—if I’m recalling this correctly.” He tilted his head as though sifting through memories. “Jimin-ssi had some business in the studio...”

Jimin’s gaze snapped to Yoongi’s lips the moment his name left them.

And right then and there, he wanted to cry.

He felt like he could cry for the rest of the day, maybe even the week.

How long had it been since he’d heard his name spoken by Yoongi?

“I was really nervous,” Yoongi added with a lingering smile. “Jimin-ssi’s voice is exactly my type, and I remember being so thrilled at the thought of meeting him.”

The host raised her eyebrows, though it wasn’t caught on camera since she was off-frame, even if it perfectly matched the tone of the program. “But things didn’t quite go as you hoped?”

Yoongi chuckled. “Not at all. Jimin-ssi showed up in a rush. He was sweating and looked like he’d just been running. He told my friend to reschedule the recording and then quickly greeted me, asked who I was, exchanged names with me, and left.”

Jimin felt a pang of sadness that Yoongi remembered everything so vividly. If he tried, he could’ve shared just as many details, but for whatever reason, he’d chosen not to do so on a channel with millions of subscribers.

“It sounds like you remember more about this than Jimin-ssi does, Suga-ssi.”

Though Jimin couldn’t see it, Yoongi offered the host a broad smile. “Of course,” he said confidently. “Jimin-ssi didn’t know me at the time, but I was already one of his fans.”

Instinctively, Jimin turned to his right. When he realized Yoongi was already looking at him, he wondered how he managed it. How could Yoongi sit there, speaking with such self-assurance and confidence, without even a hint of hesitation?

Then, like an avalanche, the realization hit him.

Yoongi had already moved on.

Jimin was the only one still stuck in the past.

“So, how about now? Would you still say you’re one of his fans?”

“Absolutely.”

Jimin didn’t even bother trying to hold back his laughter. It was such a blatant lie. He was sure of it with every fiber of his being.

“That’s so sweet,” the host said after a brief pause. As Yoongi took a sip from his coffee, the host turned the page on her notes. “Before we move on to the next question, could we learn exactly how you became friends? It’s not in my notes, but it would be nice to know. There have been videos where you mentioned how things naturally evolved into a relationship, but how did the friendship begin? When did it shift to something more, and who confessed first? Who made the first move?”

Feeling obligated to answer since Yoongi had spoken so much in response to the previous question, Jimin tensed slightly. But before he could say anything, Yoongi’s voice filled the space.

“I visited Namjoon a few more times,” he began. “Eventually, when we brought it up to Jimin—Jimin-ssi—he didn’t hesitate to book us a studio and even stayed with us during the recording process. Namjoon told him about my YouTube channel and the degree I was pursuing. That night, when I got home, I saw that someone as famous as Park Jimin had subscribed to my channel.” Yoongi’s lips pressed together briefly as he glanced at his former lover. “After that, we started hanging out in bits and pieces. Namjoon began inviting Jimin-ssi to our gatherings, and he accepted. Eventually, our group started meeting up regularly.” He shrugged. “I guess we just clicked better than anyone else and understood each other on a deeper level.”

The host nodded, briefly glancing at her notes again. “So, which one of you decided to take the friendship to the next level? Who confessed first?”

Jimin straightened up slightly.

“That was me,” he said, his expression almost resembling a smile, though the pain in his eyes was far more evident. “I mean, I confessed first, but the actual proposal came from hyung—Yoongi-ssi,” he clarified, wincing slightly at his slip. “At the time, we were sort of drinking buddies. Every time I was stressed, Yoongi-ssi would be there, drinking with me until the early hours.” The memories that surfaced sent a shiver through him, and he knew he’d never forget them. “I knew I had feelings for him, but I remember that night clearly—everything just boiled over. I felt like I couldn’t hold it in anymore, so I told Yoongi-ssi that I loved him, but he just froze.”

A small ripple of laughter spread through the room as everyone’s attention turned to Yoongi, who was still laughing as he set his mug on the coaster. “I was stunned,” he admitted, his voice laced with sincerity. “I’ve always been a fan of Park Jimin, and getting to know him wasn’t any easier. Beneath that amazing persona everyone sees is an even more incredible person.” Something flickered in Yoongi’s eyes as he spoke. “I knew I was in love with him, but I thought I wasn’t good enough—because, you know, he’s a world-famous star, and I was just a guy with a small music channel. So, I kept suppressing my feelings, and then… he confessed.”

“For five minutes straight, he just stared at me, and I froze in place,” Jimin added, finding himself joining in the laughter. “I thought he was going to walk out, end the friendship, and hate me forever... But I was the one who disappeared.”

Yoongi said with a sigh. “We just stared at each other like idiots for a while, and then Jimin-ssi bolted from the apartment. He didn’t contact me for an entire week. I was losing my mind until I found him at Hoseok’s place and locked us in a room together.”

“I honestly expected a breakup speech. Something like, ‘We can’t be friends anymore. I don’t see you that way. Goodbye, Jimin. Take care.’” He waved his hand dismissively and turned to the camera. The atmosphere had noticeably lightened, though that strange feeling in his stomach refused to dissipate.

“But I kissed him,” Yoongi murmured, glancing at Jimin. “That was our first kiss, right?”

Jimin rolled his eyes so quickly it shocked even him. Before he could process it, his lips betrayed him with a quiet, “No, you idiot.”

The moment his hands flew to cover his mouth and his eyes widened in shock, he turned abruptly to the right. “I—” he stammered. “I’m sorry, Yoongi-ssi,” he muttered under his breath. “That—That was—” He stopped.

Yoongi offered him a gentle smile, nodding slightly. “It’s a habit,” he said, allowing the empathy in his gaze to show. “I get it. It’s okay.”

Jimin almost slowly pulled his hands away from his lips, making a great effort not to meet his eyes. Yet, it took him much longer than expected to achieve this.  

"So, when was your first kiss?" the host asked, breaking the awkward silence between them.  

Jimin, feeling like he had found an escape, quickly turned his attention forward, trying to gather himself. "It was a few months before all of this," he answered rapidly. "We were hanging out with our friend group, and we were playing spin the bottle."  

"Ah, yes." Yoongi made a sound, as if recalling a memory. Jimin couldn’t see him, but he could hear the sound of Yoongi leaning back in his chair. "My memory’s playing tricks on me; I remember that moment, but it feels like it was later. It was during that first long separation we had."  

Jimin shook his head and pressed his lips together. "I’m sure it was before that. Jungkook put his whole heart into making sure we kissed," he said, giving the camera behind him a sharp look. "He knew I liked you." 

"What?" Yoongi was taken aback, standing up in surprise, looking at Jimin. "No, the reason he did that was because he literally knew I liked you."

This time, Jimin was the one in pure disbelief, and the cameraman, overhearing, couldn’t help but burst into laughter. He looked up from the screen and addressed the two friends. "You both were idiots, and at the end of the day, you’d come and tell me all about the heartache you were going through." He leaned in a bit. "I took it as an opportunity because getting either of you to confess was impossible." 

And both of them rolled their eyes in unison, looking in opposite directions.  

Jimin remembered that day so clearly, sitting by the campfire with Jungkook directly across from him and Yoongi beside him. The memories made his skin tingle with nostalgia. It was the first time he had felt free. Without the cameras, surrounded by his friends and the man he loved, it was as if he had returned to his childhood. The waves crashing on the shore of Busan reminded him of his own childhood.  

And then the bottle had landed between Jungkook and him. Jimin, with determination, said, "Dare," unaware of the consequences that would follow.  

He remembered the warmth of Yoongi’s breath on his lips in the cold air.  

If he had one chance now, he would go back to those days without hesitation.  

"You could’ve told one of us!" Yoongi blamed him, but Jungkook shrugged, lifting both hands and stepping away from the tripod to make himself more visible. "I’m a great secret keeper."  

The female host chuckled, then asked, "And the proposal? What happened when Suga-ssi locked you in that room, Jimin-ssi?"  

Jimin shrugged and murmured, "Like he said, he kissed me." He continued, "And then, while I was still in shock, he wanted me to be his boyfriend."  

"That’s it?"

"Yes, contrary to what some fans say, we didn’t have a grand, extravagant confession." Yoongi added. "But things moved fast afterward because we were already so close, and we’d known each other for almost a year and a half, two years." He glanced at his ex, as if confirming the timeline. "For a long time, we kept it a secret from people because it was easier, and it made our dates more private, just the two of us, without drawing attention."  

"So, what made you decide to come out to everyone? Whose idea was it?"  

Jimin shifted uncomfortably in his seat and admitted, "It was mine." A slight sense of guilt washed over him. "It was a stupid idea."  

"It wasn’t," Yoongi intervened. "The idea came from Jimin-ssi, but I supported him. I wanted to come out as much as he did."  

"Still, you told me we’d face problems if we did," Jimin defended himself, turning to look at Yoongi. "I should’ve listened to you." 

"If you had listened to me that day, I probably would’ve been the one to suggest it eventually," Yoongi replied, shaking his head. He turned to the host with a serious look in his eyes. "We wanted to do it because we couldn’t be comfortable outside anymore." He swallowed visibly, making sure Jimin could see it. "We were tense when holding hands, no kissing, and our hugs were limited. We were cautious with every step we took."

"I told him that I’d gotten permission from the company and that we could make our relationship public." Jimin jumped in. "I insisted on it." He added, "To be honest, it was a terrible decision. Looking back now, I would never have pushed so hard to come out."  

"Why?"

Jimin shrugged and, without caring about Yoongi's thoughts, shared his opinion. "I think this is what really ended us," he said. "Everyone was talking about us, judging us, and constantly, relentlessly sharing their completely irrelevant opinions with us." He laughed. "Back then, if we couldn’t kiss outside, it eventually became impossible after that because the cameras were always there. It was like they were waiting for us to make a move."

Yoongi sighed. "Also, we’re not really considered an LGBT+ friendly country," he agreed. "We received a lot of hate. In every sense and in every way."

"And do you think that’s what ended your relationship?"

"No."

"Yes."

The two spoke at the same time, and as it made them lock eyes, the room was completely silent. That’s why Jimin repeated, "Yes," and looked into Yoongi’s eyes. "I think so." His voice was firm. "When our relationship was just between the two of us, I started feeling like I was dating millions of people at the same time. That day, the host on a gossip show was saying that I didn’t deserve someone like Suga, and she was defending that opinion. I was crying next to him all night. The next day, someone hid behind a phone, leaving comments on Yoongi’s Twitter or YouTube channel, saying that he would never be good enough for me. They were criticizing the songs he made for no reason, and Yoongi started looking less confident every day. Eventually, it became unbearable."

No one noticed that Jimin had stopped using honorifics.

"I never cared about those stupid comments," Yoongi said, sounding disappointed, as if he was upset by what he had just heard. "I didn’t care about any comment, good or bad, as long as I didn’t know who they were."

"You did care," Jimin frowned. "You told me that."

"Jimin-"

"You told me that," Jimin repeated, not caring about their surroundings or the strangers walking around in the room. "You clearly said you thought you could never be on my level, and it felt like the whole world acted as if they agreed with that."

"I think your memory is playing tricks on you because it was actually you who defended that idea," Yoongi said, raising his voice slightly. He wasn’t shouting, but his tone was different from the soft one he had been using from the start. "You put yourself on a stupid diet, and even though I couldn’t bear to see you like that, you kept going. You worked so hard, as if you weren’t already perfect enough, you pushed yourself even more, exhausting your body just to become even better. I was crying for you at the hospital bed, and you kept saying you weren’t amazing enough to deserve me, because the whole world thought so."

"They thought so!"

"What mattered wasn’t what they thought, it was what I thought." Yoongi, breathless as if he had run miles, looked at him with eyes nearly filled with tears. "You should have cared about what I thought, because you were already perfect just the way you were. We didn’t need more."

A tear slid down Jimin's cheek, and since his face was completely turned toward Yoongi, the camera filming them from the front didn’t catch it. Yoongi’s hand, which was resting on the armrest, was about to rise to wipe the tear away, but he froze as if stopping himself at the last moment. It was as if, in that instant, both of them remembered where they were, and they quickly turned back in front of them.

And without having fought or raised their voices, Yoongi said, as if changing the subject, "Let’s move on to the next question." "You can edit this later."

Both of them knew very well that things wouldn’t go as smoothly as they were pretending. They also knew the scene would not be cut but would instead be used to create a bombshell effect, but they didn’t talk about it.

The host nervously glanced at the paper in her hands, and the ticking of the wall clock blended with the uncomfortable silence that filled the room.

"Is there something you can’t forget or miss about your relationship?" the host asked when she finally gathered herself. "It could be a moment or a general habit."

The silence remained unbroken. It felt like they were both waiting for the other to make the first move, but it lasted as long as an eternity.

Finally, Yoongi answered in a tense voice, "I think it’s the feeling of having someone else around." This intrigued the host.

"What do you mean by that, Suga-ssi?"

"What I mean is..." Yoongi swallowed, and then, feeling comfortable enough in the living room where the shoot was taking place, glanced around his home. It was obvious why the shoot was happening here; almost every video he had posted on his YouTube channel with Jimin had been filmed in this very spot. "It’s easy to get used to someone’s presence," he said, though it was clear he struggled with the words. "I had gotten used to Jimin-ssi’s presence, and the next day, when he wasn’t there, everything else disappeared with him. I guess I missed that feeling, and I still do.”

Jimin felt like he wanted to cry.

"When I’d go to the bathroom and see one toothbrush missing, it felt like a void. Or when I’d find the right side of the bed empty, or lose someone who knew I couldn’t live without coffee. It was like waking up and finding the coffee machine empty, and then I’d laugh to myself and think: ‘Of course, this machine hasn’t been self-cleaning for all this time.’" His words made everyone else in the room laugh, but it left a bitter taste in Jimin’s mouth. "So after our relationship, I guess I missed... Jimin-ssi’s presence. Not just the toothbrush, or the bed being warmer, or someone thinking about my coffee machine... I’m already a calm person, used to living alone. I’ve always been used to it." He shrugged. "But Jimin-ssi’s presence made me forget that habit so quickly, and without him, I felt like I was floating in emptiness."

He chuckled, pointing vaguely around the room.

"I’d come here, to the place I called home, and it felt like the house was naked. It felt like I had torn down the curtains and ripped up the carpets."

The host shook her head. "But you seem to have moved past that, Suga-ssi."

"Who knows?" Yoongi chuckled again. "In the end, a person either gets used to everything that happens to them, or they have to."

"I understand." The host turned to Jimin. "And what about you, Jimin-ssi? Is there anything you miss or can’t forget about your relationship?"

Jimin licked his lips. He felt like he might cry if he spoke, but one of the benefits of being famous was learning how to wear a good mask. So, with a face he believed looked better than he felt, he looked the host in the eye and said, "I can empathize with what Yoongi-ssi said." He paused. "This is a hard question, and he summarized it well. I guess I’d give the same answer." He pretended to think. "But if I had to say something different... I don’t know. Maybe our arguments?"

"Your arguments?" The host looked at him with innocent surprise. "Do you miss your arguments?"

"Except the last one, yes." Jimin nodded naturally. "We always argued like two civilized people, and after our arguments, we always felt better because whatever was weighing on us came out in those moments."

"True," Yoongi agreed. "There was something about our arguments that made us who we were."

"It might sound a little odd, but it’s special to us. We’re in a position now where we can’t fully grasp it, but we just understood each other during those moments."

Both bodies in front of the camera smiled.

"Alright, next question: Is there anything you wish to forget or never missed in your relationship?"

"I don’t miss..." Jimin leaned forward, resting his elbow on his knee, his chin in his hand, clearly thinking. He didn’t answer until he heard Yoongi say, "I’m not sure if there’s something I don’t miss."

"You miss everything, Suga-ssi?"

"Maybe." He paused for a moment. "I don’t know. This is a tough question."

"You could still find some answers," Jimin gently challenged.

In response, Yoongi asked, "Then give me a few examples?"

Jimin simply shrugged while looking at the camera. "I don’t miss your salty omelettes." His voice, with its sweet tone, was dangerously close to teasing. "Or your disgusting bitter coffee."

"You always ate and drank them," Yoongi’s voice was the official proof of his disbelief. He looked at Jimin as if he had just said that hippos could fly. "You complimented me every time."

"Because you’d proudly put them in front of me, and you’d wake me up in the early hours of the morning to make sure I’d drink it, even though you’d sacrifice that precious sleep of yours for it."

"I thought you liked them, so I was trying to surprise you!" He closed his eyes. "Oh my god, all that sleep gone to waste."

Jimin rolled his eyes once more, and after two years, it felt strange to talk so casually about the past with Yoongi. He pushed the oddity to the back of his mind and said, "Still, admit it." He smirked. "You never liked my cookies, and you’d always secretly throw them away as soon as I turned my back."

"What? No. Never!" He raised his hand in mock accusation. "Don’t slander me."

"If you’re going to lie, at least you should have thrown them somewhere other than the trash." Jimin frowned. "I’m not slandering you. Every time I opened the trash, there they were!"

"Then why did you keep doing it knowing full well?"

"Because I wanted you to admit it and be honest with me!"

"Did you expect me to admit this after all those years of praising my omelettes?"

"If you’d said something, I would have."

"If you had said something, I would’ve told you."

They both winked at each other, and for a moment, they both burst into laughter, even if just for a second, which made the host smile as well. "Looks like you both resorted to a few little lies just to avoid hurting each other."

Yoongi chuckled softly. "I guess." After taking less than a minute to catch his breath, he continued thoughtfully, "If things like that count as answers, then the thing I miss the least is Jimin never having time."

"What kind of thing?"

"In my opinion, after a while, success became an obsession for him. I spent five whole years with him, and eventually, it rubbed off on me." He shrugged, his posture stiff. "Every day, while I was with him, I suddenly started to not be able to see him. He’d come home in the early hours of the morning, drag his tired body to the bathroom, sleep beside me for a few hours, and then leave. He started showing up less at our friend gatherings because he was always in dance practice, and despite having the most beautiful voice in the world, after one concert where his voice trembled, he panicked and began spending all his free time on vocal lessons. I won’t even get into the concert tours. I started feeling lonely again, and by the end of the day, it felt like I didn’t even have a boyfriend."

Jimin felt the weight of these words because it wasn’t the first time he had heard them. Yoongi had thrown these truths in his face during their last argument, and the sting was the same now as it was then.

He wasn’t that person anymore. He wasn’t as obsessed with things, and he tried to keep everything balanced, but it was too late. Who he was now didn’t really affect his relationship with Yoongi.

When he felt the host’s eyes on him, he tried to smile and said, "He’s right." He paused. "I didn’t realize it back then, but now that I think about it... Yes, I don’t miss that either."

Yoongi didn’t say anything, and the host, realizing the topic was closed, asked, "So, how did you break up?" She looked at them both. "Everyone saw your social media posts, but no one learned the real reason behind it. You never spoke about it, just brushed it off." She glanced back and forth between them. "Who broke up with whom?"

The host was right. Neither of them had ever spoken openly about it.

Jimin wasn’t sure how to answer, but finally said, "He broke up with me." And once again, all eyes shifted to Yoongi.

"To be honest, yes, the breakup came from me, but for the first week, I didn’t really think we had broken up."

Jimin knew exactly how that felt. It had been the same for him. As he said, he couldn’t believe it at the time, thinking it was just a temporary separation. It wasn’t something that hadn’t happened before. They had had similar "breakups" in the past, and a few days later, it wasn’t strange to find themselves naked in each other’s beds again.

"Could you be more open about this?"

"What I mean is, the word ‘breakup’ wasn’t the first time it came up." Yoongi tried to explain. "Whenever we argued, one of us would say it. Either we’d argue more and end it by kissing like crazy, or one of us would leave, and a few days later, we’d end up back together." He gave Jimin a pointed look, and Jimin felt thankful that Yoongi didn’t bring up their sex life. "I thought it would be the same. When I said we should break up, it didn’t feel much different from any other argument."

"Then why didn’t you get back together?" The host looked at Jimin now. "Jimin-ssi?"

The younger one stared blankly at the carpet, deep in thought. He had so much to say, especially after thinking about that day and the days following it over the past two years. He had thought about it so much. It felt like if he started talking now, he’d never stop. Still, the only thing that came out of his mouth was, "I guess we were just tired."

We were tired.

Yoongi clearly empathized with those words. "I felt like I was on a seesaw," he continued, echoing Jimin’s words. "We always tried to keep it balanced, but lately, either he was all the way at the top or I was, and... yeah, it started getting exhausting." He slowly moved his hand in the air. "Up and down." He paused. "It was tiring."

Jimin understood the reference Yoongi was making, so he swallowed hard and turned his face away.

"I remember our friends kept calling me. They were trying to convince me to go to Yoongi-ssi’s house because I was basically living with him. But something held me back. I don’t know. I wanted to make up and move on, but it felt like..." Jimin laughed. "It’s hard to describe. I just remember sitting on the couch, staring at the turned-off TV screen." He gestured in front of him, squinted, and shook his head. "A voice inside me was telling me to get up and find him, or I’d regret it, but I just stayed sitting. I don’t know how else to explain it."

"Same." Yoongi pointed to Jimin. "There was a day I cried in my bed, and I definitely knew I was in pain from the breakup." He laughed too, just like Jimin had. "Hoseok was beside me, looking at me with pity in his eyes. I’ll never forget that look. He sat on Jimin’s side of the bed and told me not to be stupid, that if I was this sad, I should fight for this love, and I wanted to. It felt like if I got out of bed and wiped my tears, everything would be fine again, and I’d find Jimin and we’d continue as if nothing had happened. But I didn’t get out of bed that day." His smile turned bittersweet. "And not for the next few weeks."

"So, when you broke up, you still had feelings for each other, right? People kept saying your love was over and came up with all sorts of theories."

"I don’t know about Jimin, but for me, nothing was over." Yoongi said this without any hesitation, almost as if he didn’t care about admitting it. "I was in love with him, and it hurt a lot. I was just, like I said: Tired."

"And you, Jimin-ssi?"

Jimin looked at Yoongi and could only say, "Same." When he said it, he couldn’t think of anything other than the past tense Yoongi had used, because he could never be brave enough to speak of his pain in the past tense. Even after two long years, the pain of not being able to forget him was still overwhelming.

"Some of your social media posts became quite a topic, and we saw you hanging out with some celebrities in a very friendly way. This happened before any news of your breakup came out, and people started accusing you of infidelity." The host narrowed her eyes. "Were you separated at the time?"

"Yes." Jimin confirmed without hesitation and was completely sincere. "No matter what happened between us, Yoongi-ssi would never be the kind of person to cheat on his partner or spouse—anyone."

"I never suspected that about Jimin-ssi either." The host nodded. "We were separated, and it was well after our breakup."

"Still, during that time, people made a huge scandal out of your cryptic social media posts. What did you think about that?"

"Honestly, I thought everyone was being awful." Jimin shot Yoongi a brief glance. "I don’t know how Yoongi-ssi was feeling, but they kept tagging me in his posts and the news that came out about him. It was always like: ‘Did Park Jimin see this? He must be dying of jealousy! This guy is better for him! Min Yoongi made the best decision of his life by breaking up with him.’" Jimin shook his head. "Of course, there were good comments too, and people who loved us were actually mobilizing for us to get back together. But this is always the case, isn’t it? Between millions of good comments, you always get stuck on the worst ones." He moistened his lips. "At first, it was easy not to care, but when I started seeing someone and barely managed to make time for myself and hang out, things got out of control. Everyone started making up stories in their heads. They included my posts in their narrative. To them, we were two ex-lovers competing to make each other jealous. They were making a fake movie out of us."

"But did you ever think about trying to make each other jealous?"

Jimin stiffened at the question, almost going silent, but he didn’t. He couldn’t. He realized how ridiculous it would be to avoid answering this question after everything that had been said so far and all the honesty that had been shared.

"I did get jealous of Yoongi." He confessed. "I was still in love with him. I was openly trying to deal with my feelings for him, and a group of people kept tagging me in posts about my ex's new relationship like they were rubbing it in my face." For a moment, he felt sorry for himself. "I felt bad for being jealous because I thought I didn’t have the right to feel that way anymore. During that time, some of my friends told me I needed to distract myself. I mean, there wasn’t any deliberate intention to create jealousy on my part. I just remember feeling jealous, and like normal people, I tried to find ways to forget my ex. I wasn’t trying to make him jealous." He turned to Yoongi before the host could speak again. He looked into Yoongi's eyes, which were focused entirely on him. "What about you, Yoongi-ssi?" He asked. "Did you try to make me jealous on purpose?"

"Yes."

And no one was expecting that answer.

No one had been expecting him to confirm it.

Even Jungkook, who was recording the whole process behind the camera, stopped for a moment, looking shocked, before quickly refocusing his camera on Yoongi, who continued to look at Jimin with intense eyes.

"Right after our relationship ended, everyone I went out with was just for attention. I was waiting for you to call. I was waiting for you to call me stupid and tell me that no one else could tolerate me except for you." His voice turned into a whisper. "But you never called me."

"You were moving on." Jimin said, still not quite processing what he was hearing. "We were separated, and you were hanging out with other people in front of everyone. How could you expect me to call you?"

"Because if it were me, I would have done that." Yoongi said. "I did that."

"You didn’t."

"I did." Yoongi insisted. "When the news about you and Sungcheol came out, I called you, but you didn’t pick up."

Jimin flinched.

All the memories hit him suddenly, and the realization that Yoongi was right made his stomach turn. He remembered that day. He remembered the day he was out with Sungcheol, as if it happened yesterday. He had taken his friend home but ended up crying uncontrollably, letting Sungcheol comfort him without even getting a chance to kiss him. Later that night, he had seen Yoongi's call, but nothing could have made him answer it. He had struggled to pick up the phone, but couldn’t. Eventually, he hung up and didn’t open his phone again until he got a new number.

"I called you so many times, but you didn’t pick up." Yoongi said, almost with amusement. "And in the end, I left you thousands of voicemails. Seokjin was begging me to stop."

"But— I—" Jimin blinked, realizing something new. "I turned off my phone." He said, as if just noticing. "I didn’t pick up."

"You didn’t pick up, and you never listened to the voicemails." Yoongi shook his head. "I was really jealous, and in all the voicemails, I kept cursing at Sungcheol." He laughed, as if it was a distant memory. "You’re lucky you didn’t listen to them, because even now, they sound pathetic."

Jimin thought, If I had listened, maybe we wouldn’t be here right now, but he kept the thought to himself and fell silent. He just stared into his ex's eyes, wanting to remain quiet.

Still, eventually, he spoke, his voice empty. "I didn’t go out with Sungcheol." It was as if he thought saying that could change the past. "That day, when I cried for you, he was the one who comforted me and told me I needed to talk to you. You cursed him for no reason. You owe him an apology."

For a moment, Yoongi seemed to have trouble understanding what Jimin was saying, but eventually, he blinked and quietly said, "Okay. I didn’t know."

Jimin nodded. He just wanted the recording to end.

"Shall we move on to our last question?" The host asked.

Both of them nodded quickly.

"Alright, this might be a bit of a strange question." She lifted her paper. "If you both had the chance to go back in time, and this was at the moment you saw each other for the last time..." She raised an eyebrow. "What would you say to each other?"

A piercing silence tore through the room.

Jimin’s eyes welled up, but no one said a word. "I would say, ‘You know.’" He finally said, swallowing and shaking his head.

Yoongi’s answer was nearly the same. Without a closing statement or thank you, he glanced at the black carpet one last time and said, "I would say, ‘I know.’"

Then they smiled. They repeated a few cute phrases to encourage viewers to subscribe to the channel, and the recording ended. The red light went off, and the small five-person crew began packing up.

When Jimin quickly stood up, as if he couldn’t breathe, and walked rapidly toward the place where he’d left his coat, he didn’t care about his vibrating phone in his pocket, his manager’s gaze, or the strange looks from the crew still packing up. At that moment, the only thing he cared about was leaving this apartment as quickly as possible.

Just like that day. Just like that rainy day.

Just like when he had walked out right after arguing with Yoongi.

He closed his eyes, feeling the suffocating pressure in his throat. As he threw his coat over his shoulder, he gripped the door handle tightly, opened it, and took a step outside. He wanted to close the door behind him before heading to the elevator, but something stopped him. Someone was holding the door from the other side with more strength than he had.

When he turned around, the face he met said, "Jimin." "Can we talk for a second?"

He wanted to say no, but he didn’t. He couldn’t. He looked at Yoongi’s now longer hair, almost grayish with sandy blond tips. In an instant, he had the reflex to run his hands through it, maybe kiss him right there.

Instead of doing any of that, he said, "Yes." "Did something happen?"

Yoongi hesitated, glancing over his shoulder before exhaling loudly. He took a step toward Jimin and became the one to close the door. Finally, he said, "Come." He grabbed Jimin’s wrist, pulling him toward the stairs without permission. Jimin, still in shock, let him lead, following up the stairs in silence. They reached the metal door leading to the rooftop, and Jimin didn’t say anything as Yoongi opened it. Normally, they would’ve taken a bottle of wine up there at midnight, trying to catch glimpses of the stars hidden behind the city lights, chatting together.

But now, they just stood there in front of the closed door.

Yoongi moistened his lips, avoiding Jimin’s gaze as if he had never looked into his eyes throughout the interview. What he was about to say was probably clear, but now he was stuck.

"What were you going to say?" Jimin couldn’t hold back any longer. The hand he missed so much was still wrapped around his wrist, making it hard to focus.

"Why did you agree to this collaboration?" Yoongi whispered finally. "Why did you come here?"

It was a difficult question. Perhaps the hardest one asked since that morning, because unlike all the suffocating questions, this one didn’t have an answer. Jimin had started his day with an email his manager had sent him weeks ago. It was about an invitation from a YouTube channel, talking about a collaboration.

Suga a.k.a. Min Yoongi.

Jimin laughed. "Why did you agree?" His voice came out a little sarcastic. "Honestly, I don’t even know why I did it."

"I wanted to see you." Yoongi quickly replied, dropping his shoulders. "Sorry if it sounded ridiculous, but I thought about it a lot. In the end, I wanted to do it because I missed you—No—don’t get me wrong." He squeezed his eyes shut and took a moment before continuing. "I’m not trying to... it’s just... Can we?" He opened his eyes. "Can we be friends again?”

"Excuse me?" The smaller one tried to swallow. "I didn’t get that—what?"

"I missed you." Yoongi repeated. "Jimin, I lost you. I know you’ll understand. I didn’t just lose my lover, I lost you." He barely managed to look into his eyes. "You don’t have to, but I want you to think about it and try. Maybe we can meet. Maybe at Jungkook’s pointless movie nights or Namjoon’s pajama parties, I don’t know. Like before. Like in the beginning."

Jimin blinked. In that moment, a million thoughts collided, sending him into a small-scale panic, and for a split second, he wanted to open the iron door next to him, climb up to the building’s rooftop, and scream like crazy in the pouring rain without caring what anyone thought, shouting out loud and then curling up to cry for hours.

"No," he said finally. "I don’t want that."

"Jimi—"

"I can’t do that," he interrupted. "I can’t act like we’re friends with my ex. It’s dangerous."

"What? Why?"

"Some things could go wrong." Jimin, completely cold-blooded despite the storm raging inside him, startled even himself for a moment. "I don’t know. It doesn’t make sense."

"Jimin." Yoongi said, as if protesting. "You never missed me? Is this it?"

"I—" Jimin shook his head, ignoring the tears in his eyes. "Don’t be stupid. Of course I missed you. That’s not the point. The point—"

"If you missed me, then there’s no need for excuses. Give our friendship a chance." Yoongi stared into his eyes, squeezing his wrist. "Give us a chance."

Jimin knew he shouldn’t agree. Yoongi had moved on. What he said in the interview didn’t matter. All his words were filled with past-tense phrases. He no longer cared who Jimin was with, nor did he envy him. He wasn’t the person he used to search for anymore. He wasn’t the one Jimin had waited for.

Yes, this thing between them was a seesaw game, and Yoongi probably believed he was the last one down, and maybe that was true, but when looking at the bigger picture, Jimin was still there. Standing where he fell, waiting for Yoongi to call him back.

That was the painful part.

Today, Jimin realized how far Yoongi had been from calling him back. He was the only one left on the seesaw now.

He was the only one whose feelings still felt fresh.

That’s why he shouldn’t agree. He shouldn’t be friends with the person he was still in love with, still couldn’t forget, still couldn’t let go of, after two long years. He shouldn’t try to be.

But Jimin had never been able to control himself.

He took a deep breath, and before pulling it back, he looked at the hand on his wrist, ignoring the tear about to fall from his eye, and said, "Okay." A bitter smile spread across his lips. "I can’t promise I’ll be your friend, but I’ll at least try." He looked up at Yoongi. "Is that enough? Are you happy?"

Yoongi exhaled deeply. His shoulders visibly relaxed, and a big smile spread across his face as he nodded. "I’m happy."

Jimin felt like he had just thrown himself into a bottomless pit.

A mistake from which there was no return.

Chapter Text

Jimin had stopped reading comments online when he realized how ruthless people could be and how there were far more beings devoid of empathy in the world than he’d ever imagined. If he tweeted, it would end up on a news channel, be discussed on gossip programs, or shared on any social media; he knew by then that he should never enter the comment section. He had understood this well enough that it became the truth that pushed him to be less active than usual.

He was trying. He was really trying to apply the psychological help he had received and the advice of the people he trusted. Just like they said, he was trying to focus on only the good comments, but it wasn’t in his control. Even if there was just one bad comment among millions, he couldn’t move on without getting stuck on it. That’s why, at some point, he had given up. To avoid seeing bad comments, he had chosen to blind himself to the good ones as well.

And now, just past midnight, he sat alone at home, with nothing but the half-faded glow of his phone illuminating his face. The curtains were drawn all the way open. The city lights failed to penetrate the film-covered window. The lamp in the corner was off, unlike usual, and the TV hadn’t been turned on in days. If he turned around and looked toward the kitchen, he might have noticed the faint blue light from the coffee machine, but Jimin hadn’t moved from the couch since he got home. He had been like this since noon.

Ever since he saw that the video they had recorded two weeks ago was posted earlier that morning, he had spent a lot of time in internal debate. To watch it or not.

In the end, even though the edited video was still over half an hour long, he had sat and watched through it twice and now, on the third viewing, he was struggling to resist the urge to shrink the screen and scroll up to see the comments below.

He knew he shouldn’t read them because, as usual, they weren’t going to be what he expected. He was sure of it. Absolutely sure.

Jimin watched Yoongi smile as he looked at the screen. It wasn’t quite a full smile, just a small grin, but it was there. It reminded him of the sweet kisses Yoongi would plant on his cheeks when Jimin was half asleep in the mornings and could barely open his eyes. It made Jimin sigh.

He had seen him during their time apart. On TV or on his phone. Somehow, Yoongi would pop up. Despite having blocked him on Twitter and muted every possible word related to him, he was still there. But to be honest, Jimin hadn’t seen Yoongi’s face anywhere other than on an old billboard in at least four or five months, and he had no idea that his hair had grown so long or that his cheeks had become fuller.

"He must be eating well," Jimin sighed, pulling his phone closer to his face, sinking deeper into the couch. As he blinked, his gaze fixed on Yoongi’s face, which stood out against the blurred background. He hadn’t paid much attention that day, but as he watched the video now, he noticed Yoongi was wearing a plain white t-shirt and loose, baggy black pants. He had his legs crossed, and he didn’t look like he used to. “Does he go to the gym?” Jimin mumbled without realizing it. “I’m sure he’s working on his arm muscles. Normally, he would’ve disappeared inside that t-shirt.”

At that moment, Yoongi did something and stretched, leaning back into the couch with his head tilted towards the backrest. His t-shirt clung to his chest. Jimin found himself holding his breath for the millionth time and then threw his phone to the side, squeezing his eyes shut as he tried to come to terms with the fact that he was watching the video for the third time.

“Don’t be stupid,” he muttered, hitting his forehead. “Don’t be stupid, don’t be stupid, don’t be stupid.” His forehead wrinkled. “I hate him.”

And his eyes fell back on the glowing phone screen in the dark. The video played at an almost inaudible volume. His own face appeared on the screen, smiling.

He took a deep breath.

“I really haven’t changed at all,” he said, the bitter taste sliding down his throat. “Leaving me didn’t do him any- Any—Oh my God.” He twisted his face, feeling like he might cry. “I can’t believe Yoongi’s been working out, he hates the gym.” He turned his head and groaned, leaning back as he pulled a large cushion into his arms, hugging it tightly as he buried his face in the couch and tried to suffocate himself. His scream turned into a silent cry.

Until, without thinking, he pulled the pillow away and threw it, the white cushion speeding toward the kitchen counter and hitting the empty wine glass that fell and shattered loudly.

Jimin stared blankly at the broken pieces of the glass, remaining silent.

He didn’t move from his position on the couch until the video ended, and when the light dimmed to a near white, he briefly glanced at the screen and blinked at the icon that would allow him to start it over again.

The rest happened quickly. Jimin, as if he were running from someone, reached for his phone and held it upright, causing the video to shrink. He scrolled up and touched the spot needed to see all the comments.

Thousands of comments greeted him.

When he saw the most liked comment at the top, he couldn’t believe he was doing this. He lay back on the couch, turned to the side, not caring that his hip was sticking out a little. He just continued quickly scanning the screen with his eyes.

“You know and I know” part opened a hole in my heart. I’m serious.

Oh my God, I don’t know if Korea will ever see a relationship like this again, they were always number one.

Ending a five-year friendship and a relationship like that for stupid reasons is ridiculous. I think, contrary to what they claim, their love is completely over. After all, five years isn’t little. People get tired.

I feel like they haven’t told us everything.

If I were Suga, I’d chase after Park Jimin.

I think they made the right choice in breaking up.

I heard Yoongi has a girlfriend. I feel bad for the guy. It’s ridiculous that they invited someone who has a girlfriend to this show. There should be some respect... At least Jimin should have been thoughtful and not accepted. What is he trying to do? It seemed like he wanted to ruin his relationship. He went into all the details!

Am I the only one who thinks they don’t look good together????

The place where Suga said he called Jimin was so pathetic. I could never confess something like that. He couldn’t even get an answer to his calls. Heartbreaking.

Did you see Jimin’s eyes? I swear he cried somewhere in there. The scene cut out.

Finishing the video was such a torture. It depressed me.

I’ve watched the worst video on the channel.

They’re still in love... You can tell from every angle you look at it.

A disgrace.

Yoongi seems to have moved on. Someone needs to shake Jimin and make him snap out of it.

I think if anyone has moved on, it’s Jimin because he hasn’t changed at all and he’s still strong! But look at Yoongi, he’s completely someone else now. I don’t even recognize him. I’m sure he resorted to everything he could to forget it, since he couldn’t get over things. I’m also going through a tough breakup and I can understand what Yoongi’s feeling.

When Yoongi took down all the couple vlogs from his channel, that’s when the relationship was really over, man.

I still think they’re cute. I’m not surprised by all the hate. You don’t hate their relationship, you hate the fact that both of them are men, and you don’t have to show it this way.

We’re in the 21st century... Please stop being narrow-minded. I’m sure they kissed after the video ended. I hope they get back together.

You can still feel the sexual tension between them.

When Yoongi talked about the seesaw, it was a direct reference to the song "Seesaw"! The song was obviously about Jimin and their relationship, and this proves it.

Park Jimin should sometimes remember that he’s a very famous singer because he didn’t look like that in this video. He was just there with simple facial expressions and a pathetic personality.

I’m proud of Jimin, he’s so strong. I hope he doesn’t read these comments. You’re not human. There must be something else where your heart should be.

Jimin closed his eyes. In a panic, he quickly closed the page and threw his phone to the floor without caring. He just lay there.

He wanted to forget everything. Erase the last month entirely and get rid of everything.

-

"Being together again really feels amazing." Hoseok opened the door with a huge, heart-shaped smile on his face and greeted Jimin with all his energy. It was almost 9 PM, and Jimin, fully aware he was late, was standing at the door of one of his closest friends. He tried to smile while holding a bottle of wine in a pricey box.

After two exhausting and mentally draining days, he couldn’t bring himself to turn down the invitation.

Apparently, Yoongi had shared the conversation they had a couple of weeks ago with their closest friends and informed them that they were going to try being friends again, because when Hoseok had called him earlier, he mentioned Yoongi would be coming as well, without hesitation.

"Hey, hyung," Jimin said nonchalantly as he stepped inside, not caring about Hoseok's words. "Is everyone here?"

Hoseok quickly shook his head, took the box from Jimin’s hands, and allowed him to take off his jacket. "Yeah, we were waiting for you, but don’t worry, Yoongi hyung and Tae just arrived too." He gestured for him to move along. "We’re having a movie night. Jungkook has a great list."

"Huh," Jimin smiled. It hadn’t been long since their last movie night, but this time there was a big difference. Now there were seven of them, and it would be a night where no one had to choose between Jimin or Yoongi. "Nice. What are we watching?"

"The Shining." Before Jimin could even enter the room, Jungkook looked at him and clapped his hands excitedly. Jimin rolled his eyes, unable to avoid looking, and muttered tiredly, "Again?" His words were interrupted as someone wrapped their arms around him tightly. Taehyung came from the kitchen, making it obvious with the bowl of popcorn in his hands. "Chim! You’re finally here. I have some big news for you."

Jimin shook his head and scanned the room. It was as if he knew exactly where to look to avoid the person he didn’t want to see. He quickly turned his head to the right and said, "Hey, Namjoon hyung." In the background, Jungkook was still rambling on about the movie. "Hey, Jin hyung."

Then, inevitably, his gaze shifted to the other couch, where a body sat staring at him without doing anything. Jimin tried to act like it didn’t bother him, but he couldn’t ignore it. He had to make himself focus on the plump cheeks and long hair of the person sitting across from him, like he was looking at them for the first time. His eyes quickly moved to the arms and chest, and Jimin immediately wanted to slap himself.

"Hey, Yoongi-ssi," he finally said, unsure of the level of intimacy between them. Would it be weird to call him hyung? Since they were trying to be friends again, it probably wouldn’t be a problem, but everyone in the room held their breath, waiting for a response. Yoongi smiled at him, nodded slightly, and said, "Hey, Jimin."

He had let go of the formalities.

"Alright, take your seats now," Seokjin clapped his hands, as if trying to break the tension, and cuddled up with a pillow to get more comfortable. Taehyung, startled, quickly pulled Jimin with him, making sure to sit on the empty couch.

Once they sat down, Jimin tried not to feel weird about Yoongi sitting directly across from him. He focused on the TV, not daring to turn in that direction.

But it was impossible.

Would it always feel like this?

Would they stay distant like this while all Jimin had in his mind were the old memories of being with him? Normally, they would sit almost on top of each other, watching movies, but now, sitting across from each other on separate couches, would they just watch without even looking at each other?

Jimin chuckled. Yes, that’s what would happen. That was the point.

Being friends. Hah.

When Hoseok turned off the lights and left the room lit only by the TV, Jungkook crouched in front of the screen, looking like he was making the final adjustments.

As Taehyung pulled his legs towards him and sat sideways, facing Jimin, he placed the popcorn bucket on his lap and leaned closer to whisper in his ear, "I talked to Jeongin yesterday." He lowered his voice, trying not to be too loud. "He begged me to set you up on a date again. He literally begged me."

Jimin quickly scanned the room to make sure everyone was minding their own business, then, noticing Yoongi’s eyes on Jungkook, whispered back, "I told you no, Tae. He’s really not my type, and there’s a huge age gap between us."

"Still, you two get along so well! I swear he’s a great guy. Your personalities are the same." Taehyung squinted his eyes and tried to keep his voice down. "Also, he’s handsome and super sweet. You can’t deny it, Park."

Jimin shrugged and, without arguing, turned back to the TV, saying, "I still don’t want to."

"Jimin-"

"Tae."

"What are you two scheming?" Hoseok suddenly squeezed onto the couch beside them with a glass in his hand. "We’re finally all together, and no one’s commenting on this. You’re both terrible."

When Taehyung whispered something in his ear, Hoseok sat up straight, leaned toward Jimin, and muttered, "You can’t turn down this offer again." "The guy’s been chasing you for months. Try giving him a chance." He shook his head. "Jeongin’s really a good guy."

"After criticizing them, doing the same thing yourself is quite admirable, Hobi," Namjoon interrupted with a teasing tone. Hoseok leaned back, laughing, and before taking a sip of his drink, he said, "I can’t hold myself back when my relationship status alarms go off." "Yang Jeongin is still chasing after Jimin, and Jimin still hasn’t accepted a single date."

When Jimin quickly shifted his gaze from the TV to Yoongi, he found Yoongi’s eyes already fixed on him. He felt a chill run down his spine. In the dim light of the TV, Yoongi’s dark pupils were shining, and he was staring at Jimin, deep in thought, without moving.

Jimin felt a wave of fear, terrified of appearing like someone who had dragged their friends into his attempts to make Yoongi jealous from their first meeting.

"Soon, the kid will be flying a plane with a banner, proposing like that," Seokjin commented, oblivious to the situation, his eyes still glued to his phone. "Have some mercy on him, Jimin."

Jimin shifted uncomfortably in his seat and turned to Jungkook with difficulty, saying, "Let’s drop this topic. We’re here to watch a movie."

"Yeah, and the movie’s ready." Jungkook sighed and glanced at Jimin, then the others. "Should I start?"

A quiet murmur of agreement led to the start of the movie and an ensuing silence.

Jimin couldn’t focus on a single second of the movie with Yoongi’s eyes on him.

-

The sound of laughter in the room faded when Seokjin stood up and turned around to grab his coat from the hallway. Jimin also got up, holding a few empty cups, and headed for the kitchen, smiling in response to Hoseok’s shout, "Promise me we’ll do this again!" The movie had finished a while ago, and Jungkook was telling them about what had happened on the set of a drama he had visited the other day. It was well past midnight, and they all probably needed to head home to get some sleep for tomorrow, but none of them seemed eager to leave.

As Jimin stepped out of the kitchen to head back to the room, he saw the group in the hallway.

Seokjin had already put on his coat, while Jungkook was struggling to adjust his hat. Taehyung was clinging to Hoseok like a koala, saying something about having to stay the night. Yoongi stood in the corner with his arms crossed, his black coat giving him a slightly imposing look.

Jimin felt a strange, familiar sensation. A small déjà vu. It felt like everything was picking up right where it left off. He was so familiar with this scene that if someone suddenly told him it was all a nightmare, he would have believed them without a doubt. It felt like, as he walked out the door today, he would grab Yoongi’s hand and, by the end of the road, be sleeping at his house, in his bed.

His heart felt like it was physically twisting in his chest.

"How about we organize a dinner next week?" Seokjin raised his voice slightly to make sure he was heard over the crowd, ensuring everyone’s attention. "I can prepare something for you guys."

"I don’t know. Does it suit us?" Namjoon first looked at Hoseok, then at Jimin, and added for clarification, "Jimin’s new album is about to drop." "We’re going through a pretty busy period, it was a struggle just to carve out time for tonight."

Jimin felt his ears ringing. With more eyes than necessary on him, he combined the words he’d heard from his ex and from two weeks ago from Yoongi, forming a painful punch that he felt hit him in the stomach. He didn’t double over, but it felt like he had.

If he tried to create time next week, he’d probably get an earful from the company, and Namjoon was right, he was going through a very busy time.

Still, he smiled. "I’m sure we can spare a day," he said, even though the two people who were part of his company sent him doubtful looks.

Hoseok, freeing himself from Taehyung’s loosening grip, took a step toward him, concern in his voice. "Are you sure, Jimin-ah? You still have thousands of music programs to attend, and choreography to work on. The meeting can wait."

"And we still haven’t recorded the main track," Namjoon added. "I don’t think you should feel forced."

"It’s fine." Jimin smiled and, feeling the weight of a pair of eyes on him, said. "It’s worth it for a fun evening. Text me the details, hyung, I’ll be there."

"Let me know if you decide to cancel the plans." Seokjin gave him a pleasant smile and, after giving him a tight hug, muttered, "Namjoon and Hobi are right. We’re all busy, I understand."

"Like I said, one night won’t be a problem." Jimin gently slipped out of Seokjin’s arms, grabbed his white coat, and smiled as he put it on. "Shall we go?"

"Yeah, yeah." Jungkook nodded. "I had a great time, thanks, hyung." He gave Hoseok a big hug, said his goodbyes to Taehyung, and was the first to open the door and step outside. When he pressed the elevator button, Namjoon was the next to leave, followed by Seokjin.

Jimin turned to Hoseok, moistening his lips, and whispered, "I didn’t put you in an awkward position, did I?" He glanced at Yoongi, who was also preparing to leave the apartment. "You’re probably just as tired as I am.”

Hoseok sighed. "It’s fine, Jimin, I’m good," he said, taking another step closer to him. "I just don’t want to see you exhausted again. Make sure you’re taking care of your health and eating properly. Don’t do something stupid just to catch up on these breaks, okay?"

"Hyung—"

Hoseok interrupted, "If we have any rehearsals on the day we’re going to Jin hyung’s, we’ll move them to the morning. Like you said, one night of fun isn’t a problem."

Jimin smiled gratefully and managed to stop the tears from welling up in his eyes before giving him a brief hug. As they pulled apart, the rest of the group was already waiting by the elevator. Jimin waved his hand, gave Taehyung, who was determined to spend the night there, a quick kiss on the cheek, and stepped out of the apartment.

"Don’t forget about Yang Jeongin!"

Jimin exhaled in exasperation at Taehyung’s words as the five of them entered the elevator. Jimin stood right next to Yoongi, trying hard not to look at their reflections in the mirror, behind Jungkook and Namjoon.

When the elevator reached the ground floor from the seventh, Jimin quickly turned around and, as if someone were chasing him, made his way to the automatic doors. Namjoon, speaking to Seokjin about the crime novel he had been reading, followed him, while Jungkook was probably asking Yoongi where he bought his shoes.

Jimin felt a pang of hurt. He felt so hurt because he couldn’t act as naturally as Yoongi and pretend like nothing had happened.

When the cold air hit their faces and they walked down a street lined with world-renowned stores, proving they were in one of Seoul’s luxurious neighborhoods, Namjoon raised his voice slightly, as if wanting to be heard, and muttered, "My car’s in the underground parking lot." "I’m heading back. I can drop anyone off who came without a car."

"My car’s here, but I’m a bit too drunk to drive," Seokjin said, squinting his eyes as he assessed himself. Meanwhile, Jimin took out his phone and signaled for his driver to come.

"If it’s going to go against Namjoon hyung, you can come with me, hyung," Jimin said, lifting his head from his phone.

"It goes against you too," Jungkook threw his arm around Jimin’s shoulders. "And it goes against you enough," he added, turning to Namjoon. "So I’m taking this little guy today." Without waiting for an answer, he winked at Seokjin and flashed a big smile.

"You, Yoongi?" He still had a smile on his lips. "Did you walk here?"

"No, my car is just a little further," Yoongi said, smiling back, pointing to a different direction.

"Alright then, we’ll part here." Jungkook nudged Jimin. "Where’s yours?"

"It’ll be here soon. The driver’s on his way," Jimin shrugged. "I still don’t have my license."

"Do you want us to wait for you?" Namjoon, the one who knew about the license situation, asked with interest, but Jimin quickly waved his hands, saying, "No, no." "It’s cold enough. Go." He looked at his phone. "The car should be here soon."

The three of them shot him skeptical looks, but the tallest among them seemed to have realized something and with a deep look in his eyes, he said, "Alright," and accepted the situation, surprising the others. "It really is cold. We still have to walk to the parking lot. Let’s go."

Namjoon hesitated for a moment but then nodded, as if convinced it was the right decision, gave a small gesture to Jungkook, and waved to the others. "Then we’ll see you tomorrow, Jimin. See you, hyung."

The remaining two simultaneously said, "See you," and the three of them began walking in the opposite direction down the street, which looked completely empty due to the late hour. When Jimin finally stopped watching them and turned his head forward, he realized Yoongi was still standing next to him.

"See you, Yoongi-ssi," he said, swallowing and taking a step back.

He waited for him to turn and leave.

But it didn’t happen. Instead of heading to where he said his car was, Yoongi stayed there and pulled out a cigarette case from the inside pocket of his coat. Jimin looked at him with pure, wide-eyed astonishment as he placed a cigarette between his lips.

"Would you like one?" Yoongi offered it to him, and Jimin couldn’t tear his eyes away from his lips for a moment.

"You hate cigarettes," he whispered, as if saying the truth would make the moment disappear.

"I would’ve," Yoongi corrected, and after being sure Jimin wouldn’t take it, he closed the case and put the silver box back into his pocket, under the streetlights. In a matter of seconds, he pulled out a lighter that matched the cigarette case and lit the cigarette, its toxic tip igniting in the cold night air. "But I smoke now."

In the silence of the night, the smaller one stood frozen, staring at the older one with deep disappointment, his lips tightly pressed together. His small hands clenched into fists inside his coat pockets, his nails digging into his palms.

"Why?" he finally asked, looking into Yoongi’s eyes.

Yoongi shrugged. "It wasn’t as bad as I thought," he said, though it sounded like he didn’t fully believe it himself. "Is your driver going to be here? I can take you home."

"On the way." Jimin muttered flatly, watching the cigarette smoke mix with the cold air escaping Yoongi’s lips. "You should go too. There’s no need for you to wait."

"I want to wait."

"I’m serious, Yoongi—"

"Hyung." Yoongi interrupted before he could finish. "You know you can call me hyung. It was like this when we were friends."

Jimin took a deep breath and closed his eyes, pulling his gaze away from the smoke drifting in front of him. "Anyway." He shook his head, wondering how they’d gotten to this point. "You should go, hyung."

Yoongi ignored him, taking a deep drag from his cigarette, shoving one hand into his pants pocket as he raised and lowered his fingers. It was obvious from the squint of his eyes that he was cold, and as he shoved his hand into his pocket, part of his coat was pulled back, exposing his torso. Yoongi didn’t seem to care, leaning slightly forward, staring down the empty street.

Jimin wanted to lean toward him, pull that coat back over his chest, and scold him with a few choice words.

Old Jimin would have done exactly that.

But he couldn’t. He just stood there, feeling utterly helpless, his eyes tracing every changing detail of Yoongi. He didn’t move until a car stopped behind them and honked its horn.

"See you, hyung." Jimin said almost angrily. "Good night."

"Jimin—" Yoongi tightened his grip on Jimin’s wrist as if he’d been waiting for this moment. He stopped him and held him there. The cigarette between his fingers hovered, and Yoongi looked at him, his eyes serious. "Your number," he said suddenly. "I don’t have your number." And as he pulled his hand from Jimin’s wrist, he hastily took out his new phone from his pocket. When he held it out to Jimin, he felt like he was part of some hidden camera prank.

Still, with the last of his strength, he didn’t cry. He stood tall, took the phone with a perfectly normal demeanor, and dialed his number. He paused when his finger accidentally brushed the back button.

Yoongi’s life had changed in so many ways, and at that moment, he felt like he had caught something unchanged amid hundreds of details.

He’d changed his phone. He had definitely changed it. It was a new model, one released at the beginning of the year, but the wallpaper was still the same. Both of their kittens were sleeping curled up together in the same frame. The black-and-white cats looked like they were in a deep sleep.

Jimin quickly opened the screen and saw that the number hadn’t been erased, and handed the phone back to its owner. Without saying another word, he turned and jumped into the car, holding his breath to avoid thinking about it.

It was hard. He was at an impossible point.

Jimin didn’t even realize how much he had cried on the way home, but every time he noticed the driver looking at him through the rearview mirror with concerned eyes, the weight on his shoulders grew heavier and heavier, until it reached a point where he couldn’t carry it anymore.

As he neared home, he barely caught his breath to send a message to his mother, saying he missed his cat and wanted to see it soon. But he couldn’t help but glance at the message that read, My number. Min Yoongi.

Jimin hated himself and his past.

Jimin hated being the one who longed.

Jimin hated all the decisions he’d made to the point of death.

And most of all, amid all of this, he hated that, despite everything he said, he still couldn’t bring himself to hate Yoongi, even a little.

-

Tuesday

[Min Yoongi]
Hey
Congratulations
Link sent
You really deserved this award

[Jimin]
Thank you

-

Thursday

[Min Yoongi]
I was working on my own track and found something
Your voice really sounds good
I thought you might want to listen

[Jimin]
Really?
Which one?

[Min Yoongi]
Video sent

[Jimin]
Hyung, this is really old
I didn’t know you kept it

[Min Yoongi]
All the recordings are still there

[Jimin]
Ah
Good to know
Thank you

[Min Yoongi]
No problem Jimin-ah

-

Saturday

[Taetae]
Jeongin literally wants to meet with you
D A T E

[Jimin]
Tell him I’m busy

[Taetae]
Jimin

[Jimin]
Really, Tae
I don’t even have time to breathe
Sorry

[Taetae]
Okay, it’s fine
Take care of yourself and make sure you take a break

[Jimin]
Ok mom

[Taetae]
I’m serious Park Jimin!!!!!
Promise me

[Jimin]
I promise idiot
Leave me alone now

[Taetae]
I’ll be with you tonight :*

[Jimin]
I h8 you

[Taetae]
Same babe <33

-

"Hey." The first thing Namjoon said when he entered the studio was this, and Jimin, pleased to find him holding two coffee cups, lifted his head from the papers in front of him. He also greeted him with a small smile.

"How’s it going?" Namjoon pulled the chair out and sat next to him, leaning toward the paper. "I don’t understand why it’s taking so long, because it’s not a song that would be hard for you."

"It’s not." Jimin quickly confirmed. "I’m sure I’ll finish it soon, hyung. It’ll be done today."

"Then you shouldn’t look so tense, Jimin." Namjoon smiled understandingly, pulling the paper from his hands. Something in his eyes gleamed. "This will officially be the first song you’ve written lyrics for." He furrowed his brows. "Wait. Is that the issue?"

Jimin looked one last time at the paper slipping through his fingers and the writing on it. Taking a deep breath, he finally said, "Yes," and turned his trembling eyes toward the older man. He had known Namjoon for a long time. Even when he was just a small intern, he had known of his presence. Namjoon had probably been the first and only one to show so much concern for him. "I can trust you, right, hyung?"

"Yes, of course." The older man quickly placed the paper on the table and turned his comfortable chair toward Jimin, not hesitating for a moment. "You know, everything discussed here stays here. And it will stay that way from now on."

"I know." Jimin said, and he meant it. After every tough moment, it had always been easier for him to talk to Namjoon. Even though Namjoon was one of Yoongi’s closest friends, he was an expert at keeping secrets. Plus, his ability to interpret situations made him a person who would always say the right things to help Jimin and offer support.

"About this song." Jimin swallowed. "I know I wrote it with so much enthusiasm, and everyone who has heard it liked it, yes. It will be good for this album." He nodded. "But I’ve been working on this song for so long, and— And— I..." He paused. Giving himself a moment to calm down, he finally continued, "I didn’t expect a time like this to come." He said, "It’s so obvious this song is about him, and everything— Hyung, now that everything is going in a different direction, I don’t know what to do, because—" A tear slipped down his cheek. "I’m talking nonsense." He said, "I can’t even form a sentence. Everything feels meaningless."

"No, Jimin, keep going." Namjoon reached out and squeezed his shoulder. "Because?"

"Because if I had released this song back then, it wouldn’t have been an issue." Jimin finally said, as if tearing the words out of himself, releasing his breath in one go before choking on his sobs. "It wouldn’t have been a problem after the breakup, but now— After these last two years... I can’t. I don’t think I can do it."

"Jimin—"

"The fans will understand!" he interjected. "If I hadn’t accepted that video thing, it wouldn’t be like this, but it’s too late now. We were seen together again, and now I’m about to make a comeback with this stupid song. Look at the lyrics." He pointed at the paper. "This is totally us. Him and I."

Saying 'us' made Jimin’s heart feel like a sharp object had pierced it.

Him and I.

Namjoon reached out and hugged him tightly without a second thought, and Jimin, with his wet cheeks pressed into his neck, didn’t hesitate.

The lyrics left on the paper on the table were waiting for the two of them to finish their conversation.

"Jimin." Namjoon said after a while, sitting up a little to try to see the face of both his friend and the child he worked with. "You know Yoongi hyung has also had songs with you in them, right?"

"I know, but that was a long time ago. Like I said, it was during the time we broke up."

Namjoon gave him a skeptical look and said, "And it was after that." He smiled. "Have you ever looked at his recent songs? Because from an outside perspective, I’m sure the subject is you."

"I..." The younger one paused. With his flushed nose and wet cheeks, he glanced around the studio, trying to understand what his hyung was implying. When he finally gave up, he said, "No. I haven’t listened to any of the songs he released after Seesaw."

"Wow." Namjoon let out a surprised breath, blinking his eyes. It was as if this was such an incredible revelation, and he waited to be sure that Jimin was telling the truth. "Wow." He said. "You really don’t know." Then he turned around and opened one of the drawers, pulling out the familiar black leather notebook where Yoongi had scribbled lyrics. He rummaged through it. When he reached the middle of the almost finished notebook, he pulled out a folded page and placed it on the table. Then, he went back and found two or three more old pages. Finally, with the last page, he turned to Jimin and was smiling.

"Yoongi hyung is still the same. Even if the song is perfect, he brings it to me to do the final tweaks." He handed Jimin the first page and said, "This is his latest song. Take a look at the first few lines. Song Request."

Jimin hesitantly took the paper and recognized the writing immediately. Of course, he recognized it. Yoongi had written a lot of songs with him. There were even times when he’d write all night long. He wasn’t shy about pushing his notebook to the edge of the bed, claiming inspiration came after a good night.

Jimin’s eyes scanned the first lines of the paper. It was in that familiar handwriting.

It’s raining again outside
I always think of you at times like this
I can’t sleep
Silence in my room
Along with the lonely sound of my heart
I think I’ll go crazy

Jimin quickly dropped the paper onto the table without even glancing at the next line and leaned back. Namjoon, seeming to enjoy this moment, said,
“This song has been out for a few months.The fans don’t know, but you can see yourself there, right?” He then handed him another paper. “This song was released right before Song Request.” He said with a touch of sadness. “While recording, we talked about how well your voice would fit the backing vocals, and Yoongi said, quite openly, that he thought of you when writing the vocals.”

This time, Jimin hesitated, reaching for the paper. His eyes landed on the heading People, and then his gaze paused on the underlined lines within the complex lyrics of the song.

Just a person
Everyone would live on
Everyone would love
Everyone would fade away
And be forgotten

His eyes drifted lower.

People are like that
When you’re not there, you want to be there, and when you are, you don’t want to
Who said people are animals of wisdom?
For me, obviously, we are animals of regret
People change, just as I've changed
There is nothing permanent in the world
Everything is just a happening passing through

So what?
What if you just brush by?
So what?
What if you get hurt?

Namjoon, sensing Jimin was about to drop the paper, quickly exchanged it for another, saying, “Moonlight.” This time, the writing was messier. It looked like something had spilled on the paper; it was wrinkled, with a red stain in the corner.

That moonlight that shines on me at dawn
It’s still the same as then
A lot changed in my life, but
That moonlight is still the same
That moonlight that shines on me at dawn
It’s still the same as then

Jimin looked down at the line where the red stain rested.

Nothing has ever been eternal.

He reached for the next paper on his own. Leaving the one in his hand behind, he grabbed the one titled Shadow. This time, the paper was neater, and he focused on a particular section that had been circled, with a few notes beside it. It took his breath away.
The line, so similar to the lyrics of his own song, made him blink once and try to swallow.
 He could come up with another reason for all the other songs. He could deny that this one was about him somehow, but now, these lines were just another small reason for him to cry.

Yeah I'm you, you are me, now do you know
Yeah you are me, I'm you, now you do know
We are one body, sometimes we will clash
You can never break me off, this you must know
Yeah yeah can't break me off, whatever you do

"I'm not trying to decode Yoongi-hyung," Namjoon said gently as he took the paper from his hand. "Everything here is something you could find just by going online." His tone was calm, steady. "But the song I actually want you to hear hasn’t been released yet. I can’t show it to you now because that would truly be disrespectful to hyung. But promise me—" His eyes locked onto Jimin’s. "When I tell you, when it comes out, you’ll listen to it. And you’ll look at the lyrics of We Don’t Talk Together."  

"Hyung..."  

"Jimin-ah." Namjoon smiled warmly, as if he truly understood him. "I can’t read your mind or know what your heart feels, but there’s a reason I’m showing you this. You’ve experienced beautiful things, things that left marks on you, whether good or bad. I don’t know—like rain, like moonlight. Maybe things others wouldn’t understand but would leave you feeling bittersweet." He shrugged. "What I’m trying to say is, you’re not the only one who’s been doing that."  

This time, he held up Jimin’s paper. "Serendipity is a beautiful song. Even if the lyrics were about hyung, not many people would notice. To most, it’s just that soft, heartfelt love song that broke records."  

"But Yoongi will know," Jimin said, his voice breaking. "He’ll understand every single meaning."  

"Just like you do?" Namjoon raised an eyebrow knowingly. "Seesaw and the others, Jimin. Yoongi didn’t know if you were listening to his songs, but he didn’t hesitate to put all those words out into the world." He nudged Jimin’s shoulder lightly. "You should do the same."  

Jimin stared at his own song, at all the words he’d written with his own hands.  

You know, and I know.  

Sensing his hesitation in the air, Namjoon added, "The book you saw me holding recently?" He leaned back slightly. "Yesterday, I highlighted a line. Want to know what it said?"  

Jimin nodded cautiously.  

"The author said that the best cure for forgetting isn’t to try to forget but to stop trying altogether."  

Jimin swallowed hard. Something about that line struck him deeply, reaching all the way to his core.  

"Then," he said, as though wrestling with a tangible weight pressing against his chest, "fine. I’ll drop the long version." He lifted his head. "I just want to cut the part I added later. I’ll sing the rest the best I can and include it in the album."  

Namjoon didn’t look entirely convinced, but he didn’t argue. He simply watched as Jimin, without a second thought, wiped at his eyes and reached for the pen on the table, crossing out the lines.  

Before Jimin stepped into the small recording booth, the two of them lingered for a brief moment, as though mourning the scratched-out words.  

The silence that followed felt heavy. No one spoke, no one laughed, no one cried.  

It was as if nothing had been said at all.  

Just let me love you
Now come to me
Come and let’s become a “we”
I don’t wanna let go
Just trust yourself
You can feel it even if you don’t say it
The stars are in the sky
We’re flying
This isn’t a dream.
Don’t be nervous, hold my hand
Now we’re becoming a “we”

-

Wednesday

[Min Yoongi]
Hey

[Jimin]
Hey hyung

[Min Yoongi]
Are you free?

[Jimin]
Yeah
I'm done with work now
Did something happen?

[Min Yoongi]
No no
I just saw the group chat they opened
Jin hyung said we're meeting up
I was wondering if you'd be coming

[Jimin]
Oh right
Yeah
I think I’ll come

[Min Yoongi]
I'm near the company
Should we go together?

[Jimin]
Sorry
I already promised Hobi hyung

[Min Yoongi]
Got it
Still I had to try

[Jimin]
Next time then
See you there?

[Min Yoongi]
See you
Oh Jimin
By the way...

[Jimin]
Yeah?

[Min Yoongi]
I was just thinking...
Are you still obsessed with that raspberry cake?

[Jimin]
Hm
Yeah
Why?

[Min Yoongi]
Just curious
No reason
It just crossed my mind

[Jimin]
Got it
So...

[Min Yoongi]
Yeah
Alright
See you

[Jimin]
Yeah
See you

-

Seokjin might have had the most spacious house among them. He lived in a luxury neighborhood, a little outside the city, in a standalone house with a large garden. He loved spending the money he made from acting on investments like this and anything that satisfied his personal taste. It was all about the decorative garden furniture, the stylish home items, and his kitchen where he spent most of his time.

And he always loved seeing people he cared about in spaces he valued.

Now, here they were, sitting around a table near the huge glass window showing the garden, amidst sporty, stylish furniture scattered across the wide living room. Seven of the eight chairs around the table were occupied. As soon as Jimin entered the door with Hoseok, he found himself sitting in the chair right next to Yoongi, because Seokjin had firmly grabbed his shoulders and kept pushing him until he sat there.

"One week later, we said, and it's been eleven days exactly." Taehyung whined as he finished chewing his bite. "I hate our lives. I just want to be like stupid teenagers and spend every day with you guys."

"You're literally twenty-seven, hyung," Jungkook rolled his eyes. "Accept that you're getting old."

"Still, there are things I wish I could've done in my youth." Taehyung shrugged instead of arguing, taking another bite of his chicken while licking his lips. "We could've all gone to the same high school, and we'd have been the most popular friend group."

Jimin smiled lightly at this and leaned back, as if the strong scent of Yoongi's perfume next to him didn't make his stomach cramp. He was aware that Seokjin had intentionally made him sit here, but he wasn’t going to bring it up and complicate things even more.

Hoseok ruffled Taehyung's hair and nudged his shoulder with his own. "I wouldn't want to be in your friend group." He giggled. "All the girls would fall for you."

This caused Namjoon to raise his eyebrows. "Baby, have you even looked at yourself?"

Oh my god, if Namjoon hyung already took Hoseok hyung, someone needs to slap me because I'd never recover from that," Jungkook opened his eyes wide, clearly holding in laughter as he tried to stay serious. Hoseok playfully punched him while Namjoon smiled at the two of them.

"Well, I'm not against poly. Especially if it's with such fine gentlemen." He winked.

"Okay, count me in. My whole fortune is ready to pamper you." Seokjin rolled his eyes but joined them, then took a sip from his wine glass while looking at everyone around the table with a fiery gaze that would make anyone fall for him.

This prompted Taehyung to bring up the topic of group sex, involving seven people.

"Hey, you're not eating."

Jimin jumped in surprise at the voice right next to his ear and immediately tensed, placing his right hand over his chest through his turtleneck sweater and closing his eyes to take a deep breath as he placed his empty glass on the table. "You scared me," he said.

There was a tiny glint of amusement in Yoongi's eyes. "Sorry. I didn’t think you'd be scared."
He leaned over, reaching for the bottle on the other side of the table, and refilled Jimin's glass.

"I spaced out." Jimin stared at the red liquid filling his glass and moistened his lips, then picked up his chopsticks to reach for the rice in his bowl. But before he could, another pair of chopsticks placed a piece of meat onto his white rice. Jimin didn’t need to look to know who it was. He already knew.

"You should eat well." Yoongi said as if it were a normal moment. "I don't want to see my friend drained before the comeback. You've got a busy time ahead."

After making sure there were no eyes on them at the small table and the others were talking about something else, Jimin quickly glanced at Yoongi. He tried not to fall for the slight smile he saw on those lips.

"Thanks, hyung," he said with a detached tone. "You're thoughtful."

Yoongi reached over. He downed the newly filled glass in one go.

The smile on Yoongi's lips faded slightly, but it didn't disappear completely. His tone seemed to suggest that whatever he was working on, he wasn’t ready to give up. "Always," he said, then moved to refill his glass. "When is the album coming out?"

"At the beginning of next month."

There was a brief, almost imperceptible silence. "That's good," Yoongi said, as though he’d been calculating something. "Less than two weeks left. I was worried you might run into bad weather."

"Why?"

"Hm?"

"What does the weather have to do with my album?"

Yoongi shrugged, and as Jimin pushed his plate away and leaned back in his chair, Yoongi took a large sip from his wine and set the chopsticks in his other hand aside. Meanwhile, Jungkook was laughing loudly, while Taehyung was talking about something that happened to him on set the other day.

"I'm sure you'll end up joining those useless programs," Yoongi said, his voice rising just enough to be heard over the noise. "I’ve been with you there before. They never turn on the heaters during rehearsals. That’s why you’ve gotten sick so many times."

Jimin paused mid-sip and genuinely laughed. "Wow, you’re so thoughtful," he said, a light blush on his cheeks from the alcohol. He shook his head. "I must have forgotten what a wonderful friend you are."

Yoongi took the teasing in stride, but still smiled without saying anything, then, before going back to his food, didn’t hesitate to add more meat to Jimin’s bowl of rice. Jimin almost stood up to shout every word he could to ask him what he was doing, but he held himself back.

It was clear Jimin was struggling to understand Yoongi. He couldn’t figure out what he was doing or why. He didn’t even know what their renewed friendship was meant to accomplish. He just kept going, stumbling along the rocky path ahead.

Finally, when Jimin engaged in a normal conversation again and, with difficulty, finished his plate, he realized how much time had passed. But no one seemed bothered by it. Under the dim light, softened by the garden lights filtering in through the window beside them, they sank into a calm conversation. Though sometimes their laughter grew louder, it was mostly a gentle chat.

When Jimin lost track of how many drinks he’d had, Hoseok shot him a warning glance, but the younger didn’t care. Since the pieces Namjoon had shown him a few days ago, he’d spent all his time listening to Yoongi's lyrics and melodies, carefully analyzing each one. It must’ve been why, now, next to Yoongi, every step deeper into drunkenness was making his brain feel more foggy, and each melody seemed to echo inside his head.

He believed that if he got even more drunk, the melodies and all the lyrics would stop.

Just then, Yoongi shifted slightly to get more comfortable and threw one arm over Jimin's chair.

Jimin took a deep breath, struggling to keep his head from leaning against the back of the chair. He pressed his lips tightly together, not wanting to say anything silly.

"Don’t get up from the table," Seokjin said as he stood. "Yoongi brought dessert. Let’s eat it." When he disappeared into the kitchen, Jimin felt Yoongi’s fingers lightly graze his shoulder, and he tensed.

When Namjoon raised a finger accusingly at Jungkook, his voice rose slightly. "You were the one who did that!" he said. "You spilled the coffee and just walked away like nothing happened!"

Taehyung, eyes closed with his head resting on Hoseok’s shoulder, looked up at Jungkook with an incredulous expression, while Hoseok turned to him, his own wide-eyed disbelief clear.

Yoongi’s fingers shifted slightly on Jimin’s shoulder, and Jimin felt a chill run down his spine. He gripped his glass tighter and, with all his courage, looked into Yoongi’s eyes.

"What are you doing?"

Yoongi met his gaze. He didn’t flinch, as if proving he wasn’t scared of him, and whispered, "Sorry. Did I disturb you?"

In Jimin’s mind, another whisper echoed. The same SUGA whispers he’d heard from his headphones during the last few days as he listened to all the songs. His mind was playing tricks on him. It was trying to make him lose this game.

"No," Jimin said. "But really, what are you doing, hyung?" he whispered back. "Why are you doing this?"

Yoongi, sitting across from him, didn’t move. He didn’t attempt to pull his arm back. Now, as Jimin tilted his head and rested it on his arm, neither of them seemed uncomfortable.

Yoongi parted his lips to answer but didn’t say anything before multiple voices filled the room. Jimin jumped and quickly sat up as Yoongi’s hand fell to the back of his chair. Seokjin entered the room, holding a sliced raspberry cake with Jeongin smiling widely behind him.

Jimin’s mouth hung open as Taehyung was the first to exclaim in surprise, and, with Hoseok’s support, rushed to his friend, pulling him into a tight hug while shouting, "I thought you weren’t coming!"

"I wasn’t sure I’d come!" Jeongin echoed his friend’s words with a similar volume. "But the shoot finished earlier than I expected, and I thought I could drop by."

"Good call," Seokjin smiled understandingly. It seemed no one else knew Jeongin was invited, but none of them were about to let it show. No one wanted to hear Taehyung’s reprimands later. "Do you want some food, Jeongin? We were about to move to dessert—"

"No, no, this is good." The young actor tiredly locked eyes with Jimin, not caring if anyone noticed. "I’m not hungry, hyung. Dessert is enough."

When he sat in the last vacant chair, it turned out to be the one to Yoongi’s right, at the head of the table. As everyone greeted him one by one, Jimin simply nodded and turned his attention to the slice of cake Seokjin had placed on a clean plate.

It felt like nothing could be worse, especially with the message Yoongi had sent him after practice earlier that day. His stomach twisted with unease. The drink he had been sipping felt like it was tumbling inside his stomach. Yoongi had bought the dessert. For him.

Jimin stared at the tiny raspberry on top of his slice.

"It’s been a while since I last saw you, Yoongi-ssi," Jeongin started the conversation, turning to him. "How have you been?"

Yoongi gave him an indifferent glance but still responded, "I’m good. How about you?"

"Ah, I’m good. Just a bit tired with the shoot lately. Taehyung and I are finishing up a drama shoot."

Jungkook furrowed his brows at the lack of "hyung," but no one noticed.

"Hm, yeah. I know."

Jeongin nodded and, seemingly satisfied with the conversation, asked, "And you, Jimin hyung? How’s the album going? We haven’t been able to meet up."

Jimin tried to smile and held himself back from saying anything negative, not wanting to upset anyone. After all, Yang Jeongin wasn’t doing anything wrong by liking him. First and foremost, Jimin knew he was a good person. So, with a gentle smile on his lips, as though nothing revolved around him, he said, "Everything’s fine. Sorry, I’ve just been so busy."

"It’s fine, I understand," Jeongin replied, his eyes briefly flicking to Yoongi’s hand still resting on the back of his chair. "I’m glad you two made up."

"Hm?"

"You two," Jeongin repeated, pointing to Yoongi and himself. "I saw your video, but I didn’t know you’d made up. Taehyung never mentioned it."

"Yeah, it was a nice surprise for us too. You’re too kind, Jeongin-ssi." When Yoongi responded, Jimin recognized the hidden meaning in the words so clearly that he felt a moment of shock. Before he could fully process it, he found himself saying, "We’re still trying to be friends." "Taehyung probably didn’t tell you because he didn’t want to jump to conclusions. You know how he can’t keep his mouth shut."

The tension in the room was so thick that if someone got up and grabbed a knife from their plate to try and cut through it, it wouldn’t be surprising.

When Yoongi sat up straighter, Jeongin didn’t hold back his relieved laugh. "I thought it was something else," he continued chuckling. "Sorry, I didn’t mean to laugh." He lowered his head with a slightly shy expression. "I’ve asked you out so many times that seeing you make up with your ex unexpectedly felt weird, hyung. I just didn’t guess you were only friends."

"Jeong—" Jimin started to protest in a panic, but before he could, Jeongin waved his hand dismissively. "No, no. No need to explain. I get it. I won’t say anything until your album drops. No more offers."

A massive silence fell over the table, and Jungkook awkwardly laughed from the other end, trying his best to lighten the mood, but it didn’t quite work. So, he awkwardly said, "Anyway, who wants more wine?"

"It’s getting late." Yoongi’s voice cut through, a tone Jimin knew all too well. He could tell Yoongi was stressed and frustrated. "I think I should leave. Tomorrow’s schedule is packed." He gently pulled his hand away from Jimin’s chair, ensuring his fingertips brushed lightly against his spine. Jimin took a shaky breath. "Have fun, everyone. It was a nice evening. Let’s do this again sometime, all seven of us together."

As Seokjin caught the hint in Yoongi’s last sentence, he quickly said, "You should stay a bit longer," but Yoongi shot him a look, and Seokjin’s words faded into almost nothing.

"It was nice seeing you again, Yoongi-ssi," Jeongin said, almost as if he knew he was the cause of the tension. There was a slight embarrassment in his voice, but his mischievous eyes betrayed him. "I wish we could have spent more time together." He stood and moved to take the chair Yoongi had just vacated.

Jimin’s stomach churned.

He didn’t hate Jeongin. In fact, he had liked him until now. Since Taehyung introduced them, he genuinely liked him, but it had never been anything more than friendship. His jokes were good, and the conversation was pleasant, but nothing more. Jimin didn’t want him to take it any further. He didn’t want him to think he had the right to.

Yoongi shot him a look, as if his eyes were arrows, and said, "I wish." His voice lacked any sincerity.

Hoseok, with a worried tone, asked, "Are you going to be okay? Should we call a cab for you? You’ve been drinking."

"I’m fine," Yoongi replied, using a completely different tone for Hoseok. "I only had one drink."

Jimin had witnessed Yoongi only having one drink, and that too felt like part of the old days. Since Jimin liked to drink, he would always volunteer to be the driver, limiting his intake.

Feeling dizzy, Jimin quickly reached out to steady himself by grabbing the edge of the table and stood up, squeezing the place he held onto. Yoongi was already turning away and leaving the living room, with Seokjin moving to accompany him. Jeongin turned to Jimin, who had just stood, and tried to catch him, but Jimin reacted first. He pulled himself back slightly, ignoring the thud of his chair scraping the floor, and reached out with blurry eyes toward the phone on the table.

"I should go too," Jimin said, his voice a little slurred. "I have an early meeting tomorrow."

"We came together—" Hoseok started to get up, but was interrupted by Jeongin’s voice.

"I’ll take you home," Jeongin offered.

Jimin smiled faintly and waved quickly to them, trying not to fall. "No, it’s fine. Yoongi hyung can take me."

Without bothering to notice how his legs tangled beneath him or that he hadn’t even taken a bite of the raspberry cake, Jimin quickly moved away from the table. He passed through the wide hallway and, as he looked toward Seokjin standing by the open door, he called out excitedly, "Yoongi! Yoongi! Yoongi hyung—"

Seokjin turned to understand what was happening, and just as Jimin rushed toward the door, Yoongi stood under the streetlights outside, pausing where he had been walking. Jimin hurriedly grabbed his coat from the rack, hiccupping as he did. He wasn’t crying—his hiccups were just a result of the alcohol.

"Jimin," Seokjin said with a concerned voice. "What happened?"

"I need to go." Jimin gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Without noticing another worried face following him, he hurried outside. He turned to look at Yoongi, still watching him with surprise, and hiccupped again. "Can you take me home?" he asked. "Also!" He raised a finger and frowned. "We didn’t finish our conversation."

Yoongi blinked and, for a brief moment, looked at Seokjin and then Jeongin, who stood behind him.

"Of course." Yoongi exhaled. "You’ve had too much to drink." He reached out to steady Jimin and help him not fall. "Come on, lean on me."

This time, Jimin didn’t question it. He didn’t question when Yoongi grabbed his coat, draped it over his shoulder, and wrapped an arm around his waist to guide him to the car. Instead, he let go of most of his weight as though life had worn him out, and he ignored the foolishness he’d done, seeking comfort in the alcohol.

When Yoongi opened the front passenger door and helped him inside, Jimin asked, looking at the body in front of him and the fragrance that even alcohol couldn’t erase, "Am I being stupid?" He closed his eyes tightly. "I always act without thinking. I make decisions on impulse. I don’t even know why I’m here."

Yoongi smiled gently and, without looking at him directly, said, "It’s okay. As long as you’re with me, you don’t need a reason."

Jimin shook his head. No, he hadn’t drunk that much. He wasn’t that drunk.

"You can sleep if you want, Jimin," Yoongi whispered. "I’ll take care of you. Like always."

Like always.

Just like before.

Jimin hiccupped again. He closed his eyes, not to sleep, but to disappear. It didn’t work.

Just like before.

Chapter Text

Jimin opened his eyes to a familiar ceiling. The sound of a bird perched on the windowsill outside reached the room as sunlight filtered through the open curtains. The star stickers on the ceiling dimly glittered, while the muffled sound from deep within him now felt like nothing but an incomprehensible hum.

As he felt the soft surface of the blanket, his fingers curled in response to the intense pain in his head. He turned to his side, wishing his foggy eyes would open, but no matter how many times he blinked, it didn’t help. His eyes were probably dry from sleeping with his contact lenses in.

A small groan escaped him as the bird’s chirp seemed to clear. Pressing his face into the soft pillow, he wiped away the dried saliva from his lips, disgusted by it, and promised himself to change the bedding as soon as he got up. Normally, he hated such things, but this was the result of drinking too much, and Jimin knew it all too well.

He opened his eyes, finding the pillow covered in shades of blue. His mind tried to trick him into thinking the memories couldn’t possibly have happened. Turning quickly onto his back, ignoring the crack in his neck and the pain, he tried to push the blurry memories away. When the pieces clicked back together, he hissed through his teeth, muttering a curse, feeling as though he might throw up.

The deep, distant voices triggered a pain that shot through his chest and stomach, and stress tightened his entire body. Pulling his trembling legs toward him and ignoring the growl in his stomach, he heard the faint whisper coming from approaching footsteps. He glanced at his closed door. "Alright, but this is important," a low voice he immediately recognized made him jolt up in an attempt to move, but the door hadn’t opened yet. The footsteps continued, and he tried to lean against the headboard. "Anyway, handle it, Hoba. I’m sure. I saw."

His heart raced as he waited for the door to move. "Alright. See you. I’ll head out soon too."

A few more movements, and Jimin couldn’t figure out what was happening, but from the noise, he was sure the person was still outside the door.

Wait. 

How did he look right now? He had just wiped the saliva from his pillow, and it was obvious he had a hangover. How bad must he look? He hadn’t managed to get rid of the dumb look on his face and, with his dried-out contacts, his eyes must be swollen.

Jimin wanted to disappear. He couldn’t fully remember the struggles of the night before, but a few of the foolish things he’d said were still echoing in his mind, reminding him with a red alarm. How had he gotten home? He vaguely recalled it, but the rest?

Had Yoongi seen him in worse states than this? After two years?

Jimin shook his head. When he and Yoongi used to drink together, he remembered how Yoongi was always there, rubbing his back when he threw up, not hesitating to kneel on the dirty bathroom floor in front of the toilet. Even when Jimin cried while brushing his teeth after it all passed, Yoongi was there.

Yes, Yoongi had seen him in much worse states. Maybe not last night, but before that.

He felt his stomach churn. He realized he’d never cared about things like his saliva when sleeping next to Yoongi. He had never worried about kissing him without brushing his teeth first or being completely drunk in Yoongi’s care. He hadn’t thought about what Yoongi really thought when he took care of him like that.

Jimin almost cried. Maybe all of this had been a problem, and Yoongi had never said anything to avoid hurting him.

He hated himself for reminding Yoongi of the old Jimin, for forcing him to deal with this mess again after two years. When the sound of a message came in and the door opened, Jimin wished it had stayed closed forever. He wanted to hide under the covers and stay there until he suffocated. He’d do it without hesitation.

"Uh," Yoongi tried to open the door quietly, glancing down at the glass in his hand, almost on tiptoe. Then, he froze when he saw Jimin sitting up on the bed, staring at him like a deer caught in headlights. "You’re awake," he said, almost in disbelief. "I thought you were still asleep. Sorry."

While the smaller one was swallowing and trying to focus on the water in the long, thin glass and the pill bottles in the other hand, he barely managed to say, "I just woke up." However, the slurred speech caused by the alcohol added to the grogginess of waking up made his voice barely audible. Jimin coughed, trying to clear his throat, and repeated, "I just woke up. What time is it?"

"Definitely early for a drunk Park Jimin," Yoongi laughed warmly, then, as if deciding not to leave yet, walked toward the nightstand, placing the water and pills down while muttering, "It’s not even eleven yet."

"Ah," Jimin closed his eyes, tilting his head back, trying to prepare himself for the day ahead. He knew he had to be at the company early, but his body was still in shock from everything, making the possibility seem impossible. "I want to die. This is exactly when the world should end."

Yoongi chuckled at that but then ignored him, asking, "How are you? Your head probably hurts." He squinted. "I brought the medicine I could find. You should restock your medicine cabinet."

The last thing Jimin was thinking about was his medicine cabinet. The second growl from his stomach made him cringe, wishing the earth would open up and swallow him whole before the world ended.

When Yoongi laughed again, he said, "Well, you should eat something. Take your meds. I’m leaving."

Jimin waited for a response, praying his brain would start working, trying to find something to say. Finally, at the most unexpected moment, his eyes opened wide in panic. "Wait." He was looking at Yoongi, who was still wearing yesterday’s clothes. His slightly disheveled hair, face without makeup. "Did you stay here?"

"Uhm," Yoongi hesitated. "Yeah? I was going to leave, but when you cried— when you insisted I stay, I couldn’t go." His face turned guilty, as though he’d said something wrong. "Probably because of the drunk thing. Yeah. I’m leaving now."

"Sorry." Jimin blinked. Had he cried? Damn it, had he cried in front of his ex, the one who had forgotten about him, walked away, and was trying to be friends again, asking him to stay? He felt worse than ever. There was no branch to hold on to to suppress the awful feeling inside him. "You didn’t have to stay."

"I wanted to." Yoongi answered quickly. "It’s fine. I really wanted to stay. I was too tired to go home. Well, yeah. You didn’t force me." He licked his lips and, aimlessly standing there, took a step back. "I hope my staying wasn’t a problem."

Jimin pulled the blanket tighter around him, then broke his legs under it. "No," he said, his voice cracking. "No, it’s fine. You can stay anytime—" His eyes widened. "I mean— You know, the whole best friends forever thing. Ha ha! My house is your house, hyung, don’t worry about it." Realizing how much he was rambling, he shut his eyes again. "I’m totally messing this up, aren’t I?"

Although Yoongi didn’t see it, he offered a sweet smile. "No, you’re not messing up," he said. "You’re right. It used to be like this when we were friends. I used to stay at your place without asking, and you stayed at mine the same way." Shrugging, he added, "Thanks for last night, Jiminie. I’m really leaving now. Make sure you eat something."

Jiminie.

A tiny add-on.

Jiminie.

It had been years since he heard that.

"Wait." Jimin straightened up. "Wait." He spoke with a sharp pain in his chest. "Breakfast." Jiminie. Not Jimin. The honorifics were forgotten. Jiminie. Just like before. "We can have breakfast." You can sleep if you want, Jimin, I’ll take care of you. "You’re probably hungry too." I’ll take care of you, just like before.

As the memories of the night rushed back, Jimin couldn’t make sense of why he offered breakfast.

"Actually, I’m late for work." He paused. "But I’ll make time for breakfast, right?" He shook his head, laughing at himself. "Right. I’m hungry too."

"Okay." Jimin nodded. Neither of them was sure whether they were having a normal conversation or the world’s most ridiculous dialogue. "Okay. I’ll get up then. Yeah." He pulled the blanket off but immediately regretted it, quickly pulling it back. "Damn it."

Yoongi quickly turned around to give him privacy, coughing as he said, "Yeah. Some Park Jimin habits." He moved toward the door. "I made sure you stayed under the blanket. Don’t worry."

Jimin buried his face in the wrinkled blanket, on the verge of going mad. "I want to disappear. Why am I like this?"

Yoongi tried not to laugh, but his shaking shoulders gave him away. Standing with his back turned, he covered his mouth with one hand. When he finally composed himself, he said, "I made sure your laundry stayed in place, don’t worry." He smiled. "And I tucked you right back in under the blanket. If I overstepped, I’m sorry."

At his explanation, Jimin sighed and said, "There's nothing for you to apologize for, this is on me." He paused, "I'm the one who's sorry for causing the trouble. I still don't understand why I stripped while I was drunk."

They both had an idea but kept it to themselves, because clearly, there was nothing important to say at this moment in their attempt to just be normal friends.

"Then you go inside," Jimin said, his eyes avoiding the body turned away from him.

Yoongi seemed to realize he was standing for no reason and quickly shook his head, "I'll go inside," he agreed, "Is the omelet good? Wait, no. Fruit salad. Yes. I'm good at making that, not salty—" He reassured himself. "No omelet," he added, and as he left the room, he disappeared down the hallway.

Jimin realized a moment too late that he had been watching Yoongi leave.

Had he hurt him when he said the omelet was salty and not good at all?

He blinked his eyes.

Well, there were other things he needed to think about first. Like getting out of bed and heading to the bathroom. Maybe getting a little annoyed at his half-erect state and taking a quick cold shower.

How had Jimin even gotten back to this point?

-

The truth was, Jimin lived in an apartment that didn’t show off the money he made. Its luxury was pretty much obvious, but in some way, even though he had the means for much more, all he had was a bedroom, a combined kitchen and living room, and a bathroom. That was enough. It had always been enough. Cozy and warm.

Jimin chuckled at the thought.

Had he ever felt warm in this tiny apartment since Yoongi left? Had any part of the carefully decorated space ever felt familiar to him?

At the end of the small corridor, leaning against the doorframe of the living room, he wore a towel around his head, and his loose sweater made his body almost disappear. Amidst his thoughts, his eyes were fixed on the movement in the kitchen, on the body pacing back and forth. There was a deep longing in those eyes. It was hard to describe, maybe even impossible.

For a brief moment, he felt warmth.

It had nothing to do with the sweater he was wearing.

The fruit salad that had been made for him for breakfast waited for him on the counter.

-

On the first day of the new month, Jimin's album was released. The music video for its title track dropped online, and his phone screen lit up constantly with message notifications, but he didn’t feel like responding. The people he had only met once in his life kept sending him the most sincere messages.

Jimin didn’t believe any of them.

Except for a small group of people.

So before turning off his phone for a few days, he opened the last group chat and looked at the supportive messages from the six men he’d shared his life with for years, smiling broadly. Each one was filled with heart emojis. Except for one.

Jimin chuckled at Yoongi's message. He had never been the emoji type.

I haven't had time to listen yet, but I'm sure you did your best, Jimin-ah!!! I'm going to try to beat you at the year-end awards... Have mercy on me.

He shook his head. For a moment, he wished Yoongi hadn’t listened to the song, hadn’t seen the lyrics, but he knew that was an unlikely wish. That’s why he only thought about all the songs that Namjoon had shown, the ones Yoongi produced after him, sometimes even including himself. He tried to calm himself down.

After all, writing lyrics didn’t necessarily mean it was about the feelings he had at that very moment, right?

He could use a snippet from the past, a feeling from the past.

It wasn’t the case, but that’s how he wanted to see it. He convinced himself it was like that, and that Yoongi would think so too.

-

Tuesday

[Yoongi hyung]
Sent a photo
Guess what this looks like

[Jimin]
I can't compare it to anything

[Yoongi hyung]
At first
I couldn’t make sense of it either
But the more I looked, the more it started to resemble something

[Jimin]
Hyung
I think you just spilled juice on the table

[Yoongi hyung]
Yeah
But look again

[Jimin]
Okay...
I’m dedicating my time to this juice...
Alright...
Interesting...
Oh...
Wait a second...
WAIT
WTF

[Yoongi hyung]
Yeah...

[Jimin]
You're terrible

[Yoongi hyung]
I know.

[Jimin]
I’m blocking you
Goodbye

[Yoongi hyung]
It wasn’t up to me!
Admit it
It looked like that

[Jimin]
Fine
I admit it
This stupid juice puddle looks like that cursed toy
With a genie inside

[Yoongi hyung]
It wasn’t actually a genie

[Jimin]
It was a genie
I suspected it from the moment you won it for me

[Yoongi hyung]
What?
Why?
What does that have to do with me?

[Jimin]
Because you can never win toys at fairs
The toy chose us, hyung
We were cursed

[Yoongi hyung]
You think that because the toy was ugly and creepy

[Jimin]
I think that because it was always watching us in the house
And even though I threw it away THREE TIMES
It kept appearing again

[Yoongi hyung]
Taehyung and I already told you the truth a thousand times

[Jimin]
No
You lied to me so I wouldn't be scared
Wait a second
We’re recording
I have to go
But don’t think I’ve forgotten about this

[Yoongi hyung]
Alright
I’ll be ready for your return
Good luck Jimin-ah

[Jimin]
Thanks hyung

-

"Well... You and Yoongi hyung." Taehyung glanced briefly at his best friend, who was lying motionless on the couch as if dead, before setting one of the mugs on the coffee table and sitting on the empty seat with the other cup in hand. He avoided looking at Jimin and instead stared at the drawing hanging above the couch, a gift from a fan. "How are you two?"

Jimin, not taking his eyes off the ceiling for even a second, shrugged. He felt like he couldn’t answer because he didn’t know the answer himself. When night fell, shedding the weight of the day, the only thing on his mind was that: what they were and how they were. Yoongi’s intentions.

He didn’t question it in the moment, but once everything passed and he was left alone again at the end of the day, his mind dragged in a thousand things to wonder about.

It was clear that Yoongi truly wanted to be friends with him again, just like before. That was the conclusion of his actions. Somewhere in there, Jimin could see the young man he’d met seven years ago in those beloved eyes. The sincerity, the warmth. Still, it felt like there was nothing more. If he took one more step, it felt like he would fall off a cliff. Disappear. Make everything worse.

So he said quietly, "I don’t know, Tae." He’d just come out of a music show. It was a comeback performance, and he had done three songs in a row, leaving his body feeling more exhausted than ever. "I really don’t know." He continued in a flat, neutral tone. "I guess we’re just friends... or something like that."

"And you didn’t tell me anything about this, nothing," Taehyung tried approaching cautiously. As someone who’d seen his worst moments, breaking him in this regard was the last thing Taehyung wanted. "I mean, you never told me how you made up. One day I woke up, and Yoongi hyung wrote in the group chat that you two would try being friends again. In our group chat. And you didn’t say a word. Then Hoseok hyung organized a movie night, and you were there. Yoongi hyung wasn’t joking, but I didn’t know if I should be happy or sad, because you hadn’t told me anything. Even though I’m your closest friend."

Jimin took a deep breath, and his hands, which were resting on his stomach, rose and fell with his body. He knew Taehyung was right about this.

After a few silent seconds, Jimin mustered the strength to sit up, walking over to Taehyung with slow steps. In an instant, he was by his side. Without caring if his coffee spilled, he threw himself into Taehyung's arms, and his best friend embraced him without hesitation.

Jimin cried.

It all happened in a moment. Just a moment ago, his face showed no sign of tears, but now the tears that fell from his eyes were the clearest sign of what he felt. Taehyung didn’t say anything. After gently putting down his cup, he pulled Jimin closer by the back of his neck, pressing his face into Jimin's hair and placing a long kiss there. He murmured comforting words. "It’s over." he said. "You can cry as much as you need, but it’s over, Jimin. You’re okay, alright?"

He wasn’t okay. Jimin hadn’t been okay for a long time.

As seconds turned into minutes and the two spent almost half an hour together, Jimin’s sobs slowed down. Taehyung kept his fingers gently in Jimin's hair, not pulling his arm away, while Jimin leaned on his chest, staring blankly at the old cassette collection under the TV stand. Meanwhile, Taehyung tilted his head back, staring at the ceiling as he drifted into deep thought.

A deep silence filled the apartment. Even Taehyung’s dog was asleep on the cushion in the corner.

Jimin's voice was hoarse when he said, "I miss him so much." It was as if confessing it, at least saying it aloud to someone, would lighten the burden. He exhaled a shaky breath and pressed his lips together to stop from crying again. But as his shoulders trembled, Taehyung tightened his hold. "I miss him, Tae."

"I know." Taehyung nodded, his eyes full of emotion. "I know, babe."

The end of this relationship hadn’t only hurt Yoongi and Jimin, but it had deeply affected everyone close to them.

Now, even Taehyung, as he thought about their situation, found himself on the verge of tears.

"I didn’t tell you because I couldn’t believe it either," he said, finally wiping away the new tears that had fallen from his cheek. "When he offered it to me that day, I couldn’t believe it, and I didn’t want to accept it, but... I’m this stupid. I’m still too stupid to turn him down." He shrugged. "I accepted, and that was it. Then we never saw each other again. I questioned its reality until Hoseok hyung arranged that group meeting with all of us. I thought it was just some simple thing, a way to make us feel better with the idea that we didn’t part badly, just for show."

"Jimin... It’s okay. You don’t have to tell me."

"I want to tell you," Jimin said. "I love all of you more than anything, and you’re all so important to me, but I can’t share this with anyone but you, Tae."

Taehyung sighed and straightened up, causing Jimin’s body to stir and sit up as well. When they were face to face, Taehyung furrowed his brow slightly, feeling his numb arm, but he said nothing about it. He simply looked at the red eyes in front of him.

"I thought my heart was going to tear out that day at Hoseok hyung’s house, sitting on the couch across from him." The feeling he couldn’t even admit to himself slipped out of his mouth. "I couldn’t sit next to him or hug him. I can’t explain it."

"No, I understand you."

Jimin lowered his gaze. "That day... and the day we broke up with Seokjin hyung, I was really drunk. I hardly remember anything. When I woke up, he was there. He brought me water and medicine. He took care of me that night." He licked his lips. "I asked him to stay for breakfast, and he did. He made fruit salad because I criticized his omelettes in that interview." That caused a brief chuckle and a smile from Taehyung, but Jimin’s face darkened again. "We talked a bit. We talked about work, and we talked about you all. He didn’t mention anything about the past, but I felt so bad."

He paused, thinking about that day, that morning.

"It was so bad, Tae," he said, his voice hitching again. "I hated myself."

"Chim—"

"He was there!" Jimin raised his voice. "I was smiling right across from him, and he was there. In my kitchen. He was in my house. In the house that had stayed exactly the same. In the house where I hadn’t even moved a speck of dust." He hiccupped, and his tears blurred his vision. "I don’t even know what he thought. What did he think about me staying the same while everything else, his house, his appearance, everything had changed? Maybe he felt sorry for me because when he stayed the night, he didn’t even feel the need to ask for a blanket. He already knew where everything was."

"Yoongi hyung would never do that, he wouldn’t pity you, you know that," Taehyung interrupted. "And you know he hasn’t changed, Jimin." His voice was firmer now, like a reprimand. "Changing his home decor, dyeing his hair a different color, going to the gym, or any other details don’t prove that he’s moved on."

"You don’t understand—"

"No, you don’t understand." Taehyung shook his head. "When you broke up and stopped meeting with the group, you asked us not to talk about him, right? And we didn’t. We respected you. I never said a word about him." He looked into Jimin’s eyes, who silently acknowledged it. "Yoongi hyung never asked any of us to do that, you know? When your song came out or when you won an award, he kept telling us how proud he was of you. Just like before. When he found out you were sick, he was upset and sent me the recipe for your favorite soup. He reminded me of your favorite fruits." Taehyung smiled. "That idiot, when he wanted to redecorate his house, was producing an album for a group and wanted to spend the money he earned from it. Yeah, it affected you badly, but I was there. I was there when he was choosing the wallpaper and the kitchen countertops. I was there when he was talking about your favorite color and debating whether to throw away a tacky figurine that reminded him of your jokes." He looked at Jimin, breathless. "He believed that change would be good for him, yes, but Yoongi hyung didn’t change, Jimin."

"Taehyung—"

"Look," Taehyung raised one hand to stop him and used his other hand to turn Jimin to face him. "I don’t know how Yoongi hyung feels, because no matter how much I love him, I’m not like I am with you. It’s hard for me to tell if he still has you in his heart, because he’s someone who can’t express his feelings. Unless he says it, we can’t know what’s going on in his mind."

Jimin knew Taehyung was right.

"That’s why I can’t tell you why he wants this friendship, I can’t find anything to comfort you, but what I can tell you is this: Yoongi hyung has never stopped loving you. Maybe he’s not in love anymore, but he still loves you, Jimin. Maybe as a lover, maybe as a friend. Okay? When he talks about you, his eyes still shine, and he smiles like an idiot, without any hesitation." Taehyung raised an eyebrow. "But if you really think he’s trying to be friends, then fine. You can see him as your friend. After all, that’s how it was at the start. Stay by his side and move forward."

Taehyung was out of breath from the flood of words, and he blushed slightly, struggling not to cough. Finally, he swallowed hard. "You’re not unable to, Jimin. You just haven’t tried." His voice softened. "You miss Yoongi, and you will keep missing him because you’re acting like no one else can be in your life. You’re avoiding forgetting him."

"What am I supposed to do then? Should I go back to the bars and hang out with random people, or should I be with someone familiar who I think my fans would approve of—"

"Someone who loves you." Taehyung cut him off. "If you still think you love Yoongi and getting back together seems impossible, then try being with someone who loves you instead of trying to love someone else."

"Tae, that’s ridiculous."

"I was with Jungkook for this reason." Taehyung confessed. "You know this too."

"It’s not the same."

"It is." Taehyung shrugged. "When I lost him in that car accident, I thought there would never be anyone else. I died with him, Jimin, and then I met Jungkook. The first scenario I accepted after his death brought me to him. Jungkook fell in love with me, and I was still thinking about my ex. I felt like I was being unfair to Jungkook..." He sighed. "And now look at us. I’m happy with him. We never fight, and there’s a great love between us. I’m comfortable around him. I never imagined this would happen, but it did, and I’m happy, Jimin. It all started with me finding someone who loved me."

Jimin knew this story. He knew it well. He even knew how much Taehyung had disliked Jungkook at first. 

He felt goosebumps on his skin. 

Sometimes, at group meetings, Jimin would forget that they were a couple because they were never overly clingy. It went against his theory that love should only be shared between two people, but when he compared it to his situation with Yoongi, Taehyung and Jungkook often looked far from lovers. Still, when they looked at each other, used body language that only they understood, and smiled with eyes that seemed to be their whole world, Jimin could feel that love—the kind that sent shivers down his spine and almost weighed the air down.

"Jimin, I still can’t forget him." Taehyung said, with a hint of sadness. He hadn’t spoken his ex’s name in years. "This doesn’t mean I don’t love Jungkook, I’m crazy about him. It’s a sign of respect for my past memories and experiences. I’ll keep not forgetting him, and that’s fine. What we had will remain a memory, and I’ll love Jungkook and move on with my life."

Jimin shook his head. He couldn’t find the words. When he thought about it, moving on and being with someone completely new, someone who barely knew him, seemed impossible and painful. He didn’t even want to try. The idea of starting over from scratch was terrifying. So, he stayed silent.

He already knew who Taehyung was talking about when it came to finding someone who loved him. 

Everyone knew Yang Jeongin’s love for Park Jimin.

-

Friday

[Yoongi hyung]
Did you know that oysters can change their gender multiple times throughout their life?

[Jimin]
What?

[Yoongi hyung]
Also
The corixidae insect can produce a 105-decibel sound by rubbing its penis against its abdomen

[Jimin]
Hyung
What are you talking about?

[Yoongi hyung]
Ostriches can also cover five meters with each step while running

[Jimin]
Wow
Wait
Where are you finding this stuff?

[Yoongi hyung]
Seventy interesting facts about animals

Seen

[Yoongi hyung]
???? It’s been five minutes
I think it’s hurtful that you left me on seen

[Jimin]
Male tarantulas run away from females after mating because the female will eat them????

[Yoongi hyung]
What?
That’s so cruel

[Jimin]
I think
Contrary to what we think
There’s a sexual aspect to it

[Yoongi hyung]
Jimin...

[Jimin]
What?
I’m just telling the truth

Seen

[Jimin]
Where did you disappear to?

[Yoongi hyung]
I looked it up
And
IT REALLY EATS HIM
Literally.

[Jimin]
Oh my god
That’s cruel

[Yoongi hyung]
That’s what I meant
Yes.

-

Jimin filled the space he created on Saturday with his friends. He invited them to a nice restaurant he knew and, though a bit late, promised he would cover everything in celebration of his album’s release. He was excited.

No matter what happened between him and Yoongi, or where their relationship would go, they all shared the same thought when they were together. They were always happier when all seven of them were together.  

More energetic. More alive.  

That day, as Jimin took a sip of champagne and scanned the table with eyes that almost looked like they were about to cry, he felt an indescribable swell of love. Taehyung and Jungkook were glued to each other, while Yoongi was deep in conversation with Hoseok. Namjoon was calling to him from the corner, commenting absurdly about Seokjin's new house.  

For the first time in what felt like forever, Jimin felt like he was home again.  

-

Sunday

[Hobi hyung <3]
I think your photos with Yoongi hyung from yesterday’s meetup are spreading around
Please don’t look at the news sites
They’re trying to ruin your album

[Jimin]
I know

[Hobi hyung <3]
We were there too. I don’t understand why they always crop just the two of you.

[Jimin]
You said it yourself
They’re trying to ruin my comeback
It’s fine

[Hobi hyung <3]
Are you really okay though?

[Jimin]
Definitely

[Hobi hyung <3]
Let’s talk when you come to the company
Take care Minie
I love you.

[Jimin]
I love you too hyung

-

When Jimin received a message from Jeongin, he had just finished his last program until next month and was in Seokjin's car, which had come to pick him up. The traffic on the way to Jungkook's apartment for their group dinner was light.

A number Jimin didn’t recognize appeared on his screen. The message sender mentioned getting his number from Taehyung and thanked him for the appointment they’d arranged for the upcoming weekend. Jimin didn’t have to think twice to know it was Jeongin’s number.

-

"Hey." When Yoongi sleepily entered the kitchen and yawned while heading toward the fridge, Jimin was in the middle of filling a bottle with water, trying to shake off his grogginess. After dinner, they had ended the night at a private club, but everything after that was completely erased from his memory. He had woken up here, once again in Jungkook's small apartment. Hoseok was lying next to him, mouth open, and Jimin was only wearing his underwear, once again. 

And now, in the kitchen, with everyone else still asleep, he was trying to drink some water, tugging at the waistband of the oversized pajama pants that Jungkook had lent him so they wouldn't slide down. 

"Hey," he mumbled when his eyes lingered on Yoongi, watching him open the fridge. "Do you remember how we ended up back here?"

Yoongi yawned again, rolling his eyes when he saw the fridge full of vitamin yogurts. He pulled out two without hesitation, closed the fridge with his hip, and, turning to Jimin, said, "Definitely not." "The only thing I remember is Taehyung vomiting on me, and that was disgusting." He handed Jimin one of the yogurts. "I realized I wasn't at home ten minutes after waking up."

Jimin chuckled involuntarily as he accepted the yogurt, moving to open a drawer where he knew there were spoons. When he returned with two spoons, Yoongi was already sitting at the far end of the kitchen, by the large window that covered the wall, on the left side of the table. As Jimin adjusted the waistband of his pajamas again, he headed toward the table and set one of the spoons in front of Yoongi before pulling out the chair.

"I'm not even going to comment on waking up naked again," Jimin said, trying to hide the amusement in his sleepy voice. "I really shouldn't drink this much."

"I've probably warned you about it." Yoongi rolled his eyes. "You're definitely not suited for more than two glasses."

Jimin shrugged. "I still like drinking. I can't help it."

"I know," Yoongi said, this time with a smile, shoveling yogurt into his mouth. "I mean, I know you like it." His shoulders shook with a soft laugh, and there was something sweet about him that Jimin couldn't quite explain. It might sound silly, but Jimin was always proud to see the Yoongi under the rebellious exterior. "I remember the first night we drank together," Yoongi continued, narrowing his eyes as he stared out the open window, watching the city lights reflect off the high buildings. "I was terrified."

Jimin paused for a moment. It was the first time since they had decided to try being friends again that Yoongi had brought up a memory from the past. They had touched on a few things while messaging, but it had always been surface-level. Whether this was a good or bad thing, Jimin couldn't decide, so he turned his attention to opening the yogurt, trying to avoid looking at Yoongi. "It couldn't have been that bad," he said, caught in the large dilemma of whether to let the topic go or continue.

"I'm not saying it was bad." Yoongi protested, looking back at him. "I was sitting with my favorite celebrity, we were drinking and chatting, and suddenly you were drunk." He chuckled. "Then you stood up and started undressing right in front of me."

"I really feel hot when I drink," Jimin said, shrinking into himself. His voice came out a bit whiny. "It's like hugging a stove."

"That's not a reason to strip! I'm sure everyone feels like that when they drink." Yoongi held out his empty spoon to him. "I was so confused that day," he continued with the memory. "It was really hard to convince you not to stay completely naked."

"Oh my God," Jimin groaned, not caring if he made a mess with his spoon as he dropped it on the table and hid his face with both hands, squirming in embarrassment. He couldn't even remember that day. He knew they had drunk together on his balcony. The weather had been nice, and they were talking. 

But after they got drunk, everything was a blur. When he woke up the next morning, he had no idea what had happened until Yoongi teased him about it.

"Don't be embarrassed. You were actually really cute."

Yoongi shook his head and, leaning across the table, reached to pull Jimin's hands away from his face. When his fingers brushed against Jimin's smaller ones, Jimin jumped back, startled by the touch. Yoongi's hand stayed suspended in the air as Jimin stared at him with wide eyes.

When he realized what had happened, he swallowed and tried to compose himself, still blushing as he managed a smile. "Thanks," he said, his cheeks still flushed. Yoongi lowered his hand slowly. "But just so you know, you're not great when you're drunk either."

Yoongi didn't let the strange atmosphere linger. As he returned to his yogurt, he said, "I could claim I'm better than you."

"Should I remind you about the time you said you watered my bookshelf thinking it was the flowers, or are you happy with how it turned out?"

"I'm definitely happy. Keep those to yourself."

"Oh, then listen to this: you were drunk and peed in my bathtub."

"Oh my God, Park Jimin!"

“You shouldn’t have said anything about me stripping!” Jimin frowned, but it wasn’t sincere. He looked like he was trying not to laugh. “It’s my right to remind you that you jumped into a trash bin thinking you were getting into the car.”

“Hey, you shouldn’t joke about that. You’re bullying me right now.” Yoongi looked up at him playfully. “I ended up in the hospital because the container rolled.”

At that, Jimin couldn’t hold back and burst into laughter, leaning toward the table out of habit. As his face met the surface, he laughed uncontrollably, recalling that day. Yoongi had been completely drunk, and Jimin had had enough to drink too. They shouldn’t have left the house in that state, but Jimin had dragged Yoongi along, saying he wanted ice cream, and Yoongi had literally jumped into a trash bin thinking it was the car. Fortunately, the trash had already been collected, but Yoongi had to roll around a bit when he fell.

When Jimin found Yoongi unconscious and called an ambulance, he had been terrified, praying to every god he could think of that Yoongi wouldn’t die.

Looking back now, it was hilarious, but back then, it had terrified him.

Finally, Yoongi couldn’t keep a straight face any longer and joined Jimin in laughter. The one thing all their shared memories had in common was that they were full of joy and comedy.

As their laughter subsided into small smiles on their faces, Yoongi looked at Jimin with soft, emotional eyes, resting his cheek on his palm. “We should be drinking buddies again,” he whispered. “I think the best memories of my life were from that time.”

Jimin almost mirrored Yoongi’s expression. As their bodies were weighed down by all these memories, their souls longed for more, bringing their desires to the surface.

Softly, Jimin murmured, “We should really try again.” His voice had a hesitant tone. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to drink with Yoongi late into the night again, but he wasn’t sure what he would say to him once he was tipsy. “Maybe we should.”

The older one smiled. He reached over and took a spoonful of Jimin’s yogurt without permission, clearly enjoying himself.

They were caught by Jungkook when he walked in and found them finishing off the yogurt stash. By then, it was already too late.

-

Saturday

-

Jimin stopped smiling at his phone and closed the screen. When he looked ahead, he saw the person across from him watching him intently with a slight smile. There was a sweet look in his eyes, as if he was enjoying sitting across from the person he loved. He was dressed more formally than usual, clearly taking this dinner more seriously than Jimin.

The older one nodded towards his phone and said, “Sorry. It was important.”

Yoongi had always been important, both in what he said in jest and in seriousness. Every word meant something to Jimin. He could have opened his phone again and checked the messages, but it didn’t matter that there was nothing particularly important; the message about the backing vocals was one of the sweetest things that had happened to him in recent months.

He shook his head. He shouldn’t be thinking this way.

“No problem, hyung. You seemed to be enjoying yourself.” Jeongin smiled, gesturing with his hand. “I didn’t want to interrupt. Was it your friend?”

“Yeah.” Jimin wasn’t fond of the word friend, but he hesitated to say more, especially about the guy he had gone out with under the guise of a date. “He was just giving me some updates on a track.” He explained simply, and since it was mostly true, he didn’t feel bad.

When a strange silence fell at the table, Jimin opened the menu to avoid feeling more uncomfortable, noticing Jeongin’s menu was already pushed to the corner. He had likely missed that moment while texting Yoongi.

Once he made his choice, he muttered softly and closed the menu. Simultaneously, Jeongin raised his hand and signaled for the waiter. When the waiter arrived, they both murmured their choices.

Jimin couldn’t remember the last time he went on a date. He didn’t even remember if it was after Yoongi. He had once gone out with Sungcheol, but he had to force himself to enjoy it, knowing it would never go beyond being just friends. By the end of the day, he had been crying, talking about Yoongi. After Sungcheol, the rest had been just a few simple kisses or casual evenings arranged by the company to relieve stress.

“Uhh,” Jeongin said with a tense tone. “How are you, hyung? Your album was a huge success, and you were amazing throughout the whole process. I loved your performances.”

Jimin smiled gently, nodding and saying, “Thank you. I’m better now. I can breathe more easily after getting through the busy period. How about you?”

“I’m relieved now that the shooting’s finally over. It was a long process.” Jimin had heard from Taehyung that they were working on an action-themed drama, and that the shoots had been tough, though he hadn’t taken the time to listen to all the details. “The premiere of the show is next month. Would you like to come? With me,” he said with a hopeful expression. “We could go as a couple.”

The mention of couple made Jimin tense up. He glanced at the wine that had been left on the table and Jeongin, realizing the situation, swallowed and leaned back.

“Don’t get me wrong, hyung. I’m not making anything up or exaggerating this date, but I don’t have a date for the gala and thought...”

“Maybe we should talk about this later,” Jimin interrupted. “I think we should see how tonight goes first, since I don’t even really know you yet.”

This was either a turning point or a breaking point because Jeongin, as if waiting for this moment his whole life, started talking about everything from his favorite color to his fear of certain animals, pausing after each piece of information to ask Jimin for his thoughts or preferences.

My favorite color is green. What’s yours, hyung?

I’m allergic to honey and can’t eat oranges, hyung. Do you have any allergies?

I’m terrified of bees.

My favorite animal is cats.

I drink two cups of coffee in the morning. Too much caffeine, but I can’t help it.

What’s your favorite food? I think I can guess.

Who’s your favorite singer? Honestly, I’m your fan.

And so it went. Jimin kept going until he had almost finished his second glass at a turtle's pace, promising himself he wouldn’t get drunk. It wasn’t that he was judging or criticizing the young man across from him, but he didn’t want to talk about these things. He had forgotten how to get to know someone, how many steps were needed to truly understand someone. And now, he was clearly bored. Listening to Jeongin’s childhood stories, how he discovered his allergy to honey, or how many cups of coffee it took to wake him up didn’t interest him. He didn’t want to think about his favorite singer, and he didn’t even care about his favorite color.

But time passed. The plates were cleared, replaced by dessert. Jeongin was a little insistent when he tried to refill Jimin’s empty glass, but Jimin, knowing exactly where this was heading, didn’t hesitate to refuse.

The night was progressing, but Jimin didn’t feel like it was moving forward.

“So, how did you convince me to go out with you tonight, hyung?” Jeongin asked, smiling with a grin that hadn’t left his lips since the beginning, while he hydrated his throat from all the talking. “For a moment, I was about to give up and start playing the hopeless lover role because I thought you were impossible,” he explained. “When Tae said you were convinced, I thought I was dreaming.”

“I’m not someone unreachable, Jeongin,” Jimin replied, lightly dismissing him. “I was just busy. I didn’t have the time to spare.”

“I get it. I get it, but if you wanted to, you could have made some time and—”

“There’s no ‘but.’” Jimin sighed. “I’ve had enough problems in my past relationships because of this. This is just how my life works. Being a singer is different from being an actor. I don’t have time to spare. That’s why I don’t think I’m open to being in a relationship. The only reason I’m here tonight is to avoid hurting or disappointing you.”

When Jimin agreed to this offer and came here tonight, all he had thought about were the words Taehyung had said to him. If he couldn’t get over Yoongi and was putting himself in this ridiculous situation, then he had to convince himself he needed to find someone who was in love. He wanted to try and see. He could at least observe it for a month. Yes, he could do that.

He thought he could until he sat down at this table.

But now, it was like this. The words coming out of his mouth didn’t feel wrong. Maybe Jimin had accepted this to avoid upsetting Jeongin more, because he wasn’t looking for someone to love. He didn’t want to be here.

If he was going to get to know someone, he wanted to do it by living, not by listening.

Like he had with Yoongi.

“It’s fine,” Jeongin said. “After all, phones were invented. We don’t have to meet all the time. I can see how busy you are—” His sentence was cut off by the sound of a phone ringing on the table. Both of their eyes immediately shifted to the source of the sound, and when Jimin saw the name on the screen, he reached for his phone in surprise, but Jeongin acted faster, saying, “Don’t pick it up. It’s not for job.”

Jimin blinked in disbelief, but it was true. The young man in front of him wasn’t joking. “You don’t even know if it’s for work.”

“I saw the screen. It said Yoongi.”

“Use respectful language.”

“I don’t need to right now.” For the first time, the smile faded from his face. “I’m serious. Don’t answer the phone. It’s disrespectful to talk to your ex while you’re on a date with me.”

Jimin exhaled through his nose. No matter what, no one had the right to give him orders—not now, not ever. He should have asked for this differently if he didn’t want his pride hurt.

He picked up the phone and put it to his ear. The sound of heavy traffic greeted him. “Hello, hyung?”

“Hey, Jimin-ah.” Yoongi’s voice was loud, as if he had to shout. After a few rustling noises, a loud door slammed. Suddenly, the background noise turned from clatter to a dull hum. Jimin, glancing at the hurt look in Jeongin’s eyes, didn’t know how to feel. “Well, looks like the national team won, and some groups are celebrating outside.” He chuckled, letting out a breath. “Anyway, have you listened to it?”

“No, not yet. I’ll check it when I get home.”

“Uh,” Yoongi paused as he realized Jimin wasn’t at home and likely saw the time. “Got it. I won’t keep you then.”

“No, it’s fine. Since you called, it must be something important.”

“Actually, it wasn’t. I just came to Gangnam to buy some wine, and I thought I could come by and see you.”

“Oh—”

“But it’s definitely no problem. The wine’s safe with me. Let me know when you listen to the track, and if you like it, we can set a date.”

“Well, that sounds important.” Jimin swallowed and avoided looking at Jeongin, hoping the noise wouldn’t be heard outside the phone, because even lying felt wrong, and having his lie discovered would feel worse. He tried to think fast. “Did Namjoon hyung tell you?” He tensed as he held his breath. “Is it something that must be done by tomorrow?”

“What? No. Wait.” There was a pause. “What are you talking about, Jimin-ah?”

Jimin ignored the words. “Alright then.” He nodded and lowered his head. “I’m heading home now, I’ll call you.”

“Jimin, I really don’t understand anything. Are you talking to someone else? What’s going on?”

Jimin blinked. Damn, what was he doing? What the hell was he doing? Could he even explain this? Was it logical to use his ex to escape a date?

“Jimin-”

“Jimin hyung-”

Both voices called out at once, and Jimin jerked out of his thoughts, coughing as he cleared his throat. “Yes.” He exhaled. “Ah, yes, sorry.” He took a deep breath. “Okay, I’ll be there.”

He was about to hang up. Jeongin stared at him as if his world had just crumbled, while Yoongi asked, “Where are you going?” just as he tried to comprehend what was happening. Jimin was about to end the call, but something stopped him, a detail more important than the phone call itself.

So, instead of responding, he whispered into the phone, “You said you’re in Gangnam, right?” He hesitated. “I think you’ll need to pick me up too since I still don’t have my license.” He was going to add that it was confiscated until next month, but he decided against it.

“I can drop you off-”

“Send me your location, I’m on my way.” Their voices blurred together. “I don’t get it, but I’m coming.”

The call ended. Jimin hoped he wouldn’t regret it. He tried to convince himself his decision was the right one, that he wouldn’t regret getting in Yoongi’s car later. Without sending Yoongi the location, Jimin glanced at Jeongin.

He didn’t know what to say.

“I—”

Before he could speak, Jeongin stood up abruptly, pushing his chair back with a loud noise. “No need to explain,” he said. “Everything’s pretty clear.”

Jimin stood quickly, feeling the panic rise, trying to stop him. “Jeongin—”

“Listen to me, hyung,” Jeongin said as he grabbed his wrist. He stopped and looked at Jimin with angry eyes. “If you want to run after your ex, I won’t stop you. But I want you to know this won’t end well for you, because you’ll end up hurt.” His words shot like arrows. “No one can find the same happiness with their ex. Go ahead and try. If you’re looking for someone, I won’t be here.”

He yanked his wrist free and stood up, noticing the waiter bringing his coat. With fiery eyes, Jeongin stormed through the restaurant, disappearing from sight.

Jimin was left standing still.

What was he doing?

Damn it, what was he doing?

-

Jimin, not caring about being caught by cameras, tightly wrapped himself in his coat, his face hidden behind a mask, waiting for Yoongi in front of the well-known restaurant. Amid the flowing traffic, he scanned every car, looking for the one Yoongi might be in. The last time he saw Yoongi in a car was when they were at Jungkook’s house, and Yoongi was getting into a car Jimin hadn’t seen before. Not sure if Yoongi would come today, Jimin’s eyes tracked every car on the road.

“Park Jimin? Oh my God.” A woman’s voice from behind him stopped him in his tracks, and though he didn’t want to turn around, he found himself doing so.

A stranger’s face looked at Jimin with eager eyes, though she didn’t approach him. The woman was dressed in expensive brand-name clothes, from her coat to her bag. Jimin tried to remember where he might have seen her—maybe at a party or an important event—but couldn't recall her face.

She spoke first. "I’m a fan." Jimin relaxed a bit, noticing her polite demeanor. "I didn’t want to bother you. If talking is an issue, I can leave." She gestured behind her, and that made Jimin feel a bit more at ease. Jimin smiled. 

"Hey, hi," he said gently. "It’s amazing you recognized me with my back turned."

"I actually saw you inside but wasn’t sure, so I didn’t want to bother you. I hoped to catch you when leaving, but I missed you," the woman said, laughing in disbelief. "I just got out, and you’re still here!" Her eyebrows shot up. "I haven’t told anyone."

"Thanks," Jimin responded, bowing respectfully, making the girl panic a little. "What’s your name?"

"Oh, Ryujin," she giggled. "Oh my god, Park Jimin just learned my name."

When a car honked nearby, Jimin turned and saw Yoongi’s car pulling up. The window rolled down, and Yoongi’s face appeared. Ryujin, still shocked, stared at him as Jimin knew she wasn’t supposed to see this.

"Hey," Jimin said, looking at Ryujin. "Thanks again, Ryujin. It was nice meeting you."

"Y-yes, I-I’m really grateful," Ryujin stammered, wiping a tear. "Good night, Jimin oppa. We all love your new album."

Jimin smiled wider. "Would you like a photo or something?" he offered, subtly trying to shift the conversation away from Yoongi.

"What? Now? Oh, I must be dreaming. This is definitely the end of my life." Ryujin quickly grabbed her phone and took a picture. Jimin slightly lowered his mask, smiled, and approached her, appearing close and friendly. Her cheeks flushed with a hint of pink, but no one commented on it.

"Good night, Ryujin. I trust what you saw stays between us."

Ryujin, still stunned, saw Yoongi’s face through the car window as he carefully watched them both. Her hands shook, but she managed to speak without stammering. "Don’t worry, oppa," she said. "I watched your interview. I don’t want you two to go through the same things again. I’ve already forgotten what I saw."

"Thank you," Jimin nodded and gave a final wave, then quickly turned away, opening the front door to the car. He got in quickly, aware that Ryujin was still standing there. "Drive, hyung," Jimin said, as Yoongi stared at Ryujin for a moment. "It’s safe now, but let’s not take any photos."

Yoongi gave a final glance at the girl before pressing the gas, pulling out of the parking spot and onto the main road. As they merged into traffic and headed toward Jimin’s place, Yoongi glanced at him, waiting for Jimin to speak. 

"Alright," Yoongi said. "Are you going to tell me what happened?"

"Do I have to?"

"Considering your terrible acting, you absolutely do." Yoongi looked at him curiously. "Did you go out for dinner with a fan?"

"What? No!" Jimin said, horrified. That would be against company policy, and he wasn’t that desperate. "The girl found me while waiting for you. I didn’t go out with her."

"So, why were you so tense? Who were you avoiding?"

"Jeongin."

"Who?"

"I was running from Jeongin." Jimin confessed honestly without hesitation. "We set up a date, and I went out to eat with him."

A heavy silence filled the car. Yoongi finally noticed the light turned green, and the sound of horns from the cars behind them reminded him of the situation.

"So, when you said you were busy, was this what you meant? You were on a date?" Yoongi asked with a teasing tone.

"Yes," Jimin confirmed without hesitation, glancing at Yoongi’s profile. Yoongi always looked more attractive when he was focused on driving, his serious expression on the road, hands gripping the wheel. "And it was boring, okay? I didn’t even want to go, but they pushed me so much that I ended up here!" Jimin leaned back, exhausted. "And when you called, I saw it as an escape. Sorry for dragging you into my lie.”

"That guy isn’t your type at all. Besides, he’s younger than you. You two would never get along. Also, his attitude comes off as arrogant. There's a bit of self-importance. As if the world could burn, and he'd still be smiling. He’s insincere. And really, he’s not your type. I don’t understand why Taehyung pushed for you two to get together. I'm sure you wouldn’t have been happy— I mean... that’s my guess."

Yoongi spoke rapidly, almost like he was rapping a song, as he shifted the topic without acknowledging Jimin’s words. "Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to badmouth Jeongin. It’s just that, uh, yeah. He’s not your type or whatever."

Jimin, surprisingly, laughed at this and squirmed in his seat, energized. "Right? I’m serious! No one understands, but he’s really not my type. I’ve never liked younger guys—"

But as he realized he was talking to Yoongi, his ex, his excitement deflated.

Yoongi looked at him with unreadable eyes, as if the traffic didn’t exist. "Yeah," he replied. "I don’t think he fits your style. He didn’t have the qualities you like."

Jimin almost asked Yoongi what qualities he liked, curious about the questions Jeongin had asked earlier. He wanted to test Yoongi’s memory and see how much he actually remembered about him. But he held back. When it came to what features he liked in a guy, he stopped himself.

"Never mind," Jimin muttered, biting his lip and glancing out the window. "Did you get my wine?"

"I did, but you haven’t even listened to the track yet."

Jimin shrugged. "You already know I’ll accept it."

"The media doesn’t know we’re meeting—Wait, no. They do." Yoongi stopped the car at the entrance of a complex, watching the security guard check Jimin before the barrier lifted. "I don’t know what you’ll think. If you do the backing vocals, this is going to get a lot of attention."

"I don’t care. I don’t worry about stuff like that anymore."

Yoongi didn’t say anything more. He seemed surprised, but he hid it well. As he parked the car in Jimin's designated space, he mumbled something under his breath, but no one heard it.

"Alright, listen to the track, and if your opinion doesn’t change, sing this with me," he said quickly, as if he might back out if he thought about it too much. "When I said backing vocals, I didn’t really mean it like that. I just didn’t know how to ask you."

"Wow." Jimin lowered his mask and in the dim light of the car, his lips formed a genuine 'O' shape. "Wow, wow, wow."

"Jimin, was it that bad?"

"Give me a second." Jimin blinked. If anyone, including his fans, expected a masterpiece like Tony Montana, it would be Park Jimin. He’d always dreamed of doing a proper studio recording with Yoongi since they surprised the audience during one of his concerts by performing one of Yoongi's tracks together. "Wow," he said again, remembering the time they had spent apart. He’d thought it would never happen.

Jimin had done backing vocals for Yoongi’s songs before, but either his name was not mentioned, or his part was so small that no one bothered to make a big deal of it.

"Is this a real offer?"

"Uh, yeah." Yoongi looked at him uncertainly. "I was working on a track, and everything was ready, but I played around with the lyrics the other day. Then the melody changed, and it all just clicked. Now, I can’t think of anyone else for the vocal part."

"Okay." Jimin didn’t want to miss this chance. "If it’s not weird for you, I’m in. You know how much I wanted a studio recording with you."

"I know," Yoongi smiled sincerely. "I’ve wanted it too. For a long time."

Excited, Jimin clapped his hands together, opening the car door. "Let’s go up and listen to the track. I want to hear how it sounds."

Yoongi followed him, getting out of the car, and grabbing the bottles of wine and candies from the backseat. "What if you don’t like it?" he teased. "Even if you don’t like it, I’ll drag you to the studio and make you sing it until we get the best result."

"I don’t care." Jimin suddenly forgot where he was or what he was feeling. He spun around lightly, laughing in the darkness of the night, not thinking about the two years or the evening he’d had. He was just happy, like a kid, about something he had always dreamed of and was excited about.

If it were the old Jimin, he’d worry about what the tabloids would say and how people would talk about him. But these days, he didn’t care much about that. Maybe he would sneak a peek at a few comments like he did in interviews, and maybe even crack his phone screen in the process. But that was it. By the end of the day, when he got into bed, his thoughts wouldn’t be on the comments, but on something entirely unrelated.

Jimin felt satisfied to have added this moment to the list of things he’d changed in his life. He smiled brightly as he entered the building, knowing that Yoongi was following him, and giggled as they rode the elevator, not caring about his presence beside him.

He wanted to be in that studio as soon as possible.

When he unlocked the door, Jimin quickly shrugged off his coat, plopped onto the couch, and opened his messaging app. When he found the file and opened it, a perfect melody greeted him.

The melody was accompanied by Yoongi’s voice, faintly following the rhythm and softly murmuring the song’s lyrics. The file was long, with Yoongi explaining his thoughts as he went along.

Jimin, unaware that tears were starting to fill his eyes, looked at Yoongi, who sat across from him in a sporty suit, leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees, staring back at him with intent, maybe even a hint of fear.

The melody looped for the fourth time, and there were no added comments or corrections. Yoongi was simply singing along with the song using a better vocal than before.

The lyrics were piercing.

The song was titled We Don't Talk Together. 

Jimin felt like he recognized the title, thinking it was the same one he’d heard the day he hugged Namjoon and cried. That day, he’d made a promise to Namjoon. He’d promised to listen to the song when Yoongi released it. And now, here he was, in the comfort of his home, with Yoongi himself in front of him, hearing the song in its rawest, purest form.

Everything was stripped bare.  

All the emotions were there.

Jimin wasn’t entirely sure if he was strong enough to handle the meaning behind the lyrics.

In a shaky voice, Jimin said, "Okay." He looked into Yoongi’s eyes. "I accept your offer, hyung."

Then, he realized. Yoongi hadn’t said anything about Serendipity. 

Because he probably had a reason for that. With a much more obvious song to comment on, he had nothing to say.

The melody looped again.

Do you feel how I do now?
It’s weird, us two together
Walking for a long while tonight
Even if it’s awkward
I’m still yours

Yoongi didn’t look away from Jimin for even a moment, as if he wanted him to understand, as if he was speaking silently.

I’m sorry, was I too cold-hearted?
Without any fear
I don’t know, I don’t know
Maybe back then
I just relied too much on
Believing you would comfort me

You’re all that’s gone
But everything is collapsing
Maybe I built my house
With this blank expression
My footsteps grow heavier
And I can’t walk

I can’t send you out like this
But I can’t open my mouth

I know
We love each other
We don’t talk together
I’m always yours
Why don’t you?
I don’t want to admit it
Why don’t you?
I can’t send you away

The melody changed. In the recording, Yoongi stopped putting effort into the vocals and transitioned into the rapid lyrics with ease, like drinking water.

He sang the most heartbreaking part.

We love too much
No, I loved too much
I misunderstood the reality
Time is appraching
I have to send you away
Turn right, turn left
Go straight, 4 minutes left
I’m going to lose my mind

Breaking up hurts too much, but
I’m gonna let you go
No, I don’t want to let you go
Can’t we just heal what’s hurt?
We’ll get better

The cafe we used to go to
Is less than a minute, if I turn here
Your house, turn right
Turn left, arrive

After describing the path to the café they always went to, Yoongi’s vocals revived, and the chorus repeated.

You turned and said “How have you been?”
We have to find our love again

We have to stop this breakup

Jimin stopped the song. Tears filled his eyes as he sat still, not moving from his spot. Neither of them spoke a word. They both silently acknowledged the meaning behind the lyrics, neither of them having the courage to take the first step.

Seconds turned into minutes.  

Minutes into hours.

When Yoongi left, there was no sound. Jimin couldn’t bring himself to ask him to stay. Two unopened bottles of wine sat on the counter as he watched Yoongi leave. They hadn’t parted on bad terms, but neither had they been able to stay on good ones. Jimin couldn’t shout that he couldn’t forget him. He couldn’t explain how deeply he felt every word of that song. He couldn’t ask why Yoongi had written it or why he wanted to sing it together.

They left in silence once again. They walked away, each about to begin a new day and pretend nothing had happened.

Jimin cried. He promised himself he wouldn’t open that audio file until morning, but the whispers in his mind kept repeating the chorus without stopping.

Finally, he fell asleep.

He woke up suddenly from his dream.

-

Sunday

Group Chat 🤪

[Hobi hyung <3]
I’ve planned a trip to the hot springs!!!!!<<<<33333333
No objections, please... (ily)
Using my slyness, I figured out all your free days
I know I’m amazing ^^
You’ll be with me the last week of December
It’s only six hours away from here and it’s a great spot

Chapter Text

But this time, things were different. Even though Jimin couldn’t sleep because of the thoughts, he neither got up nor grabbed his headphones to head to the Han River. This time, he just wanted to think. About his past, the life he left behind, how things had changed since childhood. And about Yoongi, Jeongin’s date, and how the night ended.

The excitement he felt in the garden after that childish moment, followed by the pain of the song he listened to.

Then, the next morning, he went to work at the usual time, acting as if nothing had happened, completing his tasks. By the end of the day, he would go home, lie on the couch, and mentally disconnect from life. He avoided answering his phone and distanced himself from friends as much as possible. This week, aside from thinking about Yoongi, he had only shown himself once.

Jimin was in the CEO’s office, discussing the situation. He was candid about the offer he had received from SUGA, the songwriter and producer, and how the song spoke to him, which was why he wanted to get involved. As his eyes involuntarily welled up, Jimin tried to stand tall in front of his boss. The man had received the piece with understanding, and when he finally listened to it, he told Jimin, "Not now. I’ve never turned you down, Jimin, but while fans are still talking about Serendipity, having you two work on a song like this would make big headlines. It would benefit me, but I don’t want you to be affected by it any more."

Jimin had understood him. It had been a while since he had scrolled through social media platforms, so he was distant from the opinions about Serendipity. All he did was attend interviews and answer questions that had passed company approval. None of them involved his personal life; they were all related to the production of the track. That’s why, in the hustle and bustle, Jimin had almost forgotten about the fans’ interpretations of the song.

Jimin felt like he was losing his mind from thinking. Along with his own song, he knew Yoongi had sent him this new one, and since they started talking, Yoongi had clearly changed the lyrics. But the emotions? Were all those emotions still real, or had they been built from a few fragments of the past?

"Do you want me to take this?" Hoseok asked as he stood in front of the closet, watching Jimin, who was sitting on his bed, arms wrapped around his bent knees, gazing out the window. Jimin shrugged and mumbled, "I still don’t want to go, hyung. I really don’t have the energy for this."

"I’m taking you to the hot springs!" Hoseok raised his voice and, while packing a few clothes for the season into a small suitcase, turned back to him. "Your body will be rejuvenated, and you’ll feel better. I’m serious, Jimin, you’ll thank me later."

"I know, but—"

"But you want to stay here and keep distancing yourself from us, continuing to try to solve whatever it is you’re going through by yourself," Hoseok frowned, walking towards the bed and sitting down without hesitation, moving to embrace Jimin as he exhaled with discomfort, his eyes fixed on the wall. "I don’t know what’s going on, but don’t do this, Jimin. Don’t isolate yourself from us. Whatever it is, let us help you."

"I know that, hyung," Jimin sighed. "I’m not doing it on purpose. But when something difficult happens, my body just wants to be alone, and it forces me into it."

"I’m still here. Whatever you’re going through, I’m ready to help you," Hoseok pulled back slightly, trying to see Jimin’s face. "Is it about Yoongi hyung?"

"If I say no, would you believe me?"

"Not a chance, not when you’re being this obvious. Can you tell me what’s going on?"

Jimin took a moment to think, then lowered his gaze. "I don’t think so," he said. "Not right now, because I haven’t figured it out myself, hyung. I can’t explain it because I don’t even know what’s going on."

"I understand," Hoseok nodded, and instead of probing further, he said, "Then, can I leave this to you both to sort out on your own? You don’t have to explain it if you don’t want to. Just don’t keep running away. Face it."

"I can’t—"

"You’re not even trying," Hoseok’s words hit like a déjà vu for Jimin, reminding him of the conversation he’d had with Taehyung weeks ago. In the end, he found himself on a date with Jeongin, unsure of how to make decisions. "Look at me," Hoseok tried to lock eyes with him. "The place I arranged for the hot springs is amazing, you know? It’s in Gail-ri, near Chuncheon, in the middle of the forest. You’ll really be able to clear your head. I’ve rented a house for all of us." He looked straight into his eyes. "It’s peaceful and quiet. Yoongi hyung will be there too. I think you two can talk and sort things out."

"What if it gets worse?" Jimin whispered, as if that was his biggest fear. "We just got back together, and what if we ruin everything again? What if we end up drifting apart again? I don’t want to make you guys unhappy."

"If you drift apart again, we won’t be unhappy," Hoseok said honestly. "At least I won’t be, Jimin, because there’s something you don’t understand: We were never sad that you two broke up, we were sad about how you broke up." He closed his eyes, thinking back to those days, just like Jimin. "You broke up without talking, without sharing your views on the issue. Suddenly. We were sad because if you had just calmed down and talked, everything would have cleared up, but you didn’t. You just suddenly disappeared from each other’s lives. Can you tell me why you broke up?"

Jimin blinked, trying to hold back the tears. "We—" he started. He’d been thinking about this for two years. For two whole years, he had been trying to understand why. "We were arguing," he said, his voice trembling. "It was about our cats. I think one of them scratched the couch and— Fuck." He shook his head. "I don’t know, it was something tiny, hyung, I can’t even remember. We just started arguing, and suddenly it escalated."

"Exactly, that’s what I mean. If you’d just talked when you calmed down, you would have seen there was nothing to it."

"But we’re not fighting now, and—"

"Jimin," Hoseok cut him off. "Just listen to me and let me say one last thing, and then I’ll pack your bag and we’ll leave this house, alright?" Jimin nodded quietly. "I know you’re not fighting right now, but please use your brain and try to understand what I’m saying: You broke up over an unnecessary argument two years ago, and since then, you haven’t said a word about it. Do you understand? Right now, this isn’t about a new argument, it’s about the one from years ago! As long as you don’t talk about it, this weirdness between you two will always remain. You won’t be strangers, but you won’t be the closest of friends, and you won’t be lovers either. You’ll just keep wavering between those three."

Taking a deep breath, Hoseok stood up and, without further hesitation, moved towards Jimin’s closet to grab some long-sleeved shirts. "Oh my god, what’s this box?" he said, laughing. "I didn’t know you had a dildo collection, Jimin. Oh my god! My eyes— Ah!"

Jimin buried his face in the pillow, teetering on the edge of laughing and crying, questioning his life.

-

They eventually reached their destination after three and a half hours, despite Hoseok claiming it would be six. Driving along a narrow road, Jimin followed Yoongi’s car with the others behind them. The winter scenery was unexpectedly lush with greenery, and Hoseok smiled at the peaceful surroundings. They were here not just because of free schedules, but because of the forecasted snow in the coming weeks. 

Once parked, Jimin got out, wincing from a backache. Yoongi, noticing, asked, "Are you okay? Did you hurt your back?"

"Maybe," Jimin replied, "I think I slept wrong yesterday."

"Water should help," Yoongi said, nodding. "If not, I heard there are masseuses here."

Jimin’s mind drifted to memories, where Yoongi had never been shy in their intimate moments, always straightforward and yet considerate when it came to their needs. Even the following morning, Yoongi would always make sure to massage Jimin’s back, applying oils to ease the tension.

The smaller one swallowed nervously. "Yeah," he said. "I need a good massage. I’ll take advantage of that. Thanks, hyung." He bowed respectfully, then made a move toward the trunk to grab his bag, but before he could move, the same voice stopped him again. Jimin turned his eyes and looked at Yoongi, who was gazing at him, his face bathed in the sunlight from behind.

"We haven’t talked in a while," Yoongi whispered, scanning the surroundings to make sure the others were off doing their own thing. "About the song... that day—"

"Ah," Jimin tried to smile, almost speeding through the conversation. "I talked to Bang PD," he explained quickly. "Sorry I didn’t get back to you right away, I’ve been a bit busy. Um... I really want to sing it with you, but I… I just released Serendipity, and, uh… How should I put it?" He looked away. He didn’t want to say anything more, didn’t want to bring it up or start deciphering the lyrics he had written. He just wanted to go home, retreat to his room, and keep thinking until it all made sense. Maybe then he could get past this.

But as he tried to avoid the topic, he realized he was only digging himself deeper.

"Was it about us?" Yoongi asked with a sad expression, and something in Jimin froze. He knew Yoongi would easily understand, but he had hoped this conversation would never come up. He froze. "I didn’t mean to say anything wrong, the lyrics—" Yoongi tried to recover, but Jimin cut him off, "Yeah," he said quietly. "It was."

"Meaning..."

"Bang PD thought it wouldn’t be right to release the song with Serendipity still being talked about by the fans. He didn’t reject it, but—just not now." Jimin lowered his head, embarrassed. "But it’s fine. You don’t have to wait. You can work with another artist, I’m sure it will be great, and—"

"Jimin," Yoongi interrupted, smiling calmly. "It’s fine. I’m not in a hurry. I can wait as long as you need."

"But—"

"When you’re ready, let me know." His smile widened. "And get some rest, you look like you're in pain."

"Uh," Jimin swallowed and quickly shook his head. "Okay. Thanks, hyung, I was worried. Also, my back, yeah, I’ll deal with it. Thanks." Trying not to make things worse, he quickly moved towards the trunk, now certain Yoongi wouldn’t stop him. When he saw that everyone else had already unloaded their bags and disappeared, he turned around and walked past Yoongi again, heading into the house. He stumbled slightly at the entrance but didn’t mind.

All he wanted now was to get to his room and rest.

That was, until he heard Taehyung yelling, "We’re a couple, we should take that room!" and Seokjin complaining, "I can’t sleep with Namjoon; he hates cuddling at night!"

It seemed Hoseok had rented a house for seven people, but what he meant was not seven separate beds, but a house for seven people to stay in.

Jungkook, sounding exasperated, joined in, "Shut up. We’ll draw lots, and everyone will accept their fate."

Taehyung, almost in tears, clung to him from behind, shouting, "I want to sleep with you!" but no one was really paying attention.

-

"Is this a problem for you?"

Yoongi and Jimin stood in the middle of the upstairs room, both staring at the large bed’s maroon cover as Yoongi tightly gripped the handle of the bag he had dragged in. The tension in the room was almost unbearable, and it was hard to gauge what either of them was feeling.

"I really don’t know," Jimin tried to be honest. "Maybe we should’ve objected because… this is strange."

"Definitely strange," Yoongi exhaled deeply. "Even if we objected, they wouldn’t have accepted it because when Taehyung asked for the other double bed, they kind of hit him."

Jimin remembered the scene well and nodded as he thought about what they could do. He was sure that if he slept with anyone, he would wake up tangled with them in the morning. It had nothing to do with Yoongi—it was just his sleeping habits. Taehyung loved sleeping with him because they shared similar habits, including claiming they were soulmates.

"One of us can sleep on the floor," Jimin suggested. "We can take turns. It’s only five days. We could flip a coin."

"We don’t need to flip a coin. I’ll sleep on the floor," Yoongi said, stopping Jimin from reaching into his pocket. "I won’t let you sleep on the floor with your back like that."

"I’m not accepting that, hyung. When we’re on vacation, I won’t let you sleep on the floor every night either."

"We have no choice."

"No, we don’t. My back isn’t that bad."

"Jimin..."

"Hyung." Jimin firmly countered. "I’m sure we can make a soft bed on the floor."

Yoongi looked at him uncertainly, then shifted his gaze back to the bed. He stood silent for nearly a minute, deep in thought. During that time, Jimin stayed next to him, looking at the floor, wondering what they could do.

"Okay," the older one whispered. "What do you think about this: Let's put a pillow between us."

"Hm?"

"Instead of making sacrifices for each other, let's just sleep in the bed and put a pillow between us."

Jimin’s full lips formed a teasing smile, and he raised an eyebrow at Yoongi. "You know that won’t work," he said, accusingly furrowing his brow. "I’ll wake up on top of you in the morning."

Yoongi shrugged and, surprising them both, said, "That doesn’t sound that bad." There was an unreadable expression on his face, and Jimin needed a moment to figure out if he was joking. When he didn’t know what to do, he blinked and, perhaps wanting to surprise Yoongi, said, "Alright. Let’s share the bed then. It’s not like we’ve never done that."

This time, it was Yoongi’s turn to be surprised, and anyone observing them would clearly think they were in a race, each trying to outdo the other with the most surprising comment.

"You’re right," Yoongi said, his voice clearly challenging this time. "It’s not like we’ve never done that. I don’t mind. You can stick to me all night. After all, you like sleeping while cuddling."

Jimin, still in shock from all of this, stepped back, crossing his arms in front of him as he turned toward him. Now that there was some distance between them, their eyes met.

"Just open your mouth and tell me you want me to sleep while hugging you, hyung. It’ll be easier."

"You’re the one who should say it."

"Am I? You’re the one who rejected my idea about the floor bed."

"No, technically, you were the one."

"I’m sure it was you."

"Can you prove it?"

"You said we should sleep in the bed instead of making sacrifices for each other."

"Because your back hurts!"

"No, you just miss me hugging you."

"Wow, slow down, where did that come from?"

"It’s obvious," Jimin sniffed. "Just admit it."

Yoongi raised an eyebrow. "Alright, yes. Unlike you, I missed sleeping while hugging you."

Jimin was left speechless. There had always been something sweet about arguing with Yoongi, and he enjoyed their playful banter. He had probably dragged them into this ambiguous discussion because he missed it, but this wasn’t the outcome he had hoped for. He had thought Yoongi would continue rejecting him, and the argument would end in uncertainty. But things didn’t go as he expected. With those surprised eyes and his mind going blank, he was frozen, staring at his ex. 

The delay before he turned away in panic was almost comical. His reaction was so late that it clearly made Yoongi laugh, which only made Jimin more irritated.

When Jimin didn’t say anything in response and went to leave the room, leaving his bag by the corner, Yoongi knew he wasn’t going to stop him. Yoongi didn’t say anything. He waited for Jimin to leave, and as the door was left open, he watched him disappear from view.

By the time Jimin made it downstairs with his flushed cheeks, all eyes were on him. He hadn’t noticed the volume of their conversation earlier, but it became clear when he ran into Taehyung and Jungkook grinning at him. Then Seokjin joined in, patting his shoulder. "If you’re going to have sex, can you be quieter?" he said. "I get grumpy when my sleep’s interrupted."

Everyone laughed except for Jimin and Yoongi, who was still missing from the room. 

Five days were going to feel endless.

-

If Jimin had to admit something, it was that the water was actually really good for his body. The facility next to the private homes had a hotel-style setup, and it was spacious, with hot springs. Since it was winter, they preferred the indoor bathhouse instead of the outdoor ones, and the warm water felt so good that Jimin even felt embarrassed admitting it to himself.

He hadn’t wanted to come here, nor did he want to stay. Even now, he wanted to leave because just thinking about the upcoming days triggered his anxiety. 

Still, as he sat in the warm water, he felt all his muscles relax. After his hectic schedule, being here felt better than rushing to get a massage. Closing his eyes against the marble he was leaning on, he focused on the main room, telling himself that he wouldn’t spend the night with Yoongi in the same bed. He didn’t mind the faint waves hitting his bare chest, ignoring Taehyung and Jungkook playfully joking at the other end.

It had been Taehyung who dragged him here, but maybe going with them wasn’t the best idea when they were a couple—he shook his head. Focus, he told himself. Relax. The water feels good.

He closed his eyes.

Yes. The water feels good.

-

After dinner, Yoongi disappeared. When they were drinking and deep in conversation, he wasn’t there. Jimin tried not to think about it, but eventually, he gave in. After two cans of beer, he stood up and went to the room where they were assigned, hoping to find him there.

Yoongi wasn’t there either.

-

"Should we order, or make it ourselves?" Hoseok asked sleepily as he entered the kitchen, surprised to see Seokjin already preparing breakfast. His expression made Jimin, who was sitting at the counter, smile. Since the house was warm enough, everyone except Seokjin was only wearing shorts. Seokjin, as always, was in his favorite pajamas, focusing on the food he was cooking. 

"You're really something, hyung." Hoseok reached over to kiss Seokjin on the cheek and sat down at the table. "I woke up Tae and Kook," he yawned. "The other rooms were empty; you guys are early." He looked around and finally, as if noticing something, asked, "Where’s Yoongi hyung? He wasn’t here last night either."

Jimin, avoiding eye contact, wished he knew the answer. He wanted to know where Yoongi had been that night. He had come in late, trying to be quiet, but Jimin, somewhere between sleep and wakefulness, noticed the smell of alcohol on him. When he pulled the pillow between them and turned his back, he promised himself he wouldn’t cry.

The next morning, Yoongi got up early and left shortly after the sound of water from the small bathroom was heard.

"I don’t know," Jimin shrugged, keeping the night’s events to himself as he looked at the eggs in the pan. "He wasn’t there when I went to bed, and he wasn’t there when I woke up."

After a brief silence in the kitchen, Seokjin, as if uncomfortable with the situation, explained, "We met him this morning. He said he went for a run."

"I never thought Yoongi hyung would be the kind to go for a run, but here we are." Namjoon said with a grin as he looked up from his phone. The others joined in the laughter as Tae and Kook walked into the kitchen, but Jimin didn’t laugh.

"When he signed up for the gym, I thought he was joking," Hoseok continued, exaggerated. "Have you ever touched his chest? Sometimes I wonder if he’s really Yoongi hyung."

"He worked hard and earned it," Namjoon defended. "We went to the same gym. He had shoulder surgery before starting and fixed all the issues in the middle." He shrugged. "He’s got a good body."

Jimin swallowed. For a moment, the world stopped.

"Yoongi hyung had shoulder surgery?" 

Everyone, including Namjoon, turned to Jimin, who was staring at them with wide eyes, processing the information he had just learned.

"Yeah," they all replied, before being startled by the sound of Yoongi entering with an empty water bottle in his hand, sweat dripping from his neck. Ignoring the others' concerned gazes, he casually shrugged and wiped the sweat off with a towel, glancing at the stove. "Why the reaction?"

"I didn’t know about the surgery," Jimin murmured. "It was a tough procedure, and there was a risk you might not heal properly."

"Yeah, but I had a chance to recover," Yoongi shrugged again as if it was no big deal. "And in the end, I did."

"I’m glad," Jimin looked into his eyes. "I’m glad you recovered, hyung."

Yoongi smiled. "Thanks, Jimin-ah." Without saying anything more, he mumbled, "Is breakfast ready? I’m really hungry."

-

On his second day, Jimin spent time with Namjoon. They went on a long walk through the forest. In the tranquil silence between them, Jimin took the time to reflect.

-

"Jeongin called me," Taehyung rushed toward Jimin, who was sitting across from Seokjin, lying with his head on Seokjin's lap and watching TV. "Why aren’t you replying to his messages? He just told me about your date, and I was seriously shocked. You didn’t have to do that even if you didn’t want to. He’s really upset—"

The curious glances from across the room went unnoticed as Jimin continued watching the basketball game. "I don’t want to reply to his messages," he mumbled. "We already tried. We won’t get anywhere, Tae."

"But Jimin—"

"Tae," Jimin looked at his best friend as Seokjin’s hand moved through his hair, trying to calm him. "I don’t want to. I really don’t. I’m sorry for that evening, but I wasn’t comfortable. I don’t know what he told you, but I did what came to me."

Taehyung seemed like he was going to argue but sighed and stood up from where he had been crouching, leaving the room. No one commented. Yoongi’s curious gaze lingered on Jimin.

-

Thursday

[Yoongi hyung]
Still in the room?

[Jimin]
Where is it?

[Yoongi hyung]
Jin hyung says breakfast will be ready in five minutes
Can you bring my charger with you?

[Jimin]
Where is it?

[Yoongi hyung]
I think I put it in the drawer of the nightstand
Did you find it?

[Jimin]
Yes

-

Their entire fourth day was spent playing games. It felt as though they weren’t even there to enjoy the hot springs; instead, they spent all their time inside the rented house playing the most ridiculous games together. It was fun. Despite Hoseok’s suggestion, Jimin tried to avoid speaking to Yoongi as much as possible. They were on different teams, and they kept their conversations to a minimum. This caught everyone’s attention, but no one commented on it.

Finally, when they went to their rooms and Yoongi followed Jimin a step behind, it was Jimin who closed the door.

When Jimin went to the bathroom to change into a different set of clothes, Yoongi, who had already showered after dinner, threw himself onto the bed. Jimin ignored him and focused on himself. When Jimin returned in fresh clothes, Yoongi was sitting on the left side of the bed, his back against the headboard, typing a message on his phone.

Maybe now was the right time to talk.

Maybe he should follow Hoseok’s advice and speak up now.

What do I lose if I’m honest? he suddenly thought. If he had been honest years ago and told Yoongi he hadn’t stopped loving him, if he had gone to him and said he wanted him back, what would he have lost? They could have either stayed apart or continued their enviable relationship with a different outcome. Maybe they would have argued a little more, or maybe they would have kissed and made up.

But he wouldn’t have lost anything. With the bad outcome already in his hands, the situation couldn’t be worse.

That realization pierced his heart so sharply that he felt guilty for wasting two years, burdened by the unnecessary awareness of it.

Why did I always think the worst? Why did I always believe Yoongi didn’t love me anymore? When they broke up, Yoongi hadn’t made the first move, but had he? He hadn’t come to him, but had Jimin gone to him? His love hadn’t faded, but he hadn’t fought for it either. So why, when Yoongi did the same thing, had he always assumed the negative outcome and convinced himself of it? Why had he been so sure when the possibility was fifty-fifty?

"Jimin-ah? Are you okay?"

"Huh?" He quickly snapped out of his thoughts, finding Yoongi’s concerned gaze on him. He had been holding his jacket, standing in the middle of the room, staring blankly at the lampshade on the dresser. He must have looked pretty strange from the outside. "Yeah. I’m fine." He nodded. "I’m fine, hyung, what about you?"

"Eh, I’m good." Yoongi shrugged, and after making sure Jimin was okay, he returned to his phone. When Jimin carefully sat beside him on the bed and leaned back like Yoongi, he was half considering placing his jacket in the corner.

"Hyung," Jimin finally said, gathering his courage. He waited for Yoongi to pull his gaze away from his phone and focus on him. Jimin pulled his exposed legs closer to himself, the hairs on his skin standing on end. When Yoongi looked at him as if surprised to be speaking with him, Jimin continued, "I thought… I think we should solve this. We need to talk."

Solve what? What exactly do we need to solve?

"What should we solve?"

"This thing." He pointed between them, trembling. "We came here for a vacation, and I don’t want it to be like this."

There was something almost comical about this statement. It was because they were already nearing the end of their trip.

When Yoongi turned toward him, sitting cross-legged and focusing on him intently, he asked, "How are we doing?" His question was sharp. "Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad you brought it up, but I want to know if we’re on the same page. You should tell me exactly why you think that."

Why? What was the reason?

"Because…" Yes, why? Because Hoseok hyung gave his advice. Because it made sense. Maybe it was to finally have a big argument and get it all out. "Because I think we’ve been avoiding things since we started talking again." Jimin tried to explain. It was hard, but at least he felt like he had done it. "When we ended things… there was no real reason. I can’t find one when I think about it. Maybe we can talk about it and finally close that chapter." His voice trembled as he spoke, and Yoongi listened with interest. "I don’t want to speak for you, maybe you’ve already closed it, but I think I’m still stuck there. I’m still in that day."

"No, you’re right. We should have done this from the start." Yoongi immediately agreed. "I just didn’t know how to do it. I couldn’t figure out exactly what we should talk about."

"Honestly, I don’t know either." Jimin confessed and, licking his lips, turned to face Yoongi, sitting cross-legged as well. Now, in the wide bed meant for two, they both sat facing each other. "How about twenty questions? We can ask each other some questions about that day and what came after, and we can talk about them."

"Uh, that sounds logical." Yoongi nodded, ignoring the notification on his phone, then asked, "Do you want to start? Honestly, I don’t have a specific question in mind."

"Sure. Let me think." Jimin raised his eyebrows, then glanced at his phone. "By the way, am I interrupting you? If it’s important, we can continue later.”

"No, it doesn’t matter." Yoongi unlocked his phone and, after pressing a few buttons, leaned forward to place it on the nightstand. As the room fell into silence, muffled shouts from Seokjin and Jungkook, still playing games downstairs, could be heard.

While Jimin was deciding on his next question, he remembered a question Hoseok had asked him that morning, which had made him struggle to answer. It made so much sense to start with that, and before he knew it, the words were out of his mouth. 

"Do you remember the reason for the fight we had the day we broke up?"

Yoongi’s lips parted. He stared at Jimin as though he had swallowed his tongue, and his eyes seemed to pause for a moment, asking for more time to think. He quickly scanned the room before looking back at Jimin, almost as if trying to make a connection through the furniture. After a long pause, he blinked and ran his fingers through his already messy hair.

"I don’t really remember. I think you were mad because I was messaging an artist you didn’t like."

The surprise was now on Jimin’s side. "What? No." His voice sounded horrified. "Our fight started because of Mila and Mini."

"Our cats?" Yoongi raised his eyebrows. "Does that make sense, though? You saw the messages on my phone, got mad at me, and I told you that even though we were dating, you couldn’t control who I messaged."

"Mini had torn up the couch, but you insisted it was Mila who did it. That’s where the fight started." Jimin was stubborn about it. "I didn’t care that you were messaging someone like Suran."

"Ah, see!" Yoongi pointed at him, laughing sarcastically. "You even remember who she is and clearly still hate her."

"Because she’s a manipulative person, and I can see what she did, just like everyone else. I’m not blind. She tried to use you and get between us—" Jimin stopped himself, lowering his voice. "Never mind." He exhaled. "Sorry. We’re free individuals, and our relationship didn’t give me the right to interfere because you weren’t trying to cheat on me."

"Yeah." Yoongi whispered in agreement, feeling pride as Jimin finished his angry sentence and then allowed his mocking smile to turn into a warm grin. "Honestly, I knew what kind of person Suran was, and I could see the hidden meaning behind her messages. I knew she was trying to use me." He tilted his head. "I guess I was stubborn about it because you were spending too much time with Sungcheol, and I didn’t like him."

"Hyung… how can you compare the two? Cheol was really my friend, and he never looked at me that way. I’m sure of it."

"Still, after we broke up, you hung out with him!" Yoongi accused. "You said in that interview that he cried for me, but do you even know how bad I felt when I saw those pictures of you two? It was like... like all my suspicions had been confirmed."

"Don’t tell me you suspected me."

"Of course not! I suspected him, not you. From the start, Sungcheol was in love with you, and he saw our breakup as an opportunity."

Jimin’s shoulders dropped as he remembered the day he hung out with his close friend. Yoongi was wrong. Sungcheol had already been in love with someone else. A woman he liked. That day, when Jimin had tried to spend time with him, to distract himself, and pushed boundaries just to try something, his friend had responded harshly. He hadn’t cared about holding hands in front of the cameras, but the moment they got home and Jimin tried to kiss him, all the painful truths hit him. And that night, Jimin had cried in his friend’s arms, thinking about Yoongi.

"He’s been into Chayoung from the start," Jimin said. "And last month, he even sent me a wedding invite. He moved to Busan, so we don’t see each other much anymore."

"What?"

"Sorry, but I really don’t think he ever looked at me that way." He shrugged. "Anyway, let’s get back to the question. What exactly was the reason for the argument that led to our breakup?"

Yoongi stared at Jimin’s eyes so intensely that Jimin felt his body tremble.

"It seems like it was too insignificant to remember." Yoongi said finally, not once breaking his gaze. "The cats, the messages, whatever."

"I agree. It was a small thing, but it grew out of proportion. I think we were just looking for a reason to fight."

"That’s a bit harsh."

"It is." Jimin suddenly felt gloomy. "If we’ve solved that, would you like to move on to the second question?"

Yoongi took a moment before answering. It took a while for him to recover from realizing his mistake and processing the fact that there was no substantial reason behind their breakup. It was clear he would keep reflecting on this for some time.

"Why did you break up with me?" he asked finally.

Jimin furrowed his brows. "You were the one who broke up with me."

"That’s not what I mean, Jimin." Yoongi’s eyes filled with sadness. "Who broke up with whom never really mattered. I’m asking why you didn’t come to me. Why didn’t you try to save us? What made this breakup different from the others?"

"I’ve already answered that." Jimin replied. "In that YouTube video."

"But I really want to know the real reason.”

There was something deep in Yoongi's eyes. They both knew they had told the complete truth in the interview for that channel. Yoongi knew he had already gotten the answer to this question there. He just wondered about the rest — why Jimin hadn’t come to him when he threw off the fatigue, why he didn’t change the path he was taking.

When Jimin sensed the detail in the question and fearlessly looked into Yoongi's eyes, he said, “I thought you were tired of loving me. That love ended, and you left.”

"And?" Yoongi laughed. "Is that it?"

"I was the artist you were a fan of. Then I became your friend, and when we became lovers, you lost interest." Jimin’s throat tightened. "I’m not claiming, but that’s how I felt. You got to know Park Jimin, and when your admiration for him faded, everything became boring. When I stepped back and looked at the whole picture, that’s what I saw."

Yoongi didn’t respond. It was as if he was hurt, as if hearing this had struck a deep chord. He gave Jimin a look that was as meaningful as it was heartbreaking. Though Yoongi almost never cried, Jimin felt like he saw his eyes welling up.

"I didn’t come to you." Yoongi said. "Because you always had better options than me. Everyone knew you were my boyfriend, but still, people kept wanting you, shamelessly showing it."

"You’re stupid."

"Then you’re stupid too." The anger in his voice was palpable. "I never got bored of you. How could I? You were everything to me."

"But can you say your love didn’t end?" A tear slipped down Jimin’s cheek. "Because if it hadn’t ended, you would’ve come. You wouldn’t have some ridiculous excuse to hide behind. Because you knew! It didn’t matter who was under my hand." His vision grew cloudy. "My eyes weren’t looking at anyone but you."

"Is the fact that I didn’t come proof that our love ended?" Yoongi asked, almost as if cursing. "Then can you tell me that your love ended? I need to hear that."

Jimin paused for a moment, his world halting. He’d forgotten that he had done the same. As he accused Yoongi fearlessly and with so much certainty, he had forgotten that he was no different.

"My love for you hadn’t ended." Yoongi answered without waiting. "I don’t think love is something that ends, Jimin."

Jimin felt like he was falling. As if the ground beneath him was slipping away, and the world had suddenly reversed, sending him into a whirlwind.

"Then what now?" Jimin asked. "Has it ended now? If it’s something that can end—"

"It hasn’t ended." Yoongi answered, staring into his eyes as if he weren’t afraid of the consequences. "I don’t think love can end because I’ve been trying to end it for two years. It’s not working. No matter what I do, it’s still there, okay?"

"Hyung—"

"I don’t care whether you think your love ended because I couldn’t get over you. Yeah, like a loser, I showed up two years later and offered to stay friends, and I’m sorry for that, but I couldn’t get over you."

"Yoongi."

"At this point, it doesn’t make sense to dissect our answers. I want to move on to the next question."

"No."

Everything slowed down, like a movie scene. Even the tear that was about to fall from Jimin's eyes seemed to slow down. Yoongi pulled away, taking his time to distance himself from the smaller one.

Thoughts collided in the emptiness. All the memories came back to life. If this were a film, the director would head to the editing room and list millions of things to add to this scene. They’d spend weeks selecting the background music and be proud of catching these looks.

But this wasn’t a movie. There were no cameras capturing them. No one would bear witness to those looks, or feel crushed under the emotions in their pupils. The sounds from downstairs had stopped, and it felt like no one else was breathing, as if everyone else had paused their lives.

"Hyung." Jimin couldn’t hold back anymore. He cried. Tears flowed unchecked. "No." He shook his head. "I can’t go on." He said. "Because I believed, and it hurt so much. You can’t just tell me your love didn’t end. You can’t say that after you left, no!" As Jimin broke the slow-motion and rushed forward, hitting Yoongi’s already healed surgery shoulder, his crying intensified. "You have no right to deceive me!" he screamed.

Yoongi didn’t care about the punches. "I’m not deceiving you!"

"It hurts so much, don’t do this!"

Jimin sobbed. He had cried in front of friends before, but it was nothing like this; now, it was as if all the emotions he’d buried deep inside were screaming out. His shoulders shook, but he didn’t question how he got here, because now he knew. He knew why he was like this, why he was crying. Because he had never dared to hope, never considered the possibility, and now the person he loved more than life itself was trying to act as if nothing had happened while proving with one sentence that he had been wrong all these years.

When Yoongi, not knowing what to do, pulled him into his arms, holding him tight and burying his face in his neck, Jimin mumbled, "It hurts so much. I can’t do this. It hurts so much.”

The older one’s anger seemed to fade for a moment, and he began whispering sweet words into the younger one's ear, but Jimin was deaf to them. His sobs and the painful whimpers escaping his lips drowned out everything else. As the words faded into the room, Jimin cried freely, resting his nose against the other’s neck, not holding back at all. “It’s not real,” he said faintly. “It can’t be real.”

“Jimin…”

“If I wake up from this dream, I won’t be able to bear it,” he said, ignoring Yoongi’s words. “I can’t, I can’t bear it anymore.”

“Jimin-ah.”

“I can’t bear it,” he muttered. “I swear I can’t handle this, hyung. I can’t. I’ve played strong enough. I’m tired.” He shook his head as if to hold on to the older one tightly, as if his hands were going to slip away. He held on tightly, using the moment as if it would disappear. “Don’t let go,” he whispered. “Don’t let me go.”

“I’m here, Jimin. I’m holding you. It’s not a dream.”

The stars in the sky
We are flying.
This isn't a dream
Don't be nervous, hold my hand
Now we're becoming a "we"

“Jimin-ah, look at me.” Yoongi tried to pull him away, but he couldn’t. Jimin, with a voice as determined as it was rough, said, “No. If I let go, you’ll disappear.”

“Jimin, let’s talk.” Yoongi’s voice was calm. “We need to talk. Don’t cry.”

“I’m not crying.”

“Baby, you’re crying.”

Jimin stopped moving. His nose gently separated from Yoongi’s neck, and with tear-streaked cheeks, he looked at the pale skin at the tip of his nose in confusion. Yoongi, feeling like he was pulling away, glanced at him, and as he did, the skin on his neck creased slightly, making Jimin experience a sense of disconnection.

How long has it been?  

How long has it been since he heard words like this from him?

Jimin rose from where he was. While Yoongi suddenly pulled him in for a hug, half of his body was still on the bed. Trying to pull himself together, Jimin held on to Yoongi’s shoulders and stood up. The closeness took his breath away.

Baby.  

It wasn’t such a strange word. Even when they were lovers, Jimin hadn’t been obsessed with such terms, but now it meant something.  

Now it had a different meaning to him.

As they locked eyes, Yoongi carefully placed his hands on Jimin’s waist, as if to pull him closer, moving slightly. They moved slowly, almost like they were in a race with a turtle. While Jimin was still questioning what was happening, Yoongi watched his every reaction to make sure nothing was going wrong, moving closer, then stopping. Eventually, when his back met the headboard of the bed, he gently pulled Jimin closer. For a moment, they paused, assessing what to do next, and Jimin ended up sitting beside him, half on him, very close.

Jimin hesitated about whether to place his hand on Yoongi’s stomach or not, but continued holding his arm.

“Look.” Yoongi lifted his chin and looked at him. “Looks like we’ve misinterpreted a lot of things.” He raised an eyebrow. “So tell me, Jimin. Use your words. Don’t stay silent this time.”

Jimin looked at him with a sad expression. The touch of Yoongi’s fingers on his chin reached his soul. Just missing that touch made him hate everything. Was a person supposed to be this weak for someone in their life? Should love be so difficult to experience in such a short life?

“You already know, hyung.” Jimin swallowed a sob.

“Tell me,” Yoongi insisted. “Aren’t we in this state because I didn’t know? Aren’t we stumbling because I didn’t know, and you didn’t know? You need to tell me, so I can say I know again.”

Where are they? How did they get here?  

But Jimin remembers clearly. He remembers the day he stood in the studio of the company he worked for, still legally a minor in Korea, watching Namjoon hyung's university friend from behind the glass. He remembers the night they first hung out and drank together in the same space. He remembers Yoongi’s curious eyes on him between the laughter of their friends. The first day they talked, the morning when Jimin called him to come over. When they hugged. When Yoongi comforted him.

Jimin remembers the night they kissed. The night by the forgotten beach in the cold autumn air, around the fire they made. Pulling him closer, their lips meeting in a kiss. The warmth of his breath.

He remembers Hoseok’s room. That seemingly casual but special moment that sent shivers down his spine. When Yoongi leaned in to kiss him, talking about wanting to be his boyfriend.

They made love. Sometimes all night, sometimes in the early morning hours.

He remembers their fights. Every one of them. Yoongi getting mad because he was late and worked too much. Jimin just staying quiet. Turning his back and going to sleep quietly. Yoongi always came and hugged him, no matter what.

Where are they?  

Where did they stop in their lives?  

What did they become?  

Strangers. Familiar. Friends. Lovers.  

Strangers.  

Wait, had they ever been strangers? Jimin felt like he’d known him his whole life. Were they still strangers to each other?

Jimin thought of the night he confessed. In the warm breeze of his balcony, with the wind tousling Yoongi’s hair, and the sweet blush on his cheeks. The faint flush from the alcohol, the burning warmth of his skin. When their hands brushed and Yoongi’s eyes smiled as he whispered an old memory.

“I love you.”

Three words. Just like back then, they easily slipped from his lips. That night, while Yoongi was talking about something that had happened to him in Daegu, Jimin stood frozen, looking at him. His lips were slightly parted, holding onto the metal like his head was spinning. When the glass almost slipped from his hand, Yoongi moved, but that was all. While Jimin was surprised by how easily the words came out, Yoongi was trying to process what he’d just heard.

Now, nearly five years after that day, after all they’d been through, it was still easy. It was still as easy as drinking a glass of water. “I love you,” he said again. It wasn’t hard. He cried, but it wasn’t hard. “I love you,” he repeated, just like that day. He didn’t care about Yoongi’s stunned gaze.

The only difference this time was that Jimin didn’t run. He didn’t panic and flee. He didn’t freeze while staring into Yoongi’s eyes. Every time he said it, his voice grew stronger, as if he could express the emotions more clearly. With every word, he felt like he was shedding the hesitation. Yoongi kept holding his chin while Jimin looked into his eyes. Once more, he said, “I love you. I’ve always loved you.”

The last two years faded away. At the end of their third month since the interview, half of their past was erased. It felt like they had never been apart, as if the time machine had swept them back to the moment they were together. When they stopped that night, exchanged harsh words like embers, they were startled but didn’t run. Instead of picking up the pieces, this time they held on tightly as if they had the chance to continue from where they left off, not to fix what was broken, but to rebuild everything.

Yoongi finally came out of the trance, and in a voice almost imperceptibly muffled, he whispered, “I know.”

Jimin caught the single tear slipping down Yoongi’s cheek while he cried. As his shorter fingers slid over the soft skin of Yoongi’s face, he allowed himself to close his eyes and feel the moment. He didn’t care that his touch was spreading the wetness. Nothing mattered under his fingertips.

“Jimin,” Yoongi whispered, his voice thick with desire. “Kiss me.”

Jimin had waited for this moment his whole life, it seemed. He pulled Yoongi closer, cupping his face, and kissed him gently, forcing himself not to rush. But it was impossible. 

Jimin let out a soft breath, his hand moving from Yoongi’s chin to rest on his waist. He parted his lips, allowing Yoongi to kiss him deeper. Their kiss grew more passionate, the salty taste of Jimin’s tears mingling with the kiss.

Jimin’s body was rising, and Yoongi slipped his hand beneath his shirt, caressing his bare skin. That sensation, that longing, burned them both. 

Then, Jimin was in his lap. As Yoongi stretched out his legs, he allowed Jimin to settle, kissing his cheeks and eyes between breaths. They were struggling, trying to make this moment last forever.

When Jimin could no longer control his breathing, he leaned against Yoongi’s forehead, holding him close. Yoongi wrapped his arms around him, and Jimin didn’t complain. They respected their time to breathe.

After a few minutes, Yoongi whispered, “I missed you. I missed us.”

“You wanted us to be just friends,” Jimin mumbled, thinking back to the day he left the interview. “You wanted us to be just friends. I was planning to kill you.”

Yoongi groaned. “That wasn’t the plan,” he said. “Everything happened in the moment.”

“You should’ve taken me to the roof and kissed me in the rain.”

“Okay, that was definitely the plan.”

“Oh my God.” Jimin let out a sound as if he were crying, then pulled back, looking into Yoongi’s eyes. When he saw the tears there, he immediately kissed him again. The familiarity was painful. Their kiss felt so natural, as if the months they spent apart had filled them with nothing but resentment. 

“Seriously, hyung,” he said, “Is this real? When I saw your home and everything that changed, I thought it was beyond me, but when you asked to just be friends, I was convinced you had forgotten everything about us.”

“No…” Yoongi closed his eyes and threw his head back, slamming it against the headboard. The sound was sharp, and it made Jimin laugh. Yoongi joined him, and Jimin’s fingers moved through Yoongi’s hair, pulling him closer. He kissed him again, feeling the pressure and the heat build. 

"Are you okay?"

"I think I hit my head pretty hard." Yoongi frowned. "I’m experiencing memory loss right now, my brain's starting to give me warnings." Jimin looked at him in confusion as Yoongi shut his eyes and when he opened them again, he said, "Process complete." "I’ve erased the last two or three years."

"Wow." Jimin laughed, caught between tears and amusement, but eventually smiled, realizing he didn’t want to cry anymore. "Move over." He pushed Yoongi’s head and tried to reach the headboard. "I need to hit my head too."

Yoongi, with tears in his eyes, laughed more loudly as Jimin tried to hit his head, but before he could, Yoongi grabbed him by the neck and pulled him close, hiding his giggles in Jimin’s shoulder. The warmth from Yoongi's breath on Jimin’s body made him twitch, and as the giggles slowly faded, they both paused, feeling a shift in emotion.

There was a lot they needed to talk about.

A lot of things to embrace without running away.

But in that moment, they fell into a comfortable silence, as if they both wanted to continue without tiring themselves further. Jimin sat with his back slightly hunched, playing with Yoongi’s hair, his nose resting against his neck. Yoongi’s fingertips moved slowly down his spine, and everything felt calm and peaceful.

Jimin placed a gentle kiss on Yoongi’s neck and whispered, "About 'We Don’t Talk Together'..." His voice trembled, almost as if afraid someone might overhear. "You made me cry."

"I cried enough while writing it," Yoongi replied, not letting Jimin pull away.

"I was thinking about how and when you wrote it, and I got mad because I thought you were using old feelings, not new ones. Not how you feel now."

"Actually, that’s what it was." Yoongi admitted honestly, not letting Jimin move away. "The song was different, more nostalgic, but then we experienced some things. The day we left Hoseok's house, walking down the street, and when I brought you home... that day, everything felt the same. When I got back home, I rewrote the song."

It’s weird, us two together
Walking for a long while tonight
Even if it’s awkward
I’m still yours

"I almost stopped releasing 'Serendipity' because you were talking about being just friends, and if I did it, it would feel strange." Jimin added with a chuckle. "Especially since I wrote the whole thing myself." He laughed. "Then Namjoon hyung showed me his songs because I hadn't listened to any of them..."

Before he could continue, Yoongi cut him off. "Are you joking?"

"What? No. Why would I joke?"

"They were all for you, and you didn’t listen to any of the tracks I released, Park Jimin?"

Jimin straightened up, and when their eyes met, he raised his brows and ran his fingers through his hair, the way he’d been thinking about since he saw him again. When his fingers lingered there and Yoongi’s forehead was exposed, Jimin said, "After listening to 'Seesaw,' I blocked you." "You’re so mean. I hate you."

"Ten minutes ago you said you loved me—"

"Our topic is 'Seesaw!'"

"Okay, you’re right." Yoongi raised his hands as if surrendering and leaned in to kiss Jimin quickly on the lips. "I won’t defend 'Seesaw' because it was the first song I wrote after we broke up, and I was heartbroken. While you were out with others."

"Do you want me to open the news where my fans tagged me? Because I was literally just trying to hang out with Sungcheol, but online, there were pictures of you kissing some guys." Jimin’s words made Yoongi’s eyes widen, and without hesitation, he pulled his hand from Yoongi’s hair and slapped his cheek, not holding back. "I want to strangle you."

Yoongi, instead of reacting with shock, grinned and said, "I’d never refuse that." Jimin was shocked by his sexual suggestion.

"What?" Yoongi looked at him. "Did I go too far? Sorry."

Jimin rolled his eyes, and without saying anything more, snuggled back into Yoongi’s lap and settled comfortably. "Let’s put these topics aside for now." He said. "I don’t want to talk about sex with everything still uncertain. Also..." He puckered his lips and slid his finger down Yoongi’s chest. "Since we’ve been here, you’ve gone to bed after me and left early in the morning."

"Didn't you sleep?"

"No."

"Why?"

"Because I didn’t want to disturb you. After our argument that day... I couldn’t sleep. It felt like if I hugged you, you’d be uncomfortable."

"Actually, I was coming late and leaving early for you." Yoongi admitted. "Because I thought that after our argument, you’d want that. You seemed like you’d be uncomfortable sleeping with me."

They both laughed at their foolishness, realizing that the four wasted days were the right time to grieve. 

"Then we really should sleep holding each other tonight." Jimin suggested. "I’m going to cling to you."

"I definitely won’t complain about that."

As another quiet moment settled, they both thought back to how, hours earlier, they’d broken up in a silly game and wondered how they had come to this point. Amidst his thoughts, Jimin suddenly remembered Yoongi returning from his morning run and sat up again. Smiling, he hit Yoongi’s chest and said, "I hate you."

Yoongi smiled at him with pure affection. "What did I do this time?"

"Muscles!" Jimin yelled. "I was having a meltdown when I first watched the video. How can you build muscles after breaking up with me?"

"Uh, I thought I’d look better?" Yoongi asked with a questioning look. "Does it look good?"

"Are you kidding? I wanted to bury my face in your chest." Jimin immediately slapped his hand over his mouth, shocked by his own words, and Yoongi burst out laughing so loudly that their friends probably heard it from their rooms. "Forget I said that."

"Never."

"Forget!" Jimin threw another punch, but this time without pulling his hand back, muttering, "Huh, you really are a muscle pile."

"Don’t exaggerate, I still pale in comparison to you."

"I wasn’t asking for your opinion, I’m talking to your muscles right now. Stay out of it." Jimin moved forward on his ex's lap and pressed his open palm against Yoongi's now muscular chest, a contrast to just three months ago when he had watched an interview from the couch at home. Back then, it had annoyed him, but now, under the weight of the truth, admiration filled him.

When his lips found Yoongi's again and they kissed passionately, both murmuring as they clung to each other more. When their lips intertwined, and their tongues fought a wet battle, Jimin pulled away with a thought in his head, not caring about the thin strand of saliva between them. He ran his tongue along Yoongi's lips and placed his hand on his cheek. "Let’s not tell anyone until we figure this out," he whispered. "I don’t want anyone to know until we have it all figured out."

"They're worried about us."

"That’s why I don’t want to say anything." Jimin confirmed. "I can’t even figure it out myself, hyung. For so long, I believed you didn’t love me anymore, and now I’m kissing you. I thought you’d forgotten me, but here I am, facing the opposite. I was almost in tears a moment ago." He smiled. "Let’s give ourselves some time. Hang out more, talk more." He raised an eyebrow, looking at him expectantly. "Let’s see how we’re doing, okay?"

Yoongi didn’t protest. He nodded in understanding and placed a kiss on Jimin’s forehead before easily pushing him to the empty side of the bed, lifting him off his lap. Without a word, he adjusted his shorts and walked toward the door, switching off the light, leaving the room only lit by moonlight.

As Jimin laid on his pillow, waiting for him, Yoongi returned with a faint smile that barely showed in the dark. Even though the house was warm, both of them found themselves shivering slightly under the blankets. They attributed the chill to the season, but it was likely due to the excitement and perhaps a bit of anxiety.

When they approached each other again, still awkward after their passionate kiss, it took a moment for them to embrace. Jimin rested his head on Yoongi's chest, just like before, and Yoongi held him with one arm under his neck and the other around Jimin’s arm.

It was so familiar… so comforting. It didn’t feel strange.

As if only an hour ago, they had barely spoken, avoided eye contact, and tried hard to be on different teams in a silly game. As if they weren’t two people with a weird friendship between them.

In the silence of the night, with no sound in the house, Jimin lifted his head slightly, turned, and kissed Yoongi’s chest. Yoongi chuckled softly as he kissed the top of Jimin's head.

"I’m really tired," Jimin whispered. "But I don’t want to sleep. I’m afraid it’ll be a dream."

"Just like you, I’m scared too," Yoongi whispered back. "But try to sleep. We’ll talk in the morning, okay? I promise. No running away. We’ll talk for as long as we need to, but we’ll figure this out." He lifted his head to place a kiss on Jimin’s forehead. "Ah… I’m trying to comfort you, but this feels like an impossible moment to live through."

"Yeah," Jimin agreed. "I don’t know. We’ve been talking and messaging for so long. Maybe that’s why things felt like they used to. But after listening to the song, it felt like everything shattered. That’s why it feels strange. Maybe if we’d lived this moment before the song, it would’ve felt more likely, but now it feels like it’s just a fantasy." He sighed. "Anyway, if all of this is real, then I promise I won’t run away tomorrow."

Yoongi smiled, rubbing his arms, pulling him closer and tightening his grip. "Goodnight, Jimin-ah," he said, as though there was nothing else left to say.

"Goodnight, hyung."

Both of them took a long breath. With swollen lips, messy hair, and tangled thoughts, as the hour approached morning, they tried to sleep, hoping that what had happened wasn’t just a dream.

Until they found themselves again in an endless kiss.

Chapter Text

Some days feel different from others. You can feel it when you wake up. That moment when your blurry vision clears in an instant, and at that point, the sensation sits at the center of your chest. It’s like waking up on the morning of a holiday as a child, or the day you know you’ll be receiving your report card. A special day, one that holds so much meaning to people, but is actually quite ordinary.  

Sometimes, even without any significance attached, certain days still feel meaningful. Different. You open your eyes in a different way. Everything is the same, but the feeling is different. Excitement rises in your throat. Your heart beats faster, and it feels like if you don’t get up right away, you’ll miss something. It’s as though you’re late for a train you can’t catch, yet you still want to run after it. A kind of effort to avoid regret. Like trying.

Like.  

Like.  

Like.

When Yoongi opened his eyes, that’s how he felt. Full of "like"s. He woke up with an empty stomach, so there was a sour feeling in his belly, but that wasn’t the point. The point wasn’t how hungry he was or whether he would make it to breakfast in time.

The point was the faint scent coming from right beside him, like a garden of flowers, that made his nose twitch. The slight weight of the arm wrapped around his waist. The sweet sensation of the head resting against his chest.

Something was making his heart beat faster than usual.  

Something he had kept inside for so long.

Yoongi looked at how the winter sun coming through the window hit the body in his arms. He never thought he’d be able to appreciate the value of waking up to such a scene. The small, delicate body that always seemed fragile was now sleeping beside him with messy hair. His full lips were slightly parted, and a faint trail of saliva had dripped onto Yoongi’s t-shirt. The blanket was likely on the floor since it wasn’t visible, and Jimin had unreservedly placed his exposed body over Yoongi’s. One of his legs was tucked between Yoongi's, and the other was bent back, taking up most of the bed, yet he didn’t stop hugging him.

Yoongi yawned sleepily, a sweet smile unconsciously forming on his lips, and he struggled to keep his arm from sliding off Jimin’s neck. At the same time, he tried to pull down the shirt Jimin had opened.

When Jimin moved, opening and closing his lips, furrowing his brows, Yoongi felt his heart swell. That vital organ seemed to stop beating for a moment, becoming huge and filling his entire chest.

How had they been apart for so long?  

How had they stayed away from each other for all that time?

He reminded himself to be content as he exhaled. Whatever had happened, it was done now. They couldn’t change the past or the decisions they had made. That’s why the guilt he had felt about contacting the YouTube channel and suggesting they both appear together had long since vanished. At first, Yoongi had felt guilty for secretly doing this behind Jimin’s back, but when he saw him again that day, standing in front of him in his apartment, any trace of guilt had disappeared. All that mattered was focusing on the plan and dreaming of confessing that he was still in love with him during the interview. As Jimin sat nervously beside him, Yoongi tried to muster up the courage.

But nothing ever goes as planned.  

It never does.

Yoongi winced at the memories, trying to push them out of his mind. Some questions had been answered openly, but for others, he had spoken about the past with all its emotional baggage. He had only mentioned the past without including the present.

He couldn’t bring himself to speak about the newer, more intense, and painful emotions.

His plan for the day had been to kiss Jimin. It had always been like that. Whenever they fought, it was always a kiss that started the reconciliation. That’s why, when he watched the episode with Taehyung, he clung to the idea that came to him and contacted Jimin, who had given him the greatest hope by agreeing.

Had he carried out the plan, maybe the three months they spent after two years apart would have been even more meaningful.

Where had the idea of just being friends come from?  

It probably came from the moment he realized how angrily Jimin had looked at him.

Well, neither of them had been very good at expressing their feelings.

Yoongi shifted, trying to block out all those thoughts as Jimin started to stir. As Jimin relaxed his shoulders and stretched, raising his arm that had been around Yoongi’s, he reached backward, yawning. When Yoongi saw his little tongue stick out, he thought it was adorable. He looked so cute, his baby face open wide, nose scrunched, and eyes turned into little lines. His tiny fist clenched, and his face was slightly puffed from crying.

To be honest, Yoongi could have eaten him up right there and then.

It didn’t matter that they were the same height or weight. Jimin, in a way, was as small as Yoongi’s palm.

"Good morning," Yoongi smiled gently and tried to turn towards Jimin while reaching out to push his hair back. As his fingers swept through the soft strands, Jimin’s eyes snapped open, and he paused, still halfway through a yawn, trying to grasp the moment. His swollen eyes fluttered slightly as he tried to focus on the room while studying the face in front of him. He mumbled, "Good morning," in a voice as hoarse as Yoongi’s. "I must’ve hugged you, sorry hyung." His brows furrowed as he seemed to have an internal conflict. "I’m sorry. Did I disturb you?"

Yoongi raised his eyebrows and quickly wrapped his arm around Jimin’s waist before letting go of the arm that had been resting on Jimin's neck. Without even noticing the numbness, he tightened his hold on the small angel trying to pull away. "We slept hugging, Jimin," he said, his voice clearly amused. "Did you forget about last night?"

"No," Jimin answered much sooner than expected but continued blinking, as though he wasn’t quite sure of his answer. He grabbed Yoongi's hand, which was still around his waist, and tried to grasp the reality of the situation. "I had a dream," he murmured. "It was... too realistic." His eyes found Yoongi’s face, and as they rested on his faint freckles gleaming in the sunlight, he whispered, "You were kissing me... we were kissing."

"Hm," Yoongi murmured contentedly, offering a half-smile before pulling him closer. "That felt pretty real to me too. I’m sure we lived it yesterday," he said as their noses brushed.

"Hyung—" Jimin placed his hand on Yoongi’s face, pressing their foreheads together, and sighed. He seemed like he wanted to say something important but couldn’t decide where to start. How could he continue with his ex right there, so close? He needed to start somewhere, but the first step felt uncertain. "Good morning," the words barely escaping his throat. "We need some space." Their noses touched, and they were nearly about to kiss.

"You know I don’t care about your morning breath," Yoongi said, his gaze fixed on Jimin’s lips. Jimin, unmoving, caressed Yoongi’s cheek and replied just as their lips were inches away, "I know. But that’s not the issue."

"So what is it then?" Yoongi reached out, his eyes closing as he kissed the corner of Jimin’s mouth and murmured against his skin. "I think the only topic should be this."

When Jimin closed his eyes like Yoongi and pressed their faces closer, he tightened the leg wedged between Yoongi’s and tensed, as if trying to suppress the anxiety and thoughts of the future. When he finally reached a conclusion, Yoongi appeared satisfied with where they were.

"We’re nothing right now," he whispered, taking precautions as if someone might overhear. "And at this point, kissing is forbidden."

"Never."

"Listen to me," Jimin pushed Yoongi gently, still holding his hand, and backed up slightly, his eyes locking on Yoongi’s sleepy, swollen ones. His unadorned pupils were sparkling, as if all the emotions were compressed into them, shining with a whole galaxy of feelings. "Let’s walk in the forest after breakfast," he raised an eyebrow. "Let’s talk."

"Eh, sure." Yoongi shrugged casually.

"Be serious," Jimin said, giving his shoulder a playful slap, and whispered, "I’ll shower and think about last night. You’ll clean the bed, and when we get back here, you’ll act just as we are now. Then, we’ll talk alone and figure this out." He caressed Yoongi’s cheek again and lowered his gaze to his lips. "Starting over, strangers, friends, lovers. You know the order."

"We were already friends, I mean—"

"We’re not lovers," Jimin rolled his eyes as if he already knew what Yoongi was going to say. "Really, hyung. I’m not joking. Look at how we were until yesterday and how I’m waking up now." He showed how they were, his thumb grazing Yoongi’s high cheekbone as a smile lingered on his lips. "I’m not complaining, but understand me. I can’t grasp this. It feels like a joke." He paused for breath. "If we dive into this without thinking, we’ll regret it. I want to think everything through, okay? So don’t hide anything from me."

Yoongi nodded obediently. After all, when had he ever turned down Park Jimin?  

He also understood exactly what Jimin meant. He really did.  

"Okay," he said without hesitation, leaning in to plant a brief kiss on Jimin’s lips. "Shower, breakfast, and a walk. We’ll plan it and stick to it. Got it, Commander?" He saluted. "And I’ll clean the bed, yes."

Jimin slapped his chest lightly and, instead of going around him, chose to climb over him to get up. Yoongi supported him with one hand so he wouldn’t fall, but Jimin managed to get by on his own, laughing at the situation. Yoongi joined in.

-

"Okay, did you know that all clownfish are born male and only turn female when necessary?"  

"Yes."  

"Yes."

When Taehyung's interesting question was met with simultaneous approval from the two at the breakfast table, all eyes shifted to Jimin and Yoongi. As Taehyung pulled his gaze away from his phone and eyed them suspiciously, he asked again, "Did you know?"

"Isn't that... pretty normal?" Yoongi tried to ease the tension, relaxing his shoulders as he used his chopsticks to pick up a cucumber slice. He raised his brows at the others before asking, "Is it weird that Taehyung knows, or that we know?"

"Taehyung always looks these things up." Seokjin shrugged and returned to his meal. Jimin, still a bit stunned, probably lost in thoughts about his odd conversations with Yoongi.

"I saw it on the internet too," Jimin muttered, trying to recover, but Yoongi nearly laughed. After all, he had already read everything from the same site. The information still struck him as funny.  

"Did you know that after male tarantulas mate, they run from the females because they eat them? Oh my God, terrifying." He exaggeratedly shook his head, returning to his plate while the others stared at him, stunned. "And not in a sexual way—like, actually eat them. Incredible. Really interesting."

Hoseok blinked, pushing his plate forward and leaning back as he scrunched his face. "You're disgusting," he said with clear disgust. "You just made me lose my appetite."

Taehyung narrowed his eyes. When he looked at Yoongi, nobody could guess what was going through his mind. "Did you share the information from the link I sent you with Jimin?" His tone was inquisitive.

Yoongi almost choked on his bite while Jimin widened his eyes and looked at him, waiting for a response.

Yoongi coughed.

"Maybe," he said. "I might have."

When Jungkook was the first to laugh and the others followed suit, the seven of them shared another round of joy and laughter. They were at peace. Despite the rush and chaos of life, they felt happy once again—together, and well. Like family.

-

"I see the two of you," Namjoon whispered as they were left alone in the green nature. "I see how you look at him, hyung."

Yoongi didn’t answer. He just smiled.

-

Before leaving, Yoongi and Jimin were walking side by side down a path illuminated by small lights. Their coats brushed against each other as they walked slowly. The path leading to the facility was a space created by human hands between the forest’s dense trees.

"Tell me what’s on your mind," Yoongi said, his voice reflecting his desire to resolve everything, his gaze fixed not on his face but on his footsteps. "What are we going to be? Which direction are we going?"

The "direction" was metaphorical, not literal, and both of them knew this. That's probably why Jimin smiled shyly, lowering his head as he bit his lower lip, trying to process the million possibilities and more that had been on his mind since morning.

When they were young, they both believed there was nothing impossible in life. They hadn’t experienced much, but life had lifted them from the bottom and filled them with faith in miracles. Still, the events of the previous day seemed more interesting than a small-town child’s sudden rise to global recognition. Everything that had happened so suddenly felt like an experiment, and the real miracle was in that.

Jimin brushed his pinky finger over Yoongi's hand, taking a deep breath, and looked up at the darkening sky. As he realized Yoongi was looking at him, his smile widened. "I don’t know," he said. "I really don’t know, but maybe I have an idea we could consider."

"Hm..." Yoongi smiled sweetly and opened his fist, extending his pinky, while his eyes never left Jimin, his hands still brushing together. From behind, their pinkies almost looked like they were about to intertwine, but the picture remained incomplete.

"We could spend next weekend together," Jimin said, his eyes reflecting the stars. He seemed shy, like a high school boy talking to the man he liked. "I mean, New Year's is on Wednesday, I have some free time, and I don't think I’ve promised anyone else."

Yoongi’s smile grew. When he tripped over a stone and nearly fell, Jimin instinctively leaned in to catch him, and their laughter echoed in the empty space. No one was around. Few would walk here in this season, especially now that evening and winter’s chill had come together. 

As Yoongi straightened himself and regained his balance, he stopped instead of continuing, causing Jimin, who had been holding his arm, to stop as well. In the middle of the wide path, surrounded by trees that had lost some of their leaves, the winter-resistant thorny shrubs were still green. They looked into each other’s eyes. Yoongi extended one hand, holding Jimin's waist, but the coats they were wearing made things trickier. Instead of getting bothered, Yoongi slipped his hand into Jimin’s open coat and held his waist over his sweater, stepping closer. The smaller one didn’t protest but watched him intently.

"Do you think they’ll leave us alone on New Year’s?" Yoongi asked, raising his free hand to touch the tip of Jimin’s flushed nose. "I'm sure Seokjin hyung has already made a plan."

“That’s what I meant by the weekend.” Jimin’s eyes briefly flickered to Yoongi’s lips but quickly returned to his eyes. “We could get to know each other again,” he whispered. "We can see what we've lost in two years, and maybe this will help us find a way forward."

"You're right." Yoongi nodded, smiling as the warm breath escaped his lips, meeting the cold air. "Alright, so does this mean we're going on our first date next weekend?" Jimin quickly raised his brows, puckered his lips in surprise, looking so cute that Yoongi couldn't resist. He leaned in and placed a kiss on Jimin's cheek, laughing. "Don’t say this isn’t a date, Park Jimin."

"This isn’t a date, hyung!"

Yoongi rolled his eyes, ignoring the surprised look on Jimin’s face and continuing ahead. After getting a few steps away, Yoongi linked his pinky with Jimin’s without hesitation.

It was just like when they used to walk outside years ago, before their relationship was public. They used to walk side by side, occasionally linking their pinkies to avoid holding hands in public.

Jimin sighed and shook his head, savoring the moment in silence.

Yoongi finally spoke. "Well, maybe we can start getting to know each other now? Tell me, did you manage to break your pizza record in my absence, or do you still only eat three in one sitting?"

"Hyung..." Jimin groaned, stepping closer to Yoongi and gently tapping his chest with his free hand. "That was years ago," he tried to defend himself, but he knew it was impossible. "I don’t have such a big stomach anymore."

"You can’t fool me." Yoongi looked at him with half-closed eyes and nudged him with his shoulder. "You know Taehyung’s mouth never stops."

"Oh my God."

"I know your little stomach can handle five pizzas."

"Oh my God." Jimin's eyes widened in horror, speeding up his steps and avoiding Yoongi’s gaze, grimacing as if he were the murderer of his best friend. "It happened by accident," he said, as if it would help. "When I'm unhappy, I have the potential to eat the whole world. Unfortunately."

"No worries, loser." Yoongi replied sarcastically, and Jimin immediately snapped out of his mood, waiting for the next shock. Yoongi grinned as he looked into his eyes. "I ate seven."

"Wow!" Jimin shouted, his voice echoing in the emptiness. "You should've eaten me too! Oh my God."

"That could happen too," Yoongi said, and after a brief silence, their laughter mixed together.

Despite knowing they should return home and pack for the morning, they lingered. They skipped dinner, drawing attention but not caring. At the table, a small quarrel over trivial matters made them laugh. By the end of the night, they were lying side by side in the same bed, and Yoongi whispered, "I’m happy. I’m happy I found you again, Jimin."

-

On New Year's Eve, they gathered at Seokjin’s house. A large Christmas tree, decorated by all seven of them, stood in the corner. A deep conversation was taking place at the table, and before they knew it, they began talking about where they would be in the future. Taehyung was arguing over the names of the three children he planned to adopt, while Jungkook watched him with teary eyes and a huge sense of affection. Namjoon was talking about a new man he’d met, though he didn’t want to discuss anything prematurely. Hoseok, likely already planning to win Seokjin over, was joking about having the perfect wedding.

The only two silent ones at the table were Yoongi and Jimin.

Finally, Seokjin noticed and, taking a sip of his wine, asked, "You two?" His Santa hat was crooked, and his white beard had fallen to his neck, looking a little funny, but it didn’t hide his natural handsomeness. "You haven’t said anything." His eyes wandered over to Yoongi. "Speak. You have the biggest imagination of us all."

Yoongi remained unfazed. He looked into Jimin’s eyes, sitting across from him, casually shrugging as though their feet weren’t brushing under the table. He slid his fingers up the hem of Jimin’s pant leg, gently caressing his ankle.

Because Jimin’s cheeks had turned a bit red, Yoongi couldn't resist continuing, finding it endearing. 

“I think in five years, I’ll love Taehyung’s kids,” he said simply. “I’ll be a great uncle.”

“And a dad,” Hoseok added, swallowing his hiccup and holding his mouth shut as he silently burped. “You’ll be a wonderful father, hyung,” he added, already looking tipsy. “And in five years, you'll be that age. Think about it.”

Yoongi’s gaze fell on Jimin, who was watching him carefully. Yoongi, as if unsure how to respond, shrugged again, setting his glass down. "Time will tell," he mumbled, then asked, "What about you, Jimin? Where will you be in five years?"

Jimin smiled, having already thought about his answer. “Probably at a gathering with our kids,” he said, giggling softly. Everyone joined in, but Jimin lowered his gaze to the plate. “It would be great if our kids were friends five years from now. I’d love to see that. I wish I could be there.”

"Are you raising this kid alone?" Taehyung raised his eyebrows, clearly teasing.

Jimin, still smiling, replied, "No. I have the perfect father in mind."

Yoongi turned beet red at the implication, almost choking on his own saliva in surprise. However, no one noticed because everyone had turned to Jimin, bombarding him with questions.

Jimin skillfully deflected their questions, stating they would all learn in time.

Though no one was convinced, they respected him enough to stop. 

The night continued smoothly and joyfully.

-

Yoongi had always found the New Year’s countdown silly. He never understood the difference between the moment before and the one after. He didn’t expect much from the new year because, to him, everything felt like it was just being dragged along through time. The changing numbers didn’t impact anything.

People attracted whatever they believed in or placed meaning on. 

So, this year, Yoongi didn’t make a wish. Instead, he imagined he would be with the person beside him and the people he considered family for as long as he lived. He didn’t need to wish. He pulled that reality toward him because he believed in it.

As the countdown began on the big screen, Taehyung, holding mistletoe, kissed Jungkook in the corner, oblivious to everyone else. Seokjin and Namjoon raised their champagne glasses in front of the television, waiting for the moment to arrive. Hoseok, making odd sounds, had thrown his arms around the couple, jumping up and down.

Yoongi and Jimin stood in the center of the room, just behind the trio. Once they realized no one was watching, they linked their pinkies, waiting for the countdown.

When the numbers finally reached zero and they were surrounded by fireworks reflecting on the screen, Yoongi turned to Jimin and whispered, “Happy New Year.”

Jimin looked so happy, even his eyes—slightly glassy from the alcohol—held a gleam. “Happy New Year, hyung,” he whispered back, tightening his grip on Yoongi’s pinky. “You know.”

“I know.”

It felt like something from the past, like the first time they realized they loved each other. They hadn’t confessed yet, so they were shy but clingy. The first time Jimin had said “you know” to Yoongi, it had been Yoongi’s birthday, and when Yoongi replied “I know,” it had felt like he truly understood. Since then, it had become their routine.

You know and I know.

They understood each other, no matter where or when they were. They understood each other completely.

Finally, during a group hug, Jimin took the opportunity to press a faint kiss to Yoongi’s cheek, which led to Yoongi kissing him on the back of his neck.

They didn’t attract attention, and their secret kiss felt better than ever. 

This was how the new year started.

-

On Saturday, when Jimin opened the door to the face of the man he had seen just yesterday, Yoongi was holding a bouquet of flowers, his cheeks as red as a tomato. Jimin’s face mirrored his.

Yes, this was definitely a date.

-

When Jimin looked back at the breakfast he had prepared, Yoongi had already gotten up from the couch, where he had fallen asleep, and was now sitting, watching him. They had talked until late, and when Yoongi had tried to leave, Jimin had told him he could stay—just not in the same bed, as a rule that first dates should never end in the same bed. It had made them both laugh, but somehow it made sense. In the end, Yoongi had fallen asleep on the couch, while Jimin, in the other room, tried to fall asleep, thinking about everything they had discussed.

“It’s just breakfast, Jimin,” Yoongi yawned. “I’ll eat whatever you put in front of me. Don’t worry about it.”

When Jimin tugged at his shorts, which almost clung to his hips, and bit his bottom lip while leaning over the table, he was trying to figure out what was missing. Unaware of the view he was offering the figure sitting on the couch, his long T-shirt gathered at his waist while the shorts highlighted his curves. 

“I still want it to be perfect,” Jimin said in a thoughtful tone. “I haven’t forgotten about the cookies. There shouldn’t be anything to complain about.”

“Like you haven’t insulted my omelettes,” Yoongi said as he got up, never taking his eyes off Jimin and heading to the kitchen without hesitation. When he settled behind Jimin and placed his hands on his waist, he leaned in and whispered in his ear, “As long as you’re here, it’ll be perfect.”

The body under his hands visibly tensed, an invitation for Jimin to press his hips back against him, but neither of them made a sound. They acted like they weren’t used to such closeness, though it was a familiar scene for them. It was as if they were experiencing it for the first time. 

“Hyung,” Jimin whispered, swallowing audibly. 

“Hm?”

“The no-bed rule on the first date applies for the second morning too.”

Yoongi raised his hands in mock surrender, stepping back a little. “You’re making this up,” he muttered. “I’m addicted to touch, and all you’re doing is torturing me.”

Jimin tried to steady his breath, reminding himself that he had been with this man for five years. They had kissed and made love countless times. There was nothing to be embarrassed about now, but still, the awareness of his flushed cheeks was annoying. He turned to face the man behind him, his hands finding the high stool beside him, their faces now inches apart.

“I’m more addicted to touch than you, but I can control myself,” he whispered. Then, contradicting himself, he looked at Yoongi’s lips and added, “We just started, hyung. We’re not together yet.”

“What?” Yoongi furrowed his brows and grabbed him by the waist, pulling him close like there was a huge distance between them. “The first date went well. I’m definitely a gentleman, and I’ll make you feel amazing. You won’t find a better boyfriend than me. We’re together.”

Jimin, surrendering, wrapped his arms around Yoongi’s neck. He felt nearly naked next to him, but he didn’t mind. His long T-shirt covered his shorts as he rose slightly on his toes, trying to appear taller than the man just as tall as he was. He grinned mischievously. “I don’t know,” he teased. “There’s a long line at my door. You’ll need to give me several reasons to choose you. Gentleman.”

Yoongi rolled his eyes, tightening his arms around Jimin’s waist. Jimin couldn’t keep his balance and ended up grabbing Yoongi’s shoulders as their faces came dangerously close.

“I cook well,” Yoongi said, as though taking Jimin seriously. “I can write songs in any situation. I’m short, but I’ve got excellent curtain-hanging skills.” He paused, pretending to think. “I can rap during a fight and incapacitate my enemies. I’m a professional kisser, and I never shy away from showing off my skills in bed.”

Jimin buried his face in Yoongi’s neck, trying to suppress his laugh as Yoongi’s fingers traced his back. It was clear he was enjoying himself, and with a grin, he whispered into Yoongi's ear, “You can’t make omelettes.” 

“That’s it,” Yoongi said. “I’ll go to omelette classes and make the best omelettes in the world just for you.”

When a loud laugh echoed through the kitchen, Jimin pulled away and looked at Yoongi lovingly. It was as if he was overwhelmed with emotion, like he couldn’t put the feelings he had into words. Without thinking twice, he leaned in and kissed him. 

It was perhaps the softest kiss they had shared so far. As their lips slowly melded together, their tongues gently danced in a quiet battle. 

Jimin pulled away first. He pushed Yoongi’s hair back and, gazing into his eyes, said, “Welcome home, hyung. We’ve really missed you.”

Yoongi smiled, then leaned in to kiss him again, this time more passionately.

-

Thursday

[Yoonie <<33]
Mini misses Mila

[Jimin]
Who told you that??

[Yoonie <<33]
Of course Mini???
Who else could it be????

[Jimin]
You can’t talk to cats hyung

[Yoonie <<33]
Well, I’m a cat
So I can talk
You wouldn’t understand
But seriously
Let’s go get Mila and bring her here Jiminahh
Please

[Jimin]
I wasn’t going to refuse )));
But Mila’s in Busan
And you know she hates planes
Are you free this weekend?
We can drive there

[Yoonie <<33]
I’m definitely free
Let’s go get our girl </3

-

“So, you’re saying you’ve been together since the hot springs, and we’re only finding out about this a month later?” Hoseok yelled in shock, his voice echoing in the dining area on the top floor of Jimin’s company building. He had called everyone there, promising he had something important to share and making sure to bring their favorite foods. 

Now, Hoseok was shouting, and the rest of the table sat in stunned silence, their surprise palpable.

Jimin, panicking as he looked around, saw Yoongi, who remained calm. He continued chewing his food without looking away from Hoseok. When he paused, his cheek puffed out from the bite. Jimin wanted to kiss it. “First of all, it hasn’t been a month,” Yoongi said. “It’s only been twenty-six days, and we’re definitely not dating.” He pointed his chopsticks at them. “Jimin’s dragging me through this.”

"Don’t exaggerate." Jimin suppressed the urge to bite his cheek, hit Yoongi’s arm, then turned to the others. "It wasn’t since the hot springs," he clarified. "We talked on the last day, and the day before that, we argued and solved our issue. When we came back, we just took some time to see how things would go…"

“And?” Seokjin interrupted, his voice filled with disbelief. “You’ve been dancing together ever since that program aired, and now you’re just figuring it out? Three months weren’t enough, did you really miss another month?”

“I didn’t want to miss this!” Yoongi chimed in, taking a sip of his drink before finishing his food. Jimin knew he hadn’t eaten breakfast that morning, considering Yoongi was the only one eating at the table. “I just couldn’t explain it to Jimin.”

“It was pretty obvious,” Taehyung said from the corner, staring at them with narrowed eyes and a much different reaction than the others. “I mean, you two,” he gestured between them, “have been acting weird since we got back from that trip, dodging every question. Now, I get it.” His eyes narrowed further as his lips parted in realization. “Wow. Now I know where Park Jimin’s free time disappeared! Oh, shit. Here we go again.” He turned to the others. “These gross gays are gonna forget about us again!”

Jimin, flustered, threw the crumpled napkin he had made into a ball at Taehyung. “It’s only been for a month!” he defended. “We just wanted to spend some extra time together because... it was an interesting process for us. Please understand.”

“I think what they’re doing is right and deserves support,” Namjoon interjected, and Jungkook nodded quickly, as though waiting for this moment. “It’s really hard to empathize. They’ve been in love for two years but were apart. I’m glad you solved it. You both look beautiful together.”

As Yoongi and Jimin exchanged a knowing look and shared a smile, the entire table felt a wave of pure joy. It had been clear from the start that everyone wanted them to reconcile.

“Uh,” Hoseok said, after the topic settled down. “So, the star of our New Year’s Eve, the person everyone’s curious about dad, was Yoongi hyung?” His eyebrows wiggled as he wore a smug grin. “When’s the wedding?”

Jimin rolled his eyes and gave Hoseok an exasperated but fond look. 

He definitely loved this family.

-

Wednesday

[Yoonie <<33]
Can I ask you out now?

[Jimin]
Isn’t it silly for you to ask me that?

[Yoonie <<33]
Baby I’m just being cautious
If my proposal gets rejected after all this preparation
I’ll reject you from being my husband

[Jimin]
Technically you’re not my husband yet

[Yoonie <<33]
I’m the father of your children

[Jimin]
Technically we don’t have kids

[Yoonie <<33]
Just because we don’t now doesn’t mean we never will

[Jimin]
Okay that makes sense
I’m thinking about your question now

[Yoonie <<33]
I’m rolling my eyes too

[Jimin]
I don’t care
Anyway
Fine
You can propose to me
Let me see what I can do

[Yoonie <<33]
You’re lucky I love you, you idiot
No one else could handle you

[Jimin]
Exactly, baby
Just like that
Kisses
See you

[Yoonie <<33]
I’ll pick you up at 10 pm

[Jimin]
Let me check my schedule

[Yoonie <<33]
I’m blocking you

[Jimin]
Block me and watch how I talk about this for a century

You can’t send any more messages to this person

-

“Alright, I’m evaluating this,” Jimin said, wrapped in a blanket on Yoongi’s balcony on the top floor, staring at the stars. His head rested on Yoongi’s shoulder, who was sitting beside him. “We kept our kisses minimal, we tried to hang out like friends, and we didn’t sleep together.” He raised his little fingers one by one, as if measuring the time they had spent together. “We had some physical contact, but I held back, and that’s fine.” He exhaled slowly, pursing his lips. “There’s been progress in our jokes, we didn’t argue over breakfast, and we sorted out the coffee situation. Hmm... yeah.”

“We also only fought once,” Yoongi added from beside him. “That’s a miracle.”

“Definitely,” Jimin agreed quickly. “We hung out as friends and didn’t get tired of each other. I don’t see anything wrong with this.”

“We’ve closed the past,” Yoongi sighed peacefully. “I really wanted to make love to you, but I’m happy we spent this month like this, sticking to your idea. It did us good.” He rubbed Jimin’s shoulder. “It showed we haven’t changed, and it also helped us realize what we need to be careful about when we do get into a relationship.”

“Yes,” Jimin closed his eyes and shifted a little, still leaning his nose against Yoongi’s neck, assuming he was still his friend. He took a deep breath. “Your shower gel changed,” he said. “Technically, mine will change too.”

Yoongi chuckled at his comment, finishing his drink and, not caring if Jimin was uncomfortable, leaned forward to place his glass down. When he returned to his seat, he didn’t allow Jimin to lean on him and instead grabbed his arms to face him. Now their faces were directly opposite.

Yoongi moistened his lips and reached for Jimin’s hair, pushing a stray lock away from his forehead before smiling at him with his eyes. “You know?” he started. “Seven years ago, when I first saw you in person, I thought you were an angel. A real angel. The kindness in how you spoke to Namjoon, the time you took to meet me instead of rushing off despite your urgency... And you.” He chuckled. “I thought, angels probably look like this.”

“Hyung…”

“Listen to me,” Yoongi interrupted. “I’ve always loved your songs, but from that day on, you became something different to me. You turned into my source of inspiration. I wanted to know you. Really. Okay, at first it was admiration, but then I wondered what was behind that jewel of yours. Then I found out you were much more than just a simple jewel. A huge treasure. You never know what’s going to come out of you.” He shrugged. “Five years ago, when you confessed to me, I was about to have a heart attack because I was dying from my love for you. I cried to Jungkook every day and wrote about my dreams of you. Every song I wrote at the end of the day was about you.”

Jimin sobbed.

“And when we broke up two and a half years ago, I didn’t know what I was doing. It felt right at that moment, but afterwards, it was a huge regret.” Yoongi blinked his eyes. “I thought you weren’t in the same situation as me, and that’s why I was in such a bad place. So, I moved on. I tried everything I thought would bring you back, but I guess I missed the most important thing.” He raised an eyebrow. “If we went back to those days, I would knock on your door, stand in front of you, and kiss you, Park Jimin. I would tell you we shouldn’t break up again, and I would kiss you. I’m sorry for being late.” He leaned in. “We shouldn’t break up again.”

Jimin sobbed again and reached for him, grabbing his collar and pulling him closer to kiss him, just like that day—just like when Yoongi had found him at Hoseok’s house and locked him in the room. They kissed with great passion and desire, not allowing the cold air between them to come in, sharing their hot breaths.

Yoongi knew he could keep kissing him but pulled back and, breathless, looked at him. “Let’s be lovers,” he said. “Be my boyfriend.”

Jimin had a strong sense of déjà vu.

“You idiot,” he said, laughing and crying at the same time. The tears running down his face mixed with his smile and the salty taste in his mouth. It didn’t take long before they kissed again. When their tongues intertwined, leaving them breathless, Jimin pulled back, pushing Yoongi away as he tried to settle himself in his lap. He was pleased to feel Yoongi’s fingers on his hips.

“Hyung,” he whispered, placing both hands on his face, their foreheads touching. “I want to be with you forever. Be more than my boyfriend. Promise me,” he looked into Yoongi’s eyes. “Promise me you’ll be my whole life.” Their lips drew closer. “Because I can’t live when you’re gone.”

This time, Yoongi cried.

After a long time, it was him who was crying.

“I promise,” he said. “No matter what, I’ll be here. I’ll never leave you again.”

-

When Jimin stumbled into Yoongi's apartment, half-drunk, Yoongi had barely had more than a single glass of alcohol, knowing he'd be the one driving them home again. He knew Jimin wasn’t entirely drunk either, but the way his gaze lingered a little too long made it clear he’d had just enough to tip over the edge.

The overhead lights flickered on as Jimin carelessly threw his coat aside and dropped his bag to the floor. Without a second thought, he wrapped his arms around Yoongi’s neck and pulled him in. The wall pressed against Yoongi’s back as Jimin's lips found his, the kiss deepening when Yoongi responded in kind. Their hips brushed together, and Jimin arched his back deliberately, leaning into Yoongi with unmistakable intent.

Since telling their friends at dinner that they were officially a couple, both had been buzzing with an energy they couldn’t quite contain. Judging by how things were progressing now, they clearly had the same idea about how to channel it.

“Hyung…” Jimin whined softly. Yoongi’s hands slid to his waist, his long fingers squeezing the flesh with deliberate firmness as he pressed against him. The faint sound of their kisses breaking echoed in the quiet room, both of them releasing small, needy noises.

“Hyung,” Jimin repeated, pulling Yoongi closer, his eyes squeezed shut like nothing else mattered.

“What is it, baby?” Yoongi whispered, pulling back just enough to cradle Jimin’s face and brush his thumb across his cheek. His voice was warm and teasing, and the soft groan Jimin let out in response made him chuckle. “What do you want, Jiminie? Tell your hyung.”

Jimin cracked his eyes open, half-lidded and frustrated, smacking Yoongi lightly on the shoulder. “Don’t tease me! I just… I want you. I’ve missed you.”

“I know, baby. I’ve missed you too.” Yoongi’s hands slid around his waist, tugging him closer until they were flush against each other. His gaze softened, but his tone remained serious. “You remember the safe words, right? Are you okay to keep going?”

Jimin bit his bottom lip and nodded earnestly, his soft smile accompanied by a quiet, “I’m not actually drunk.” His small hands clutched at Yoongi’s collar, his finger tracing teasingly down the open neckline of his shirt, a mischievous spark glimmering in his eyes. “If you’re up for it… let’s go to the bedroom, hyung.” His gaze dropped, deliberately coy. “I… prepared for tonight.”

Yoongi stilled, momentarily caught off guard, before shaking his head with a breathless laugh. “You’re going to be the death of me,” he muttered, tugging him gently by the wrist. “Come on.”

The two of them made their way down the short hallway, passing through the dark door into Yoongi’s bedroom. Jimin didn’t waste time looking around; he’d been here plenty of times over the past month. They hadn’t done this before, but they’d spent hours sprawled on the bed together, working on unfinished songs. 

Tonight, the room's contents didn’t matter. The only thing that did was how desperately they kissed, as though starved for each other. When they reached the bed, Yoongi’s foot caught on the edge, and he stumbled backward. Jimin took it as an opportunity to climb on top of him, straddling his thighs in one smooth motion. He leaned down, brushing his lips along Yoongi’s neck. The kisses slowly turned into open-mouthed bites that sent sparks shooting through both of them. Yoongi groaned, bucking his hips upward to meet Jimin’s movements, which only earned a low hum of approval from the younger.

As Jimin pressed harder, leaving faint red marks on Yoongi’s pale skin, both knew the spots would darken into bruises by morning. Neither cared. Sitting up slightly, Jimin shrugged off his loose sweater in one swift motion, leaving his skin bare under Yoongi’s hungry gaze. Yoongi reached out instinctively, his fingers trailing across Jimin’s smooth torso before stopping at his pink nipples, rolling them gently between his fingers.

Jimin’s reaction was immediate. His eyes fluttered shut as his head tipped back, a soft whimper spilling from his lips. Yoongi didn’t rush; he savored the way Jimin writhed under his touch, unbothered by how hard he was getting himself. When his hand finally drifted lower, to the waistband of Jimin’s tight jeans, Yoongi paused only to murmur, “Baby… do you have any idea how gorgeous you are?”

Jimin flushed, the praise drawing a shaky sound from him, halfway between a whine and a gasp. When Yoongi tugged down the zipper and his hand brushed against the strained fabric of Jimin’s black briefs, the smaller man couldn’t stop the way his body jerked, a sharp cry tearing from his throat. It had been so long since anyone touched him like this—so intimately, so reverently—that it almost overwhelmed him.

Yoongi didn’t stop. He palmed Jimin through the fabric, rubbing slow, deliberate circles with his thumb. When he finally pulled the briefs down, exposing Jimin’s erection, Yoongi wet his hand with a quick swipe of his tongue before wrapping it around him. Jimin didn’t even flinch, too lost in the sensation to care. He moaned as Yoongi’s slick grip slid along his length, his hips jerking forward of their own accord.

“Ah—hyung…” Jimin gasped, bracing himself against Yoongi’s chest as his thighs began to tremble. The friction was just enough to push him closer to the edge, and he rocked into Yoongi’s hand with increasing desperation. “Please… I need you. Please.”

Yoongi’s darkened gaze locked on Jimin’s flushed, panting face, and he quickened his pace. The wet sound of his movements filled the room, mingling with Jimin’s breathless cries. Jimin’s entire body shuddered, the tension building impossibly fast. His nails dug into Yoongi’s shoulders as he choked out a broken, “I-I’m gonna—”

Before he could finish, Jimin’s climax hit him hard. He came with a strangled cry, his release spilling over Yoongi’s hand, leaving a mark on his shirt. His body trembled as waves of pleasure coursed through him. He felt dazed, weightless—like he was floating.

Yoongi smiled, his gaze softening as he stroked his thumb over Jimin’s hip, grounding him gently. “You’re amazing, baby,” he whispered. “So, so amazing.”

Jimin let himself collapse forward, not caring about the mess beneath him, as he caught his breath. His chest heaved, and his trembling finally subsided as his body relaxed. His softening length rested against his thigh, and a dazed, blissful look overtook his features. “That was so good,” he murmured, his voice thick with honesty. “Seriously… it’s been so long since I felt like this.”

Yoongi chuckled softly, wiping his sticky hand on the bedspread before soothing a hand over Jimin’s bare back. “I know, baby,” he whispered, his voice low and intimate. “No one else could make you feel this good.” He leaned closer, his breath brushing Jimin’s ear. “No one else could love you the way I do.”

Jimin closed his eyes, curling against Yoongi as if trying to burrow into him. Yoongi held him securely, guiding them gently as he shifted their positions. Now, Jimin lay beneath him, completely exposed, his jeans pushed down, underwear haphazardly pulled aside, and his skin flushed from both exertion and the remnants of alcohol.

Yoongi sat back for a moment, pulling off his soiled shirt in one smooth motion and tossing it aside. He got off the bed, fingers working deftly at his belt buckle as he strode to the attached bathroom. When he returned moments later, he was holding a condom packet and a bottle of lube.

Jimin stirred at the sound of movement, propping himself up on his elbows to watch. His gaze lingered on Yoongi, following every movement as the older man stripped off the rest of his clothes. Jimin’s breath hitched slightly at the sight, his chest tightening with a longing he hadn’t realized was still so sharp. He’d missed this view—missed him.

When Yoongi finally stood completely naked, his erection bobbing slightly as he moved, Jimin couldn’t help but giggle at how unabashedly confident he looked. That made Yoongi grin, the sound of Jimin’s laughter warming him in a way nothing else could. He closed the distance between them, hooking his fingers into Jimin’s jeans and tugging them down with ease, his boxers following soon after. Jimin sucked in a sharp breath, already feeling a flicker of arousal return just from the way Yoongi was looking at him.

Yoongi bent down, pressing a soft kiss to Jimin’s knee before trailing his lips upward, his hands urging Jimin’s legs further apart. He left a line of kisses along the sensitive skin of Jimin’s inner thigh, smiling when the younger man let out a quiet, shuddering moan. By the time he reached Jimin’s already semi-hard length, he placed a teasing kiss to the tip before gripping Jimin’s hips and gently rolling him onto his stomach.

Jimin obeyed without question, trusting Yoongi completely. His heart raced as he pressed his face into the pillow, gasping audibly when a sharp smack landed on his ass. The sting sent a jolt through him, and he bit down hard on his lip, nearly drawing blood to stifle his sound. Yoongi didn’t stop, leaning down to kiss the dip of his lower back before spreading Jimin’s cheeks apart and pouring a generous amount of cool lube onto him. Jimin tensed reflexively at the cold sensation, a soft cry escaping despite himself.

Yoongi coated his fingers, sliding one down to the puckered pink entrance, circling it gently before easing the tip of his finger in. Jimin clenched the bedspread tightly in his fist, exhaling shakily. “It’s been a while,” he admitted in a hoarse whisper. “Just… give me a second.”

Yoongi nodded silently, halting his movements and letting Jimin adjust at his own pace. When the younger man shifted slightly, pushing back against the intrusion, Yoongi took it as his cue to start moving. He worked his finger in and out slowly, curling it experimentally. When Jimin’s hips twitched and he let out a soft sound of pleasure, Yoongi added a second finger, moving with careful precision.

The stretch was intense, and Jimin squirmed under him, overwhelmed by how full he felt. Yoongi paused briefly. “Think you can take a third?” he asked gently. Jimin nodded quickly, his breath coming in shallow bursts.

The third finger slipped in, and Jimin’s body tensed almost immediately, a high-pitched moan tearing from his throat. Yoongi stilled, observing his reaction before slowly withdrawing the third finger, focusing instead on curling the remaining two. The instant he pressed against Jimin’s prostate, he was rewarded with a loud, needy whine, and Yoongi smirked to himself, rubbing slow, deliberate circles against that spot.

Jimin was a mess beneath him, his body trembling and his neglected cock already fully hard again. “Hyung…” he whimpered, trying to twist to look back at him. “That’s enough—ahh, I’m ready. Please, I’m ready!”

Yoongi pressed one last time against Jimin’s sensitive spot, savoring the way his moans filled the room, before carefully pulling his fingers out. Jimin let out a frustrated whimper at the sudden emptiness but managed to roll halfway onto his side. His hazy gaze locked onto Yoongi, who was now fumbling with the condom he’d brought.

“Don’t.”

Yoongi looked up, slightly startled. “Hm?”

“Don’t,” Jimin repeated, his voice unwavering. Then, softer, he added, “Our companies test us, hyung. I’m clean.” He held Yoongi’s gaze with unwavering trust. “I’m clean, and I want to feel you. Really feel you. Like before.”

Something flickered in Yoongi’s eyes—dark and intense. Jimin’s breath hitched, but it wasn’t fear. It was trust, unshaken and absolute. Without hesitation, Yoongi set the condom aside, ignoring where it landed, and slicked his length with the lube already dripping from his fingers.

Jimin watched Yoongi eagerly, spreading his legs and pulling his knees closer to his chest. Yoongi climbed onto the bed, positioning himself carefully. As he began to push in, his movements slow and deliberate, both of them groaned at the stretch. Yoongi paused when he was fully seated inside, giving Jimin a moment to adjust. The tightness of Jimin’s walls gripped him, causing a mix of discomfort and pleasure.

Jimin’s body tensed at the intrusion, but he didn’t complain. Yoongi leaned down, kissing his shoulder gently as he whispered, “You’re perfect, baby. Absolutely perfect.”

“Okay,” Jimin murmured, his voice hoarse and worn. The sweat at the nape of his neck clung to his damp skin. “Okay, move.”

Yoongi obeyed, his hands gripping the backs of Jimin’s bent knees for leverage as he pulled him closer. His pace started slow, easing in and out with care as he adjusted to the warmth surrounding him. It didn’t take long for the rhythm to build. Jimin’s body relaxed, one leg hooking over Yoongi’s shoulder while the other remained stretched out on the bed. Half-turned to the side, Jimin gripped the blanket with one hand and grasped Yoongi’s arm for support. The way Yoongi held onto his thigh as he thrust deeper made the angle sharper, the pace relentless.

The sound of skin slapping against skin filled the room, accompanied by a symphony of moans and whispered names. Each sound was a testament to the pleasure they were drowning in. Yoongi’s pace quickened, his hips snapping forward as though he couldn’t get close enough. He groaned every time Jimin gasped, the younger man’s high-pitched cries driving him closer to the edge.

“Hyung!” Jimin cried out, his voice desperate and shaking. It was clear he was close, teetering on the brink of release. One hand fisted the sheets, the other clinging to his own cock, squeezing tightly.

“Cum for me,” Yoongi rasped, his voice a low growl that sent shivers down Jimin’s spine. “Cum for your hyung, baby. Let me see you.”

The raw intensity in Yoongi’s tone tipped Jimin over the edge. He abandoned his grip on himself, reaching up to clutch Yoongi’s arm as he came hard. His body tensed, thick, white ribbons spilling onto the dark bedspread beneath him. Tremors wracked his frame, his toes curling as his head fell back. The overwhelming sensitivity made his walls clench around Yoongi’s cock, pulsing with aftershocks that Yoongi felt deeply.

The sight of Jimin unraveling pushed Yoongi past his own limits. With a deep groan, he tightened his grip on Jimin’s leg and buried himself to the hilt, coming hard, filling Jimin with thick, hot waves.

Jimin winced slightly, his oversensitive body trembling as the warmth spread inside him. With a shaky sigh, he lowered the leg that had been slung over Yoongi’s shoulder, wincing again at the slight numbness in his muscles. His face twisted in brief discomfort, but it softened when Yoongi leaned over him, still deep inside, pressing a gentle kiss to his damp forehead.

“Are you okay?” Yoongi asked softly, his breath ghosting over Jimin’s flushed skin. “Did I hurt you?”

Jimin let out a contented hum, his eyes still closed, and lazily looped his arms around Yoongi’s neck to keep him close. “No,” he replied tenderly. “That was… the best thing I’ve ever felt.”

Yoongi smirked at the praise, though part of him considered teasing Jimin about their past escapades. He didn’t, though—not when he felt just as blissed out as Jimin. Slowly, he began to pull out, ignoring Jimin’s quiet whimper of discomfort as a mix of release spilled out, streaking the inside of Jimin’s thighs. Yoongi’s gaze lingered for a moment on the mess before he stood and made his way to the bathroom.

When Yoongi returned with a warm, damp towel, Jimin was already halfway to sleep, a soft smile tugging at his lips. Yoongi cleaned him up carefully, wiping away every trace of sweat and cum with gentle precision. Afterward, he took care of himself, tossing the soiled towel aside and returning to the bed.

“We should shower,” Jimin mumbled, his voice thick with drowsiness. But even as he said it, it was clear he wasn’t planning to move.

“We should,” Yoongi agreed, but instead of insisting, he pulled the stained blanket out from beneath them, letting it fall to the floor. He left the bed only briefly to grab a fresh, oversized throw from the closet and draped it over their tired bodies. Pulling Jimin close, he adjusted the pillow beneath his head, making sure he was comfortable.

The peace that followed was perfect. It had been years since either of them had felt this kind of bliss, this serene contentment. Jimin snuggled into Yoongi’s chest, and Yoongi wrapped his arms around him protectively.

“I love you, Jimin,” Yoongi whispered, his voice barely audible in the quiet room. “You know that, don’t you?”

“I know, hyung.” Jimin sighed softly, tilting his head just enough to press a kiss to Yoongi’s chest, right over a faint bruise he hadn’t realized he’d left earlier. “I love you too.”

They fell asleep like that, holding each other tightly, their fatigue finally pulling them under.

They’d need to do this more often.

-

When Yoongi woke the next morning, Jimin was still fast asleep. Propping himself against the headboard, Yoongi reached into the bedside drawer for his notebook and the small cigarette case tucked inside. Lighting one up, he watched Jimin sleep, his pen moving across the page almost absentmindedly.

It was nearly thirty minutes later when Jimin stirred. Yoongi was halfway through his second cigarette when Jimin stretched lazily, his face scrunching slightly as he adjusted to the ache in his hips. For a while, Jimin remained quiet, taking in the room, but eventually, his gaze landed on Yoongi, scribbling in his notebook with a cigarette hanging from his lips.

Jimin sat up slowly, reaching out to pluck the notebook from Yoongi’s hands without warning. Startled, Yoongi looked up, his brows lifting. “Morning,” he said with a faint smile, tucking the cigarette between his fingers. “How long have you been awake?”

Instead of answering, Jimin closed the notebook without reading it and set it aside. He then leaned forward, carefully taking the cigarette from Yoongi’s hand. His fingers moved gracefully as he stubbed it out in the ashtray on the nightstand before meeting Yoongi’s gaze.

“Don’t,” Jimin whispered, his voice soft yet firm. He leaned closer, brushing a kiss against Yoongi’s lips. “I don’t want you smoking.”

“But—”

“Shh.” Jimin pressed a finger to Yoongi’s lips, silencing him with a sleepy smile. He licked his own lips briefly before tilting his head, his voice dropping to a teasing murmur. “If you need something to keep your mouth busy, I’m right here.”

Yoongi couldn’t help but grin. 

He had definitely found something better than a cigarette.

-

When Jimin asked Yoongi to meet him at his favorite ice cream shop, Yoongi didn’t think much of it.  

The younger had just finished a music show, and with the sun setting, he’d told his driver the destination and sent Yoongi a quick message about his plans. By now, people knew the two were in touch again, but since the group was always seen together as a whole, most assumed they’d simply remained friends.  

When Yoongi entered the shop, rolling his eyes at the paparazzi lingering outside because stopping directly in front was prohibited, he immediately spotted Jimin sitting at their usual table. Jimin was exactly as he remembered—animated and focused, typing furiously on his phone with a bowl of his favorite ice cream combination melting in front of him. Yoongi slid into the seat across from him, curious but saying nothing as Jimin raised a finger, silently asking for just one more minute.  

Yoongi waited patiently, watching as Jimin finally snapped his foldable phone shut and tossed it onto the table with dramatic finality. His face lit up with a radiant smile that had been absent just moments before, and he picked up his spoon as he greeted Yoongi.  

“Welcome, hyung,” Jimin chirped. “How are you?”  

Yoongi stiffened slightly, unsure of what to make of the whiplash-inducing mood shift. “I was fine,” he said, leaning back in his seat, “until I saw you. Now I’m not.” He gestured toward the phone. “Who were you talking to?”  

Jimin hesitated, glancing at his phone as if it would somehow offer an answer. For a second, he considered brushing it off, but he remembered their promise: no more secrets. No more pretending.  

“Jeongin,” Jimin admitted, his shoulders slumping. “I think he’s furious with me, but whatever feelings he has for me are stronger. He sent me this long, aggressive… yet romantic message.”  

Yoongi’s brows shot up. “I can’t believe he has the nerve.”  

“Right? But…” Jimin sighed, stirring his ice cream with his spoon. “I can’t entirely blame him. Because I love you, and I know how that feels. So I tried not to break his heart, but he kept pushing. I couldn’t take it anymore and just… snapped. I sent him a harsh reply and blocked him.”  

Yoongi’s irritation melted into amusement as he reached across the table to pinch Jimin’s cheeks, forcing his lips into a pout. “Don’t be sad,” he said softly, his voice full of understanding. “It’s just the way things are. Everyone falls in love with you at least once.” He smirked. “But you know… someone already claimed you.”  

“Hyung—” Jimin’s voice was muffled, his pouted lips making him sound slightly ridiculous. He leaned forward, attempting to kiss Yoongi’s fingers in defiance, finally succeeding when Yoongi relented and let go. “I love you,” Jimin said with unrestrained sincerity.  

“I know,” Yoongi replied with a grin, swiping the spoon from Jimin’s hand to steal a bite of ice cream for himself. The cold shocked him, and he scrunched his face as he shoved the spoon back toward Jimin. “I’m surprised you wanted to meet here, though. This place is crawling with cameras.”  

Jimin shrugged, glancing nonchalantly out the window. “There weren’t any when I got here. I think some customer tipped them off. They showed up after I called you, but I didn’t care.”  

Yoongi tilted his head, studying the thoughtful expression on Jimin’s face. “Why not?”  

Jimin exhaled, a small smile playing at his lips. “I don’t know, hyung. I think I’ve stopped caring about them. It’s like… I’m numb to it all.”  

“I understand what you mean… and also don’t,” Yoongi replied, earning a soft laugh from Jimin.  

Jimin scooped up a bite of blue-tinted ice cream, offering it to Yoongi, who opened his mouth obligingly. “What I mean is, if I want to kiss you, I’ll kiss you. If I want to go out with you, I’ll go out with you. Why did we feel the need to explain ourselves back then? We hid, we worried, we tried so hard to be polite. We treated them with kindness because we wanted to look good.” Yoongi nodded, encouraging him to continue. “But I should’ve flipped them off. I should’ve cussed them out. I should’ve sued every last one of them the moment they surrounded me with their questions.”  

“You’re not wrong.” Yoongi hummed thoughtfully, glancing over his shoulder at the crowd of paparazzi waiting across the street. “Not wrong at all. So… why don’t we do it now?”  

“What?”  

“Let’s go outside, kiss, flip them off, and curse at them.” Yoongi’s eyes glinted mischievously. “It’s what they’ve deserved all along.”  

“Are you serious right now?”  

“Completely.”  

“Wow.” Jimin pushed his half-finished ice cream aside without hesitation and slipped his phone into the pocket of his leather jacket. As he stood, he glanced at Yoongi, whose outfit matched his so well that it was clear they’d left the house together that morning. Without giving himself time to overthink it, Jimin grabbed Yoongi’s hand and tugged him to his feet. He laughed as the shop’s owner peeked curiously at them from behind the counter.  

Yoongi laced their fingers together as they exited the small shop, moving quickly for what they both knew was about to happen.  

No carefully crafted social media statements. No awkwardly shot videos apologizing for being caught kissing in public. No timid warnings to photographers invading their space.  

Instead, they were just two people who wanted to live their lives like anyone else.  

Hand in hand, they stopped just outside the shop, fully aware of the cameras trained on them. They turned to face each other, never letting go, and with one shared glance, they leaned in.  

Under the watchful eyes of every camera in the vicinity, they kissed—deep, passionate, and unapologetic. For that moment, all of Korea bore witness to their love.  

Maybe they should never have gone public, but both Jimin and Yoongi knew just how different this time was from the last. This time, every step they took was deliberate, intentional.  

The sound of camera shutters clicking around them made Jimin giggle softly as he placed his free hand on Yoongi’s cheek. He pulled back just enough to meet his gaze, their faces separated by mere millimeters. “Wouldn’t it be amazing if we celebrated this by having sex?” he said with a playful grin. “I still have that wine Seokjin-hyung spent a fortune on.”  

Yoongi smirked, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “That would be absolutely amazing,” he replied before leaning in to kiss him again.  

When they finally parted, laughter bubbled between them as they began walking, only to have reporters and photographers rush them from every corner like moths to a flame. Jimin pressed himself closer to Yoongi, raising his middle finger at the crowd with no hesitation.  

“Take one more step, and I’ll see you all in court,” Jimin announced boldly, his tone dripping with defiance. “If you breach my personal space, I’ll sue every last one of you.”  

The shock that flickered across the faces of strangers—men he didn’t know and would likely never see again—was enough to make a few back off, their shutters falling silent. Others, emboldened by doubt, inched closer, as if testing his resolve.  

Yoongi couldn’t hold back his laughter, and Jimin, ever unbothered, coolly pulled out his phone and flipped on the camera. “Smile,” he said with mock sweetness. “Because this won’t be the last time you see me.”  

-

Maybe there were good things about taking a break.  

Maybe, sometimes, it was necessary.  

Now that everything was back on track, it felt like the pieces of their lives had finally fallen into place. Sitting comfortably in the arms of his boyfriend, Jimin was watching The Notebook for the seventh time in the familiar solace of his home. And he was happy.  

There were no unresolved worries gnawing at the back of his mind. He’d stopped caring—truly caring—about what people thought. He’d finally managed to ignore the mean-spirited comments from teenagers online and made a habit of focusing on the positive ones instead.  

Unless the criticism came from someone who knew what they were talking about, Jimin simply didn’t let it get to him anymore.  

He didn’t stray from his routine. He didn’t push his body beyond its limits. He didn’t bake cookies knowing he’d somehow replace sugar with salt every single time.  

The same went for Yoongi. He no longer bottled up his thoughts, no longer allowed his insecurities to fester. Instead, he voiced them, and he kept taking brave steps toward the things he wanted. He didn’t concern himself with who had a crush on Park Jimin or who thought they had a chance with him. Because they both knew—without a shred of doubt—that they belonged to each other.  

There were no salty omelets, no cigarette cases cluttering countertops. The home Yoongi had redecorated now housed more memories than ever before, each one more vibrant than the last.  

And most importantly, Mini and Mila were finally where they belonged: together, in the arms of their real family.  

Jimin let out a quiet sigh, comforted by the knowledge that Yoongi felt the same way he did. Sure, they’d changed a little, but it was change that mattered—it was for them, and only them. For their own happiness.  

This was why they breathed more freely outside and argued far less inside.  

No matter how difficult the past had been, Jimin felt a moment of gratitude. Because without those struggles, they wouldn’t have made it here.  

He turned his head, ignoring the familiar scene playing out on the TV, choosing instead to bury his face in Yoongi’s neck. He didn’t need to stay awake; he already knew how this movie ended. He knew how their story would go too. Yoongi would take care of him. He always had, and he always would.  

“Goodnight, Jimin-ah,” Yoongi murmured softly, his voice a gentle promise against Jimin’s hair.  

“Goodnight, hyung,” Jimin replied, his words quiet but certain.  

Wrapped in each other’s warmth, they drifted off, safe in the knowledge that their tomorrows were theirs to face together.