Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The first thing Jungkook notices is the smell.

By now, he’s used to the salty tang in the air -- they spent four days at sea, which Jungkook loved and Jackson and Yugyeom hated -- but it’s like his nose is being assaulted as he steps off the boat and onto the dock.

“What is that smell?” Yugyeom gags, scrunching up his face in disgust. Jungkook turns to the city, scanning the surrounding area for whatever it is that’s so...pungent.

“It’s the fish, and the markets, too,” Jackson remarks. “The main economy of the entire city? Didn’t you read?”

“Of course I did. I just didn’t expect it to smell this bad. Ow!” Jungkook isn’t looking at them, but he assumes Jackson’s just swatted Yugyeom in the arm. He ignores them in favor of looking at the city.

Eslyn is much more impressive than Kysh. The most striking part is the buildings; they appear to be made of white stone, with grey-tiled roofs, brightening the streets; the blinding white facades are toned down by plants hanging from windows and vines climbing up the sides. People bustle about the city happily, carrying baskets, pushing carts, calling out to each other. Jungkook doesn’t think his eyes can get enough of the scene, until they catch the telltale shine of glass in the sky.

He looks up and finds the tops of the taller structures are decorated with intricate glass spires, which catch and scatter the sunlight beautifully across the streets. It’s probably one of the most amazing things Jungkook has ever seen, these giant glass structures climbing high into the brilliantly blue sky.

“Jungkook,” Yugyeom says, placing a hand on Jungkook’s back. Jungkook shudders slightly -- it’s strange to be touched and actually feel it, through clothing instead of armor. “Your papers. We need to clear the authorities.”

“Right.” Jungkook breaks his gaze away from the beauty of Eslyn’s port to fumble for the papers, tucked away inside his rucksack. As he unfolds them, he smiles fondly, looking at Namjoon’s signature beside his own; Namjoon had seen him off to Eslyn alone, leaving Suga behind at headquarters to prevent suspicion. There had been tears in the blonde mage’s eyes as he hugged Jungkook one last time.

“Be safe, and remember your mission. We’ll be waiting for you to come home,” Namjoon had said, patting Jungkook’s head. Jungkook thinks that he stayed there, watching on the dock, until the boat had disappeared from view.

As he, Yugyeom, and Jackson all proceed through the port authorities, Jungkook thanks Namjoon for handling the paperwork needed to get them in. The three of them pass through smoothly, the woman handling their documents even welcoming Jungkook to the city.

“Welcome indeed,” Jackson snorts quietly; Jungkook elbows him.

“Don’t get carried away. Remember where we are.” His attention returns to the street they’ve just entered; it’s so alive and loud that Jungkook has a hard time taking it all in. “Where do we go, now?”

“Some job remembering, Kook,” Yugyeom teases. He pulls up a note, which lists potential places to stay at; some were provided by Namjoon, who’d done research for them, and others by Eslyn natives who’d been on board the ship and more than willing to recommend good inns. “This one -- er, the Wading Willow -- it’s supposed to have fair prices; Namjoon has it listed. And plenty of people on the ship suggested it.” Jungkook and Jackson lean in over his shoulder to peer down at the list.

“Oh, then that’s probably the logical choice. But, uh, how do we get there?” Jackson glances up from the note to scan the surrounding area.

“No clue, but I’m sure we can ask someone. The people here seem pretty nice, don’t you think?” Jungkook replies. Of course, he’s referring to more than just the Eslyn natives on the ship or the people who welcomed them to the city, but Yugyeom and Jackson shrug.

“If you say so, Kook. Why don’t you go ask someone?” Jackson suggests. “They seem to like you best.”

“I’m going to take that as a compliment,” Jungkook mutters, though his cheeks heat a little at the subtle jab. Jackson is undoubtedly referring to how the other ship’s passengers couldn’t get enough of him during the trip, always talking to him (or talking about him) when they got the chance. Jungkook hadn’t really enjoyed the attention; he gets shy around strangers. But he supposes that he can put on a front and ask around for directions.

The three of them don’t have to wait very long for help; the first person Jungkook asks directs them to the inn without question, and even suggests good taverns in the area to eat at.

“Thank you very much,” Jungkook says, doing his best to cover up his accent and bowing his head. He leads the way to the inn, with Yugyeom and Jackson behind him.

“You’re right, they are pretty friendly people,” Yugyeom laughs. “I suppose that must come from living in such a nice city and climate. Even if the smell is a bit off-putting.”

“You’d better get used to it, then,” Jungkook scoffs. “We’re going to be here for a while.”

After that, it’s mostly quiet, since the three of them are occupied with staring around them at the city. Its wide, open streets and loud markets allow them to really see everything Eslyn has to offer. Jungkook is loathe to admit it, but the lively atmosphere and beautiful architecture combines to make Eslyn probably the most incredible city he’s ever seen.

He can’t help but stop and admire the massive fountain in the center of a square, built of the same white stone as the buildings -- everything here seems to be hewn from the white rock, even the streets, illuminating the whole city. The fountain depicts a woman dancing among waves, arms stretched and hair flowing. “Amazing,” he breathes. “The stonemasonry of this city is something to really marvel at.”

“It really is,” Yugyeom agrees. “Everything here seems so...pretty. And clean, too.”

Jungkook smiles, nodding his head. But it’s not just the stone work, either. The entire city is built across many islands, connected by hundreds of great wooden bridges, which are masterpieces of wood and metal. There are metal lanterns hanging from the sides of buildings and on posts along the streets, which must illuminate the city beautifully at night. It’s nothing ostentatiously grand, like some of the architecture back in Cesta, but the way everything fits together in Eslyn impresses and warms Jungkook’s heart at the same time.

“You would hardly guess this is the same city that was destroyed two years ago,” Jackson remarks. Jungkook feels a twinge of guilt; it’s true. If he hadn’t known what city this was, he probably wouldn’t believe that two years past, it was all rubble.

“Yeah. Let’s get to the inn first, and then we can sightsee.” Jungkook returns to walking, hands wrapped around the strap of his knapsack; it’s only a heartbeat before Yugyeom and Jackson are catching up to him.

They find the inn before noon, even though they get lost twice; the city inhabitants are friendly and patient, directing them along the right roads until they arrive at the Wading Willow. Jungkook gets the feeling that confused travelers are common amongst these parts.

The Willow is clearly a busy inn; the common area on the first floor is bursting with activity: people of all ages are eating and drinking -- drinking? At noon? Jungkook cocks his head in confusion -- and laughing.

“Room for three, please,” Yugyeom says over the counter to the innkeep. The innkeep, a young woman with long red hair, looks them over as if estimating how much trouble they’ll be.

“Just one room?” she inquires, opening a heavy-looking book and taking up a feather quill.

“Yes.” Jungkook watches as the woman scans over several pages and marks down something before closing the book.

“It’ll be eleven fens a night,” she says, tapping the wooden counter with one hand. “Pricy, since there’s three of you, but cheaper than separate rooms. I will raise the cost if you’re noisy or like to cause problems for my other guests.”

“We won’t make trouble,” Yugyeom says, flashing her a very winning smile.

“How long will you be staying?” the woman inquires.

“We’re not certain.”

“Hm. Well, once you’ve determined that, let me know; payment, please, and then I’ll take you to your room.”

Yugyeom dutifully hands over the required amount; Jungkook wonders what the conversion of fens to nols is; if fens are equivalent to nols, then we’re paying quite a bit for just one night, he thinks, watching as the innkeep counts out the bronze-colored coins. Let’s hope these prices are actually reasonable.

“Follow me, please.” The woman walks out from behind the counter after pouring the coins into a pouch, which she keeps in her hand. Jungkook leads the way after her.

The room is on the third floor, and the window overlooks another large square; there are actually two bunks. “This room can accommodate up to four,” the woman says, holding the door open for the men to walk into the room. “You’re more than welcome to leave your things on the fourth bed, but don’t break it or dirty the blankets. Otherwise you’ll end up paying for that too.”

“Of course. Thank you, miss -- er…” Yugyeom pauses.

“Hyuna, mister..?” The red-haired woman raises an eyebrow at Yugyeom.

“Yugyeom,” Yugyeom replies. “And this is Jungkook, and Jackson.” He motions at each in turn.

“Well, you’re very welcome, Yugyeom.” Hyuna pauses before leaving the room. “Is there anything I can help you with before I leave you to your own devices? I can tell you’re travelers, but I don’t know what you’re here for.”

Jungkook exchanges a look with his friends. This could be an easy opportunity for information. “Actually, yes,” Jungkook says. “We were wondering if you could direct us to any...social hubs?”

“Social hubs?” Hyuna puts her finger to her chin, thinking. “Well, at this time of day, you’re most likely to catch up on the latest gossip at the bath houses. In the evening, any old tavern will do.”

“Bathhouses?” Jackson echoes, sounded confused. “As in public bathhouses?”

“Of course,” Hyuna replies, with a small smile. “Everyone goes to them, at least three times a week. You must be from far away, if you haven’t heard of bathhouses before.”

“N-no, it’s not that,” Jackson stammers, but Hyuna just laughs.

“Well, it’s an experience I’d recommend. The bathhouses are very nice facilities and are kept outstandingly clean. We like to joke that you’ve only really been to Eslyn if you’ve tried them. Let me know if you need anything else, gentlemen. You know where to find me.” And with that, she’s gone.

It’s silent for a few moments, until Jackson says “Public bathhouses?” in the most incredulous way possible.

Jungkook purses his lips. “We have a few in Cesta, but not to the extent it sounds like Eslyn has.”

“Aw, Jacks, are you shy?” Yugyeom teases, dropping his bags to reach over and prod Jackson’s shoulder.

“I’m from the countryside,” Jackson says indignantly, recoiling. “We bathe in private.”

“I mean, I am, too, but I’m not so bothered by it,” Yugyeom snickers. “At any rate, it sounds like that’s going to be our first option. She did say at this time of the day, so there are probably plenty of people out right now.”

Jungkook contents himself with looking out the window while Jackson tries to argue back, saying something about his dignity. He places his bag on the lower bed of one of the bunks, before standing at the window sill and watching the streets below.

Even here, the city is bustling; Jungkook watches as people come and go, parents with their children, merchants with their carts, shoppers with wicker baskets.

With every passing second, Jungkook feels his excitement growing. The excitement of new surroundings had clouded his mind temporarily, but now, his thoughts are clear, and they’re revolving around one thing alone.

Jimin.

Somewhere, in this big, beautiful city, Jungkook knows Jimin is staying. Jimin never told him where he lived, and it was never confirmed that Jimin’s troop was the one returning here, but Jungkook just has this feeling in his chest; Jimin is here in the city.

“Hey, Kookie,” Yugyeom calls, drawing Jungkook’s attention away from the scenery. “We’re going to go to one of the bathhouses.”

“W-we are?” Jungkook is actually surprised that this is happening. Sure, when Hyuna had mentioned the bathhouses, he’d thought isn’t that interesting? , but he hadn’t thought they would seriously go to one.

“Yes, and we are going to blend in with the crowd by using the offered facilities. Come on, let’s go,” Yugyeom says, ignoring Jackson’s gawking. Yugyeom is already out the door when he calls back, “We all need a bath anyways. Hurry up.”

“I guess we don’t have a choice, Jacks,” Jungkook mutters, gripping Jackson’s shoulders from behind and steering him out of the room (Jackson seems almost frozen in shock).

Yugyeom is able to find a bathhouse quickly -- too quickly, for Jungkook’s liking. As they stand in front of the entrance, waiting to enter, Jungkook feels himself turning red.

I’ve never actually used a public bath, he frets, twisting his fingers together. Even when he was with the troop, there were always dividers between tubs, or he would find time to bathe on his own if they were near a river. And back home in Cesta, his family had its own private bath, so he’d never needed to use a public one.

“I’ve never so missed the luxuries of being a captain,” Jackson whispers beside Jungkook; Jungkook nods in agreement.

“Alright! So, we pay an entry fee, and then we’re all set to just meander about,” Yugyeom says, sliding between them and stretching his arms. “A warm bath will be nice.”

“Ugh,” Jackson groans, but he doesn’t put up a fight -- and neither does Jungkook -- as Yugyeom places his hands firmly on their backs and pushes them forwards into the bathhouse.

It’s a surreal experience for Jungkook, going through the bathhouse, especially when he finds out that it’s a mixed bathhouse. It’s impossible for him to hide his blush, so he prays that it’s just mistaken for a flush from the steam.

He strips as quickly as he can and goes to slip into the nearest empty tub, with his clothes and a towel (offered at the entrance) placed strategically on the edge, ready to be used in need of escape. Yugyeom and Jackson slip into the very same tub, though Jackson remains hunched up while Yugyeom stretches out.

“This is great,” Yugyeom sighs, sinking further into the water. “These are a lot nicer baths than the other ones I’ve been to. And they smell nice, too. I wonder what it is?”

“How can you be like this?” Jackson hisses. “There are so many naked people here.”

“Jackson, nudity is a fact of life.”

Jackson mutters something too quiet for Jungkook to catch; Jungkook tries to settle his nerves by closing his eyes and following Yugyeom’s example. Jackson is right -- there are a lot more naked people in this place than Jungkook had ever thought he’d see in his entire lifetime. Still, he sees the logic of Yugyeom’s remark; beneath all their clothing, everyone is naked.

Okay, enough. No bathtime thoughts. Just relax.

“At this rate,” Jungkook murmurs, just loud enough for the others to hear, “we won’t be doing any information gathering.”

“No, because one of us is too shy to do anything but hide -- even though he practically lives for showing off his abs,” Yugyeom jokes, gesturing to Jackson, who responds with a glare. “Another one of us is brooding in thought -- ”

“Hey,” Jungkook protests, blinking one eye open. “I don’t brood, I just think a lot.”

“ -- as I said, brooding in thought, and the last one of us is too comfortable and relaxed to really care about anything anymore,” Yugyeom finishes, raising his arms behind his head and leaning back. “I mean it, I’m so comfortable here, I don’t want to move.”

“It doesn’t look like any one of us will be moving for some time, yeah?” Jungkook says, bringing his hand up to the surface of the water and moving it to create tiny ripples.

“For sure. Though we will have to get out eventually to rinse off and dry ourselves.”

The bathhouse is filled with the buzz of chatter between the guests; Jungkook occasionally tries to tune into different conversations, partly for the mission and partly because he’s bored. There really isn’t much to listen to besides the typical “did you know the baker’s husband was caught cheating on her?” or “the old peddler on our street finally left this week -- I’m beyond relieved, he was scaring my children.”

Jungkook guesses that they’ll have to do more than just lounge around in the tubs the next time they come here (and yes, he has decided there will be a next time -- he’s quite enjoying the nice bath, even if he is on display for everyone else to see).

He’s starting to doze off a bit in the water when the volume of chatter increases dramatically; he turns and rises slightly out of the tub to see where it’s coming from.

“Just a bunch of kids. I wonder if it’s bathing day for an orphanage or something, because there are a lot,” Yugyeom informs him, able to see clearly from his seat without having to turn. Jungkook replies with an “oh”, sitting back down.

“I hope they don’t splash a lot,” Jungkook sighs. “Or scream.”

“They’re kids, let them have fun.”

Evidently, the children are well-behaved, on the most part; nobody seems to have complaints. Jungkook is starting to get comfortable again when there’s a tap on his shoulder, and he nearly jumps out of his skin. He thinks Jackson squeaks from the other side of the water.

“Excuse me, do you mind if we join your tub? Most of the others are too full,” says a man’s voice; without thinking, Jungkook looks up, before quickly averting his eyes, a furious blush rising into his cheeks. Behind him are two men who look to be roughly about his age (Jungkook tells himself that’s the only thing he saw that matters).

“O-of course,” Jungkook replies, because it’s polite and there is plenty of room in the tub, but that doesn’t stop him from maintaining a beet-red flush on his face as the man offers a pleased “thank you,” before stepping into the tub with his companion.

“Ah, perfect water today, Mark,” the man who made the request says contentedly.

“Better than usual?” His friend, Mark, slips down beside him, stretching out. Jungkook scoots away from them, to give them space and also give himself space; he finds it difficult, because he’s reverted to curling up into a ball, and scooting away is harder when you’ve crushed yourself into a ball.

“Mhm. Much.” From the corner of his eye, Jungkook notices Jackson both shying away from the newcomers, but also... staring.

Jungkook has to blink twice, but he hasn’t seen wrong; Jackson is definitely staring at the pair, and in a very interested way. Jungkook gives the strangers a quick glance -- both are lean but muscular; the one called Mark has dark blonde hair and the other’s is reddish brown -- and sure, they’re not bad looking, but Jackson never just stares at people like that. Especially not at a time like this.

So Jungkook amuses himself with watching Jackson stare, Yugyeom doze, and the newcomers chat. After a time, Mark begins to wash his friend’s back with a small cloth, which Jungkook finds quite interesting.

“You’re staring,” the man with reddish hair remarks, after catching Jungkook’s gaze. “Is this unfamiliar to you? You look foreign.”

“Bam, don’t be rude,” Mark chides, but continues to scrub gently.

“Oh…” Jungkook smiles sheepishly, embarrassed at being caught -- even though he’s a little miffed that he was noticed and not Jackson, who’s still looking. “I didn’t mean to stare.”

“No, no, it’s fine. I take it you are foreigners, then; skinship is an important aspect of bathing here in Eslyn,” replies the man -- Bam, if Jungkook heard correctly, though he’s not sure if the name is a joke.

“Skinship?” Jungkook echoes. It’s a new concept to him.

“Nothing dirty,” Bam says with a shrug. “Just having skin contact with another person. It’s a way of showing trust.”

“Interesting,” Yugyeom says from his side of the tub, apparently having been awake the whole time. He opens his eyes and gives Jungkook a humorous look. “Hey, Kook, did you want your back scrubbed?”

At first, Jungkook is tempted to just say no, because it’s strange, but at the same time, he’s kind of curious about the practice and also, he doesn’t want to seem flippant of the...skinship culture in Eslyn.

“You know what? Why not?” Jungkook shoots back, quirking an eyebrow. Yugyeom, obviously surprised by the response, raises his own, but moves to grab a smaller towel from his own pile of things.

“If you say so.” Yugyeom grins and slides over to Jungkook’s side of the tub.

“Is this your first time coming to a public bath?” questions Bam. He’s eyeing the three Mirnians with curiosity, like he’s never seen foreigners before.

“For some of us, yes,” Yugyeom chuckles, wetting the towel and bringing it up to Jungkook’s back. “Turn around, unless you want me to scrub your face, Kook.” Jungkook rolls his eyes but does as he’s told; it feels strange when the cloth touches his skin, but it’s definitely not unpleasant.

“Ah, I see! Is it your first time in Eslyn, too?”

“Bam, you’re being nosy again,” Mark says quietly, passing Bam the towel and turning to have his own back washed.

“Sorry, sorry.” Bam is quick to apologize, taking the cloth in hand. “I don’t mean to pry.”

“It’s perfectly fine,” Yugyeom laughs, still scrubbing at Jungkook’s skin; Jungkook is starting to understand why it’s a popular practice. It feels nice. “This is our first time in the city. We’re actually kind of surprised at how friendly everyone is here.”

“Eslyn is a great city,” Bam says enthusiastically. “What are your names? Where are you from?”

“I’m Yugyeom.” Yugyeom prods Jungkook’s shoulder, signaling for him to introduce himself.

“Jungkook; nice to meet you,” Jungkook says, trying to smile as best he can. While he’s quickly adapting to the whole bathhouse situation, he still finds it a bit difficult to look strangers in the eye when they’re sharing the same bath as him and are also...completely naked.

“Yugyeom, Jungkook, a pleasure to meet you,” Bam says, bobbing his head. “Is this also a friend of yours?” He gives Jackson a glance and a smile.

Jungkook is ready to answer for Jackson, who will surely cower at the invitation to speak, but he’s surprised beyond belief when Jackson uncurls a little and straightens up. “Jackson,” he announces. “I’m Jackson. And, er, yes, we’re all traveling together.”

“Travelers! That’s interesting!” Bam exclaims. Mark suddenly flicks water at him, and Bam shakes his head. “Oops, I forgot; I’m Bambam, and this is Mark.” Jungkook feels his eyebrows raise -- there’s no way this man is actually named Bambam, right?

“Bambam?” Yugyeom repeats, sounding incredulous.

“It’s true,” Bambam chuckles. “My childhood nickname never really went away, haha.”

“I think it’s nice,” Jackson blurts out; Yugyeom and Jungkook both whip their heads to fix Jackson with a look of utter astoundment, but Bambam and Mark don’t pay it any mind.

Are you okay? Jungkook mouths at Jackson -- he thought hell would burn over before Jackson was ever comfortable in a public bath, much less comfortable enough in a public bath to compliment a total stranger. Jackson gives an embarrassed grin.

“Thank you, Jackson,” Bambam says; he places the towel on the edge of the tub to lean back and relax, done with washing Mark’s back.

Speaking of which, Jungkook can feel his skin beginning to turn raw from the scrubbing. “Hey, Kyum, that’s enough,” he says over his shoulder. “Want me to wash yours?”

“Sure.” Yugyeom passes him the towel, and he returns the favor for Yugyeom, rubbing the towel in gentle circles over the expanse of Yugyeom’s back (this is the first time Jungkook’s really seen Yugyeom’s back -- or anyone’s, really -- up so close; there are a handful of little scars scattered across his skin).

Yugyeom and Jackson end up chatting with Bambam quite a bit, talking about where they’re visiting from (fake stories, of course, but they sound real enough, and they can’t hurt these civilians, anyways), their backgrounds, where they’re staying. Bambam gives them advice on good places to go in the city and things they should visit “to really see Eslyn.”

It seems that Bambam does most of the talking for the pair; Mark seems content just listening to the conversation with his head leaned against Bambam’s shoulder. Jungkook is still having a hard time believing Jackson would so openly socialize in this situation.

Once he’s finished washing Yugyeom’s back, he sets the towel down and returns to relaxing. The waters here obviously have some kind of enchantment or mixture in them, because now his skin feels soft and clean, and he isn’t pruning up despite having spent a while in the water.

The conversation continues amicably -- Jungkook and Yugyeom get the surprise of their lives when Jackson accepts Bambam’s offer to wash his back, stretching out his legs and moving over to Bambam’s side. Yugyeom gives Jungkook a look that says, “Are you seeing this?” Jungkook responds with a dazed nod.

After that, Jungkook finds himself nodding off again. He tells himself that he should probably get out soon and rinse off, but something keeps him seated, content and comfortable.

And then, the gods decide to smack him in the face.

“Ah, there you guys are! I just finished washing up Seokmin and Seungkwan. Do you mind if I join you?”

Jungkook is suddenly snapped into full consciousness, more awake than he’s ever felt in his entire life.

I know that voice.

--

Jimin is helping Seungkwan hang flowers over the bedroom windowsill when the door to his house is slammed open and approximately five voices start screaming at once.

“Park Jimin!” howls Hoseok from downstairs; Jimin rolls his eyes. Of course it would be Hoseok and his brood; they’re the only ones who feel the need to destroy his door every time they visit. Jimin leaves the door unlocked when he’s home for the day in case they come over, but that doesn’t make kicking it open every time acceptable.

“Upstairs, Hobi,” Jimin calls back, finishing off the planter and patting Seungkwan’s head. “There you go! Does that look okay?”

“Perfect,” Seungkwan giggles. “Thank you for helping us decorate, papa.”

“Of course,” Jimin says with a smile, feeling pleased to hear “papa” come from Seungkwan so naturally and also to see things looking a little more lively. Honestly, there isn’t much decor in the room, but it’s been a week and a half since the boys moved in, and now there are plants on the windowsill and a small table with a chair in the corner for the boys to use for writing (though Jimin has yet to get them anything to write with; he plans to soon). There are also some candles here and there, and on the table are two tiny glass birds, which Jimin had bought as gifts for the boys on the second day.

He won’t ever forget the looks on their faces when he produced them from his tunic pocket and pressed them into their little hands; it will forever be one of his happiest memories.

In the present, however, is a less pleasant memory; up the stairs comes a mass of squealing children and Hoseok, who looks triumphant.

Seokmin, who was sitting on the bed while Jimin and Seungkwan decorated, leaps down and runs over to Hoseok. “Hobi!” he shouts, hugging Hoseok’s waist tightly. Seungkwan leaves Jimin’s side to greet the mage in a similar manner.

“Hello, boys,” Hoseok laughs. “Are you having a good day?”

“A great day!” Seokmin exclaims. “Papa is helping us decorate.”

“Is that so?” Hoseok gives Jimin a proud smile, which makes Jimin flush a little. Every day, Hoseok has stopped by to see how Jimin is faring, and every day Jimin finds himself adjusting better to having his boys around.

“What brings you here today, Hobi? I wasn’t expecting you until much later this evening,” Jimin greets his friend, coming over and giving Hoseok a hug of his own. “Did you need me to do something?”

“No, not quite. Well, sort of. It’s more like a demand, actually.” Hoseok shushes his children, who have broken out in a chorus of “can I tell them?” and “can we go now?”

“A demand for what, exactly?” Jimin eyes the other children with curiosity.

Before Hoseok can explain, one of the other boys, Mingyu, jumps up and yells, “We’re going to get real baths today!”

It takes Jimin a second too long to process that. “Bathhouse?” he guesses, quirking an eyebrow at Hoseok. The houses in their neighborhood typically use the smaller, communal compound at the end of the street, but it only fits a few families at a time, and lacks the true bathhouse atmosphere.

“I figured it was time to take them to the public one; it’s been some time since we last used the big one on Violet Road. And your boys haven’t been to one yet, am I right?” Hoseok shrugs, tugging on the back of Mingyu’s shirt. “Don’t blurt out things like that,” he scolds the boy. Mingyu pouts, but mutters a quiet “sorry.”

“You’re right, they haven’t. Come to think of it, it’s been a while since I last went to one, too,” Jimin muses. He puts his hands on Seungkwan and Seokmin’s backs. “How about it? Would you like to go to a bathhouse?”

“I’ve never been to one,” Seungkwan admits, looking shy.

“I have! I want to go!” Seokmin says happily. “We should go, Seungkwanie, it’s lots of fun, and we can play with Taetae and Hobi’s kids too!”

“That sounds fun,” Seungkwan replies. “Can we go, papa?”

“Sure,” Jimin answers. “But you have to promise to behave, alright? No running around and screaming, otherwise I won’t take you again.”

“We’ll be good!” Seungkwan and Seokmin sing together, a line well rehearsed at this point.

“I know you will. Why don’t you go walk with Hobi’s boys?” Jimin nudges them forward gently, and they giggle as they run off and attach themselves to one of Hoseok’s kids -- Jihoon, Jimin notes with utter amusement (the older boy doesn’t appear pleased to be their selected walking mate, but he doesn’t shove them off). The children are already headed down the stairs; Jimin takes the time to laugh breathily.

“Having second thoughts about kids?” Hoseok teases lightly.

“I would be if I had your kids,” Jimin grins in response. “I wonder how you’re able to fare so well without Tae being here. How much will I need to pay for entry, again?”

“Just five rills for yourself; the boys will get in free.”

“Ah. I’d forgotten how cheap it was.” For a moment, Jimin had worried that it would be closer to a whole fen, but he’s relieved to know it’s only about a quarter of one.

“It’s one of the better ways to pay taxes, I suppose. You get good return on your payment.” All of the big public bathhouses are run by the city government, and Jimin often wonders if it’s because of their income that the city is able to manage itself so well. Bathhouses are quite profitable, especially in a city that loves to keep itself clean.

“I’ll say,” Jimin agrees. “Go ahead and wait for me downstairs, I’m going to get the money.” Hoseok nods and returns to the first floor, while Jimin runs to his room and grabs his bag of coins. It’s safely tucked away in a compartment under his bed -- along with the document from the queen, and letters that Jinyoung has sent him.

Hm, he wonders, turning over a couple of fens in his hand. Maybe I should bring some extra money, just in case we see something along the way back that the boys could use for their room. He settles for taking five fens -- if they do buy something, it probably won’t be big, but there are plenty of things that Jimin could buy with four and a half fens.

“Sorry I took so long,” Jimin says, closing the front door behind him and joining the big group on the street.

“No worries. There’s plenty of time.” Hoseok waves off the apology. “Alright, you boys remember the way; be careful when you cross in the street and don’t touch anything without asking us,” he calls ahead to the boys, who are ahead of Hoseok and Jimin a little ways.

“Yes, papa,” they all reply in unison, before returning to excited giggles and jumping up and down. Some of the older boys -- Seungcheol, Jeonghan, and Jisoo -- are there to herd them together and urge them along towards the bathhouse.

“With Tae gone on the mission, I can only thank Livinia for our older ones,” Hoseok sighs, walking languidly beside Jimin. “Sometimes I wonder what we’d do without them.”

“You’d be insane,” Jimin jokes. “I don’t know what you were thinking, adopting ten kids. It’s been two years since you adopted Hansol and I still don’t know what you were thinking when you did it.”

“Neither do I, really. I just caved when Tae asked; he gave me the look and I couldn’t say no. How could I? He’s been wanting to adopt these boys since he was old enough to take care of them at the orphanage.”

“Yes, and then you went and adopted the entire orphanage,” Jimin drones.

“Hey, they take pretty good care of themselves most of the time. I’m not burping infants or changing soiled clothes,” Hoseok retorts.

“Yes, but you’re still putting out fires,” Jimin says pointedly. “No ill will to poor Hansol, though. Have you been teaching him ways to control his magic?”

“We’ve been trying, but it’s not that simple. Magic shifts and changes until about eleven or twelve years old; I worry he might have discordant magic and that fire is just the only form he’s able to project it in for now.”

“You’ll be hard pressed to find someone who could help with that .” Jimin feels a pang of sympathy for his friend. Aside from the fact that things burn regularly in their house, Hoseok and Taehyung are likely worried for their son and his safety.  Jimin can’t imagine what he would feel like if one day, Seokmin started blasting flames from his fingertips, unable to control himself.

“Let’s not talk about this anymore -- it’s going to stress me out,” Hoseok says after a minute, laughing softly.

“Of course,” Jimin is quick to answer. Their conversation turns to talk of their own childhoods and experiences at the bathhouses.

“Do you remember the time you fell on your face over the edge of a tub -- ”

“Gods, of course I do. Jinyoung still hasn’t let me live that down.”

“I will never forget the look on your face. It was incredible.”

“Seriously, Hobi?”

Along the way, Hoseok suggests they stop by Mark and Bambam’s house to invite them to join. They take a small detour -- the house is closer to the center of the city, near a popular tavern and a small handmade goods market, so Hoseok takes the children to browse the stalls while Jimin knocks on Mark and Bambam’s door.

“Jiminnie!” Bambam greets them, opening the door and grinning. “What brings you here?”

“Hobi and I are taking our families down to the bathhouse on Violet Road, did you want to come along?” Jimin asks. “You and Mark, if he’s home.”

“Oh, sure, we’ll come. We went a couple of days ago, so now’s a good time to go again. I’ll run upstairs and get Mark, you can go ahead and wait by the market stalls.” Bambam gives a short wave before closing the door again; Jimin can hear him yelling up to Mark to get ready to go to the bathhouse.

It’ll be a few minutes before they’re both ready, so Jimin wanders over to where his boys are browsing the stalls. He’s surprised when Seungkwan comes running up to him with a big smile.

“Papa, look!” Seungkwan exclaims excitedly, grabbing Jimin’s hand and pulling him over to a stall, where Seokmin already waits.

“Oh, blankets,” Jimin hums, scanning the merchandise. The boys have been asking for a thicker blanket, since the one they have is a little thin. “Do you see one you like?”

“This one!” Seokmin takes Jimin’s free hand and tugs him towards a blanket that’s been woven with a star pattern on it, in the colors of blue and white. “Seungkwanie saw it first and I liked it too!”

“That’s a very nice one,” Jimin says, smiling. He reaches out and rubs the material of the blanket between his fingers -- it’s soft and sturdy. “Would you like me to get that for you?”

“Yes, please!” Jimin feels his smile growing wider, thumbing at the pouch of coins on his belt and approaching the vendor, a tired but friendly-looking woman.

“How much for the blue one?” he asks.

“Six fens,” the woman replies, rolling up her sleeves and straightening up. It’s a reasonable price for a handmade blanket of such quality, but…

“Damn,” Jimin mutters.   I only have four on me to spare.

“If you’re truly invested in buying it, I can lower the price to five,” the woman bargains, obviously catching Jimin’s hesitance.

“I’m afraid I don’t have enough money on me at the moment,” he admits. “But if you’re willing to hold onto it for me, I can come back to purchase it this afternoon full price. It’s a wonderful piece of work, and I can assure you it’ll get good use,” he adds with a smile.

“Oh, I’d be perfectly willing to do that for such a committed...father, I presume?” The woman is clearly flattered by Jimin’s offer, and glances over at Seungkwan and Seokmin, who hover near their choice of blanket.

“Yes, thank you,” Jimin replies. “Boys,” he calls over to Seungkwan and Seokmin. “I can’t purchase this right now, since I didn’t bring enough money for a blanket, but I’ll come back and buy it for you later today, alright?”

“Pinky promise? We really, really like it,” Seokmin gushes.

“Pinky promise,” Jimin chuckles, holding out his little finger to make the oath. Seokmin nods seriously, wrapping his tiny pinky around Jimin’s and shaking once. “Now let’s head to the bathhouse and clean up. You’ll see me later this afternoon,” Jimin says to the woman over his shoulder, as the boys lead him away. “Thank you for holding it for us!” The vendor calls out her own thanks from behind them.

As Hoseok rounds his children up from the various stalls, Jimin and his boys wait patiently near Mark and Bambam’s, until they finally show up in the street.

“Hey,” Mark greets with a wave. Bambam follows behind him, immediately going to greet Seungkwan and Seokmin and running ahead with them to chat in the amusingly serious way adults tend to converse with children. Mark walks alongside Jimin, keeping his pace slow. “Any further news from Jinyoung?” he asks quietly, stretching his arms over his head.

“No; he last sent a bird two days ago, and they’d just reached the capital.” Jimin gives quick glances around him with his eyes, careful to ensure nobody is listening; even if they are in friendly territory, it’s often best to keep their business subtle. Innocents could be hurt, and spies could be directly fed information.

“I expect they must be having some difficulty getting an audience,” Mark snorts, before yawning. “Before you ask, I haven’t heard news on the queen’s son.”

“You read my mind,” Jimin laughs. “How is the search for information?”

“As well as it can go, without actually getting information. I have eyes and ears in each of the main markets, along the administration street, and in the port. That’s about all I can manage, without involving more people than I should.”

It’s been a general agreement amongst the captains of the unit to keep quiet, both about the tome of plague magic and the situation with the queen’s son. From what Jinyoung had said in a letter, the queen wants to keep up appearances as though nothing is wrong to confuse the enemy, and so only a select few have been permitted knowledge of Prince Chan’s kidnapping.

“Maybe we should start coming to the bathhouses more often. Then Bam can gossip with everyone and maybe catch something we’ve missed,” Jimin snickers, though it is a valid suggestion.

“Who knows? Maybe his endless chatter might fetch us something in the end.” Mark’s voice is fond, despite the abrasive nature of his words.

“As long as you keep him in check. Can’t have him chatting away too much, can we?”

“I excel at that, thank Livinia.”

That’s about as far as conversation goes between the two of them. Jimin’s brain juggles the duty of watching his boys with his own thoughts (he really doesn’t need to worry, though -- Bambam is with them and Hobi too, with his own family).

So Jimin contents himself with just thinking to himself, about whatever comes to mind. At first it’s trivial things, like whether or not he bought bread for dinner tonight, or if he should trade in some of his rills for fens later today, but then he finds himself focusing on a very peculiar feeling that’s stirring in his gut.

At first, he passes it off as hunger -- he’d skimped a bit on breakfast, but that’s not unusual. Then, as they near the bathhouse, the feeling begins to grow stronger, and he shifts in discomfort.

“Jimin? Are you alright? You look like you saw your grandmother’s ghost,” Bambam says from beside him, temporarily distracting him from the strange sensation.

“Oh, ha-ha. I’m fine. I just...I have this weird feeling in my gut.” Jimin sighs. “It’s kind of an anxious feeling, you know?” When Bambam just gives him a blank look, Jimin just waves it off with a shaky smile. “Never mind. It’s probably nothing. I’m just used to being in better control of my emotions.”

“Maybe it’s the boys? Maybe you’re just nervous about bringing them here, or something, since it’s their first time coming to a big bathhouse and you don’t want them to fall on their faces like you did that one time.”

“Oh my gods, the next person who mentions that is going to get kicked in the ass so hard he won’t be able to sit down.”

“Don’t swear in front of the children, Jiminnie,” Bambam chides mockingly. Jimin makes a lunge towards him that scares him into jumping away and shrieking, which is a satisfying enough revenge, in his opinion.

Still, the feeling doesn’t go away, not even as Jimin pays the bathhouse entry fee and gathers towels for himself and his boys. He supposes maybe it is just nerves; he feels particularly tense as he watches the looks on Seungkwan and Seokmin’s faces.

But then, what do I have to be nervous about? If they fall and get hurt, Bam can always fix them up with some healing magic. Jimin shakes his head; it can’t be that. Am I worried about what they’ll think of me? Something flutters a little in his stomach, so he guesses that he must be right. It makes sense -- to be worried about giving your children a good experience for them to remember.

It doesn’t quite justify the proportion of the anxiety to the actual issue, though. Jimin shoves aside the feelings for later; in the meantime, he has to help Seokmin and Seungkwan undress.

At first, Seungkwan is a little squeamish about being naked, but Seokmin’s persistent “it’s fine, nobody cares!” finally convinces him to cooperate. Once the boys are done, Jimin is quick to strip off his clothes and find them a tub to wash in.

Apparently, it’s a busy day for the bathhouse; most of the tubs are full of people and conversation. Jimin ends up deciding to just share a tub with Hoseok and his kids (or at least as many as they can fit) to save space and trouble for other customers. Mark and Bambam go off on their own to find a less crowded tub.

“Do I just sit here in the water?” Seungkwan asks, once he’s in the tub. He sits slightly hunched over, with his arms folded over his chest.

“No, we’re supposed to scrub each other’s backs!” Seokmin chirps, pointing to a couple of other people nearby as an example; Seungkwan follows with his eyes and nods in understanding. Seokmin seems to be looking around the edge of the tub, and Jimin is about to ask what’s wrong when he says, “Huh, I forgot my towel. Papa, can I use yours?”

Jimin grins. “Of course you can, but not before I give you two a good wash myself. I saw you playing outside yesterday in the plants with Mingyu; you’re both dirty.” He grabs his towel and twirls it in the air.

The boys both shriek in surprise, and they end up in a game of chase, with Jimin trying to tackle them long enough to scrub behind their ears and beneath their chins -- when they’re caught, Seungkwan and Seokmin laugh and give a mock struggle until it’s clear that they can get away again. It’s cramped, but overall it’s fun; Jimin finds himself relaxing into the warm atmosphere and water slowly as he tries to pin the boys down long enough to clean them.

After the exhaustive task of playing tag with his kids and cleaning them up, Jimin finds himself wishing he had a little space to wash up himself. He’s about ready to accept that from here on, bath time is no longer his time, when Hoseok taps him on the shoulder.

“Hey, Jiminnie, if you want to go slip off and just have a minute to yourself, you should go now,” Hoseok says to him, jerking his head up to tell Jimin to go. Grateful, Jimin nods in reply.

“Will you watch them for me?” he asks, wringing out the towel in his hands and preparing to rise out of the water. Seungkwan and Seokmin are preoccupied with blowing bubbles in the water.

“Of course. Nothing will happen, I promise. Would you like to meet us in the drying area?”

“That sounds perfect.” Before he’s left the tub, Jimin decides it would be best to let his boys know that he’s leaving, and he does so with a light tap on the shoulder. Seungkwan pouts and Seokmin whines, but Hoseok is quick to distract them with some magic, manipulating the water into a little tornado that draws all the children’s attention. Jimin envies Hobi’s easy handling of the children, even without Taehyung there to help.

“Thank you,” Jimin whispers to Hoseok as he leaves, grabbing his clothes from the waterside. Hobi just gives him a wink before returning to playing with magic. Jimin gets the feeling Hoseok knows exactly what he’s feeling right now -- and he’s quite relieved to have the freedom to himself.

Humming, Jimin scans the bathhouse for Bambam and Mark, intent on joining them for a few minutes, at least. He spots them in a tub near the back of the bathhouse, sharing with some people Jimin doesn’t know, but it’s comparatively empty, so he decides it won’t hurt to ask to join for a little bit.

I guess this is what Hobi meant about being tired, Jimin sighs inwardly. And it’s not that he’s done with Seungkwan and Seokmin all of a sudden; he just wants a moment to himself.

Well, I made the choice to care for them, and that’s what I’m going to do. I have to put myself second.

He approaches Mark and Bambam’s tub from the front; one of the strangers has his back turned to him, and another is leaning against the side. Bambam is actually washing a third stranger’s back, and Mark is just running water between his fingertips.

“Ah, there you guys are! I just finished washing up Seokmin and Seungkwan. Do you mind if I join you?” Jimin calls out when he’s within earshot of the tub. Bambam gives him a big smile and a nod, so Jimin begins his descent into the water.

That’s when the feeling returns full force, and Jimin nearly stops sliding into the water altogether, suddenly overcome by the nervous twisting in his stomach. It can’t be social anxiety, he scoffs to himself -- with how many times he’s been to this place in his life, anxiety over being around strangers is a ridiculous thought.

“Jimin, you okay?” Mark glances up at Jimin from his seat.

“Yeah, just had this weird feeling. Sorry.” Sheepish over his hesitance, Jimin sits down quickly and tries to relax himself, closing his eyes and breathing slowly. This is so weird. There’s no reason for me to be nervous right now.

But the edgy feeling won’t go away, no matter how hard Jimin tries to control it. He decides perhaps it’s best to just leave and rinse off, but as he prepares to leave Mark chuckles.

“Are you really so scared of newcomers?” the blonde man snickers quietly, propping an elbow on the edge of the tub.

Jimin glares at him, half-risen out of the water. “Of course not. I just...figured I should go back to help Hoseok.” A very lame excuse, one Mark sees through with ease.

“Sit down and relax. You shouldn’t be in a rush to get back to that.” Mark drags Jimin down by the arm, until Jimin is sitting again.

“Yeah, Jiminnie, you’ll be going home to it again anyways,” Bambam teases from over the water. “Just bask in the freedom you have now.”

“Thanks, Bam,” Jimin rolls his eyes, but he tries as best he can to relax again. He shuts his eyes for barely a moment before Bambam splashes water at him. “Hey!” he protests, rubbing water out of his eyelashes. “That was rude.”

“Rude yourself, Park Jimin, for ignoring these nice people with us. They’re travelers. At least say hello before you nod off.” Bambam doesn’t sound the least bit sorry for his transgression -- it’s probably pointless to try and get an apology out of him. The younger man continues talking as though nothing’s wrong (and Jimin isn’t blinking enchanted water out of his eyes). “This here is Jackson, and over there is Yugyeom. And the one sitting next to you -- er, I’m sorry. I forgot your name.”

“Nice memory, Bam,” Jimin jokes, but he opens his eyes to glance at the newcomers -- Jackson must be the one having his back washed, and Yugyeom stretching out, and beside him --

“Oh, that’s right -- he’s Jungkook.”

No way. No fucking way. This can’t be happening. I’m dreaming. This isn’t real.

Jimin double takes, blinking rapidly and scooting away from the person next to him. This has got to be some fucking joke, some illusion my mind’s made up because it’s stressed.

But it’s not an illusion; the person he was just sitting next to is Jeon Jungkook, in the flesh. Jungkook turns a bit towards Jimin, causing the water to ripple and splash gently against the walls, against Jimin’s skin. His eyes are wide and his lips are parted, though no sound leaves them.

This is real, Jimin’s mind whispers, and he isn’t sure if he wants to faint or scream.

--

There are two thoughts racing through Jeon Jungkook’s head.

One: he’s found Park Jimin -- or more like Park Jimin found him, because all Jungkook did was sit around in a tub (except Jimin hasn’t noticed him yet, so perhaps it is the other way around).

Two: he’s just seen Park Jimin in all his naked, dripping wet glory, and Jungkook doesn’t think he’ll ever be able to get the sight out of his head.

Not now, he screeches at himself. This is not the time and Jimin is not the person you should be thinking about like that!

Jungkook has never really been put off by his body’s sudden whims, but right now, he’s feeling quite horrified with himself -- he prays as hard as he can to Mivellan for control and virtue, and in desperation to preserve his dignity tries to conjure up the most unappealing images and memories he can to distract himself.

The tactic -- and prayers -- must work, because he’s able to avoid making an absolute embarrassment out of himself. Honestly, he scolds himself, you’re acting like a foolish teenager. His miraculous save, however, comes at the expense of his attention. So focused was he on not thinking that he’s missed out on whatever’s been said, only catching on to the conversation when Bambam says, “Oh, that’s right -- he’s Jungkook.”

It’s like a dream when Jimin turns to look at Jungkook -- their eyes meet at exactly the same time, equally wide and disbelieving, and Jungkook’s gaze feels kind of hazy, like he’s looking through poorly-made glass. The sensation makes him wonder if he’s really dreaming, and is in actuality just asleep in the tub.

The dreamy effect is shattered when Jimin coughs into his hand, turning slightly away from the others in the tub to hide his face.

This is real. This is very, very real. Jungkook’s heart starts to beat quickly, and he is suddenly overcome with emotion -- relief, excitement, anticipation. He feels his cheeks heating with the rush of feelings. I don’t have to look anymore. I’ve found him, finally.

Jungkook very nearly blurts those exact thoughts out loud, but at the last possible second he recovers a shred of his control and chokes down the secrets he cannot share. Instead, he settles for a strained smile, and what he hopes sounds like a casual greeting. “Jeon Jungkook; it’s nice to meet you.”

Jimin doesn’t answer right away, just stares at Jungkook like he’s trying to accept that this is real. He seems to collect himself after a few moments, bobbing his head in a nod and murmuring, “Park Jimin.”

After that they stare at each other again, for gods know how long. Jungkook feels words building up in the back of his throat, threatening to spill out for the wrong people to hear, and very quickly he decides that he needs to leave before he says something to endanger himself or Jimin.

“Hey, Kyum,” he says, turning to face Yugyeom.

“Hm?” Yugyeom raises an eyebrow, waiting for Jungkook to continue.

“I think I’m going to get out. It’s so comfortable I worry I might fall asleep,” Jungkook replies with a small smile, though it’s partly a lie.

“Oh, alright. I’ll join you in a few minutes.” With that, Jungkook begins to climb out of the tub, hoping like a fool that Jimin will follow him so they can talk.

“Hey, Jiminnie,” Bambam calls out from next to Jackson. “You should go with Jungkook, he might not know where to go. Since you’re so anxious to get out.”

“Bam, you’re being rude again.” Mark flicks water over at Bambam, but Jungkook could care less that Bambam’s just been rude -- he suggested that Jimin should go with me .

Jimin starts beside Jungkook, giving Bambam a startled -- almost betrayed, Jungkook notes -- glance. “Well, go on,” Bambam teases. “We’ll catch up with you guys. Besides, you want to get a head start, before Hobi and the kids are all done.”

“You’re right,” Jimin mutters; Jungkook watches as his eyes slightly narrow and shoulders hunch in. “I’ll see you all later.”

And then, without any warning whatsoever, Jimin just rises out of the water; Jungkook feels the feeling from before come slamming back into his head, and then thoughts that he should not be having are traveling straight down south.

Such a beautiful body, one part of him is saying, while the other part is screaming Get a grip! We’re in public!

“Are you coming?” Jimin’s voice is impatient, a tone others will likely perceive as uncalled for but one Jungkook understands completely. Wordlessly, he clambers out of the tub and grabs his clothes, following after Jimin, who’s already walking away. Jungkook thinks he can sense waves of urgency and anxiousness rolling off of Jimin.

“Bye, Jungkook! It was nice to meet you,” Bambam calls from behind, before returning to his conversation with Jackson and Yugyeom -- and also leaving Jungkook without any form of distraction.

He only has Jimin to look at now, and it’s becoming a real struggle to suffocate his body’s response to such a nice body -- no.

Twenty years, Jungkook berates himself and his body. Twenty years and you’ve never really had a problem with other people. You had all of those years, and you pick now to act up. This is humiliating.

He tries his best to focus on the tiles of the bathhouse, keeping his gaze trained on the ground in front of him while still keeping Jimin slightly in view. It was hard enough ignoring how attractive Jimin was before, but now it feels like there’s nothing else Jungkook can see or think about.

Does he think I’m impressive? Jungkook’s mind suddenly frets, and on a subconscious whim, one of his hands flies to his abdomen, feeling the muscle there.

Not important! his sense hisses back, and the completely crazy part of his mind is about to retort when Jimin calls his name.

“Jungkook, over here. We rinse before drying off.” Jimin has set his clothes down on a stone counter against the walls, and he’s facing Jungkook but avoiding meeting his eyes (Jungkook, on the other hand, is trying to only meet Jimin’s eyes, because looking elsewhere will lead to disaster).

Jungkook copies Jimin, setting his clothes down on the counter before following Jimin to a water pump in the center of the room; he watches as Jimin takes a wooden bucket, fills it with water from the pump, and then pours it over his head.

That’s so attractive, Jungkook thinks, before his common sense can give in. No! For fuck’s sake, stop, please. Before he loses all of his dignity, Jungkook rushes to rinse beside Jimin, grabbing an unused bucket and filling it with water. He’s facing away from Jimin when the latter mutters, “I told you not to look for me.”

It’s an accusation, and Jungkook feels his heart sink; of course Jimin is upset. He was stupid for thinking otherwise, thinking that Jimin might be wanting to see him again. “I’m sorry,” Jungkook says back quietly -- the sound of running water obscures their voices from unwanted ears. “I just couldn’t stop thinking about you.”

“How romantic,” Jimin snorts back, filling his bucket with water again before pouring it over his head; some of the water splashes onto Jungkook. He flinches at the contact. “So are you here just to see me, or have you come to force information out of me?”

At that, Jungkook blanches, all while pouring water over himself. What do I say? he thinks, feeling panic rising in his chest. I’d give us away, but I don’t...I don’t want to lie.

Jimin picks up on Jungkook’s dilemma easily, throwing him a sideway glance. “If you’re here for information, you can leave. I might like you enough to leave you alive, but I won’t give anything away.”

Jimin’s answer brings back Jungkook’s most shameful memory -- the one in which he blurted out exactly what Jimin wanted to hear without a second thought. What do I do now? I can’t lie, but I can’t tell the truth either.

So he gives the best answer he possibly can, one that’s truthful, but not revealing his mission. “I’m here for you,” Jungkook whispers, almost too quiet for himself to hear. Too late does he realize that even though he’s covered for himself and his two friends, he will now probably be risking Jimin’s wrath.

“Cheeky bastard,” Jimin says, sounding annoyed, but less so than Jungkook had feared (he breathes a soft sigh of relief). “Jungkook, you can’t just do that. You can’t just…” Jimin turns to Jungkook, looking into his eyes, before looking away again.

“Can’t what?” Jungkook interrupts. “Can’t come to talk with someone I consider a friend? Can’t seek advice from the only person who understands me?” he asks, setting down the bucket and trying to catch Jimin’s gaze again.

“No! No, you can’t do that . You shouldn’t be here. I -- I shouldn’t even be letting you be here. I should be raising the alarm.” Jungkook feels his stomach twist with another wave a panic. He knows. Jimin turns away and reaches for his clothes, looking ready to leave. Jungkook feels frantic; his chance to speak with Jimin is slipping through his fingers.

“I’m only -- ” But Jimin doesn’t give him the chance to finish, just whips around and glares at him -- dark brown eyes filled with something Jungkook can’t place.

“Don’t lie to me, Jeon Jungkook. I’ve seen through the lies of men far less honest than you. I thought you were better than that.” Jimin yanks his clothes from the counter, practically storming out of the rinsing area to whatever room comes next.

“No, wait -- ” Jungkook snags his own things and runs after Jimin.

He finds Jimin in the next room, drying himself with a towel, rubbing it furiously over his hair. When he notices Jungkook, he turns away and begins to pull on his clothes. Jungkook hurries over to Jimin’s side, feeling sick to his stomach when Jimin inches away-- which confuses him. He’s been rejected before by Jimin (he thinks back to their previous meetings) but never before has it quite hurt so much.

And that begs the question: why does it even hurt at all?

“Jimin,” Jungkook pleads, praying to Mivellan that Jimin will listen. “Hear me out, please. You’re the only one who understands what I have to say.”

Maybe it’s just Jungkook’s imagination -- but he thinks he sees Jimin pause his motions for a heartbeat.

“I need to talk to you; you’re the only one who will know what to do.” The words just fall off of Jungkook’s lips; the thought of the artifact, his mission, floats around in his mind, but in this moment, he only sees Jimin.

The way his shoulders tense visibly, despite the haze of steam from the baths. The way water runs from his hair down to his face, and rolls down to his chin in small droplets. The obvious way he is trying to control his breathing, clenching a balled-up shirt in his right hand.

“Jimin,” Jungkook says quietly. “Please.”

There’s no response, for a long time. Jimin eventually goes back to putting on his clothes (reminding Jungkook to do the same; he hastily dries himself off and tugs on his own). Jungkook is tying his belt around his waist when Jimin turns to face him again.

“I wish I could hate you. I wish I could get my act together and tell my unit you’re here. I wish I was heartless enough to just kill you -- no. I wish I had been heartless enough to kill you that night on the river,” Jimin mutters lowly, eyes narrowed as he stares at Jungkook.

“But you aren’t,” Jungkook breathes back.

“Oh, don’t act like you’re any better. Look, if you want to talk to me, we can’t talk here. This is going to be strictly between us, and there will be no talk of war or information. If you mess up, I’ll give you and your friends all over to my unit leader.” Jungkook feels his heart drop, and it must show on his face, because Jimin gives a humorless smile. “I could tell Yugyeom and Jackson were with you from the moment I saw you; they always say to travel in threes.”

“We…we won’t make trouble,” Jungkook blurts out, before he even has the chance to figure out how he and his friends are going to avoid trouble. On their mission, conflict with Jimin and his unit will be unavoidable, especially if Jimin’s unit does have the artifact.

And then Jungkook wonders: is the unit here, in the city? Are they watching him now? Have they been watching him?

“No need to worry your pretty head, we haven’t been watching you. I had no idea you were here until I ran into you in the bath.” Jimin is flippant, shrugging up the sleeves of his tunic.

Arguably, Jungkook’s first thought -- or feeling, really -- should be “well, you know we’re here now, and that’s just going to mean trouble.”

In reality, his first thought is he called me pretty, followed by bath, which in turn is followed by a slew of thoughts he assumed had gone away.

“Hrng,” he grunts, in an actual attempt to contain himself. Jimin gives him a strange look.

“Are you okay?” the archer asks, halfway through pulling on his boots (which really do look good on his calves). “You know a tunic needs to be pulled down all the way.”

“Oh, um,” Jungkook stammers, realizing that his tunic isn’t even halfway down his chest. He tugs it into place hastily -- there’s a blush on his cheeks, but he can’t tell if it’s from his own embarrassment or if it’s from the fact that Jimin had a very clear view of his body.

Thankfully, Jimin shrugs his blunder off, tying his boots. “If you’re so desperate to see me again, meet me on Laurel Way at the moon’s third placement tonight; you’d better be alone, otherwise I won’t hesitate to kill you.”

“Um,” Jungkook says again, before realizing this requires a more coherent answer. “Yes. Of course. Laurel Way, right? I’ll be there. Yes.”

“Don’t make it sound weird,” Jimin grumbles. “Now don’t talk to me again.”

“Wait, what? Don’t talk -- I thought I was supposed to -- ”

“Oh my gods, you dolt. I meant not in public, alright? I don’t want to risk anything, and if you’re thinking things through, you shouldn’t want to either. Now leave me alone, I have things to do tonight.”

And then Jimin is gone, slipping out of the room without another word. Jungkook just stands there, watching him leave, surrounded by nothing but steam and strangers.