Chapter Text
Warmth.
The feeling of yellow envelopes Jimin as he opens his eyes. He pulls the blanket on him up tighter to keep that warmth within him. The feeling of someone holding onto him is something he doesn’t want to shake away just yet. It’s comforting. Soothing and yet there’s no weight to whoever it is. It just feels like someone is there. A presence of sorts.
Jimin only opens his eyes when he feels a shift in the bed. The warmth seeps away as the blanket is raised up and he turns to see Yoongi in his astral projection form staring at him with worry in his eyes. He fixes the bed from where he was laying. For once, Jimin is jealous that he’s not a blanket. He’s not something non-living. He can’t feel Yoongi the way they do.
But soon.
Right?
Or was that a dream?
“How are you feeling?” Yoongi questions. He rubs his hands together and stares at Jimin. Worry fills his eyes to the brim like a waterfall ready to fall over. Jimin feels bad for worrying him, but he still doesn’t fully understand what happened to begin with. “You’ve been out for a couple of days. I didn’t know that Abronia would drain you that much. I’m sorry.”
“A couple of days?” Jimin sits up then. His eyes are wide and he places a hand on his stomach. Has he eaten? Drank anything? He’s sure it’s not totally different in Yoongi’s world but he can’t go long without food or at least water. What about Taehyung and Jeongguk? Where were they? Who was taking care of them? “Where are—“
“The living room.” Yoongi answers before Jimin can finish his question. He smiles faintly. “I didn’t leave them alone while they were recovering. You’ve all been here for the last two days. Only briefly did you three wake up and when you did all you asked for was water so I gave it. Besides that, you haven’t eaten.”
“I see…” Jimin wipes at his eyes and yawns. He recognizes his own bedroom and feels a tiny bit at ease knowing that they’re all somewhere safe. But they’re back home. Back on Earth not on Abronia and he wishes that didn’t happen because every second was a moment longer without the real Yoongi. The feeling of knowing that Yoongi was lying beside him was nice, but now he wants the real thing.
Soon.
“What happened anyways?” Jimin questions. He still doesn’t understand any of that. Why did he get so sick so fast? What did Seokjin do? How would they get back there? Could he dare risk bringing Taehyung and Jeongguk again? Surely not. Not if they go through this once more. “I was fine one moment and then the next I felt like my body was being ripped apart in a way.”
“You’re human like us, but your world doesn’t have magic in it. It’s not used to the elements that Abronia has and I didn’t even take that into consideration before bringing you. I’m sorry. I put you, Taehyung and Jeongguk at risk.” Yoongi frowns as he says that. He looks disappointed in himself.
“Hey, look at me.” Jimin pushes the blanket off of him and stands up. He feels full of energy. Full of life. There’s some grogginess from how long he was sleeping but besides that he feels ready to conquer the world. He smiles in Yoongi’s direction. “I’m alive. I’m safe. Thanks to you, Seokjin and the others. I made the choice to go to Abronia to save you. Jeongguk and Taehyung made their choices. Don’t worry, okay?”
Yoongi walks around the bed and stops when he’s right in front of Jimin. He reaches out as if to touch Jimin’s face but his hand never makes contact. It won’t. “If saving me means endangering yourself, I don’t wish to be saved.”
“If saving you means that I can finally feel your hand on my face - if I can feel your touch, your lips, your everything, then I will do everything it takes, Yoongi. You are my soulmate. I was created for you, and you for me. I promise I’ll save you.”
Yoongi leans forward. If his body was real, if they could touch, his forehead would touch Jimin’s. But it doesn’t. Though Jimin leans towards him as well, pretending that it could. That’s all they can do at this moment. But soon, Jimin knows, soon this will change. Soon they’ll be together for real. He can only pray that Yoongi speaks the truth about his feelings remaining when he truly awakens.
“I need to save you.” Jimin whispers. He intertwines their fingers as best as he can. And even though he doesn’t physically feel anything, he knows Yoongi is there and right now that’s enough. “Not just for me, but for your Kingdom. You’re a king, Yoongi. A whole Kingdom of people is waiting for your return. I’ll save you for them.”
“You’ll put my Kingdom before your own wants and desires?” Yoongi wonders. Jimin nods his head. “A true future leader in the making I see. Putting others before yourself. The Soulmate Gods chose correctly I see.”
“We should go.” Jimin says. “Return back to Abronia. Once I start feeling bad again, I’ll leave, okay? I won’t end up like last time, I promise.”
“As long as you absolutely promise me you’ll tell me once you’re not feeling well, okay?” Yoongi makes him pinky-promise. Jimin can’t help but laugh at the gesture but he holds his pinky out to show he swears by it.
Jimin changes first. Having been in the same clothes for days now leaves Jimin feeling gross and sticky. He showers quickly. Between washing his hair, brushing his teeth, applying deodorant and getting ready, Taehyung and Jeongguk woke up. Yoongi fills them in on everything they need to know: Jimin returning to Abronia to wake him up, the fact that they don’t want Taehyung or Jeongguk going in the chance that it will drain them again, and exactly what happened.
At first, both Taehyung and Jeongguk had been against the whole idea of Jimin returning. But when he explains that it’s something he knows he needs to do deep down, they allow him to leave. It’s his duty, he feels. One of the things that he was made to do. If Yoongi was destined to fall into that eternal sleep two years before Jimin had been born, then surely he was made to be the one to release him from it. It makes perfect sense.
He’ll definitely fulfill this destiny of his.
Taehyung and Jeongguk leave before Jimin does. They wish him luck, with a promise that he’ll return safely. Maybe with a king in tow. Jimin still has to wrap his head around the fact that he’s the soulmate of a king from a completely different world. It feels surreal. Unreal, really. Like maybe he’s just dreaming this entire time. None of this was true and one day he would wake up to learn that. What if Yoongi was just in his imagination because he was so desperate to find his soulmate? But that pain from two days ago? That was real. He knows that. Maybe no one in this world would believe him if he told them, but then again, no one had to know.
This was his life after all, not theirs.
The fountain is the same as they saw it last time. The water isn’t a fancy colour, the grass is still green. The tree bark is still brown and the leaves are turning red as fall approaches. This world was so much different than Abronia. So much duller. Jimin finds himself enjoying the colours of Abronia so much more than Earth. He’ll have to take some photos to hang them in his apartment.
“While you were out…I went back to visit Abronia a bit. I may not have all my memories in this state but I can help out a bit as king.” Yoongi mentions. He peers down at the water of the fountain before looking back at Jimin once more. “The guards will be waiting for us. Namjoon has them stationed there now until we return. Then they’ll bring us back to the castle, where we’ll meet Seokjin and the others who will direct us to my body.”
“Do you know where your body is in Abronia?” Jimin asks. It’s a strange question to ask, but one that’s serious. Maybe Yoongi really didn’t know. Considering he didn’t know where he came from or barely who he was, he wouldn’t be phased by such a thing. But still, Jimin can’t imagine what it feels like for Yoongi every day as an astral projection who can’t touch anyone.
Yoongi shakes his head. “No. And I hate it.” He whispers. His eyes are filled with a solemn expression. They’re downcast, sad, worried. “I don’t know how they’re treating my body. And while I know I can trust Seokjin and the others, I wish I could find myself.”
“We’ll find you today, I promise.” Jimin offers a small reassuring smile. He steps up onto the ledge of the fountain and Yoongi follows with a nod of his head. Jimin looks around to see if anyone has noticed them or is paying attention. When he realizes no one is, he lets himself fall into the water. Into the portal that brings them to Abronia.
The feeling of traveling from one world to another is something that Jimin doubts he’ll ever get used to. It’s strange. It feels as if his body is changing, morphing to fit the code of this world but when he comes out on the other side, he’s perfectly fine. Yoongi appears beside him a second later, the eyes of the guards patrolling the area look relieved it’s just them.
“You’ve returned.” One of the men says. He looks happy to see Yoongi then he looks at Jimin. “Word has spread that you’re the King’s soulmate. Everyone is relying on you to awaken him so our leader can be one again.”
“I thought the news of Yoongi being asleep wasn’t out yet?” Jimin questions as they start heading towards the castle.
The man shakes his head. “Only the guards working in the castle and some others are aware of such details. The rest of the Kingdom just thinks the King is sick, working to recover, so Prince Namjoon has taken over.” Jimin hums in understanding. “We’re trying to prevent others from finding out about his state though. While we don’t have any enemies as of late, if they find out Abronia is technically King-less they’ll make a move.”
“And what of the person who set this curse on Yoongi years ago?” Jimin wonders. It’s one thing that’s been on his mind since it was mentioned that he was cursed. Are they still around to curse him again? Or did something happen in the past? If they were killed the curse shouldn’t have happened. So what then?
“She was found. Two months after the King had fallen into his slumber. But even she couldn’t undo the spell. No one could.” The guard sighs. “Everyone is relying on you, Sir Jimin.”
“Please, just Jimin is fine. I'm no one special. I have no Royal blood in me nor am I a guard.” He says quickly with a shake of his hands. He doesn’t want any special treatment just because he’s the soulmate of the King. He doesn’t think he could handle such a thing.
“But you’re the King’s—“
“Just Jimin is fine, Sir.” Yoongi speaks. “Respect his wishes.”
The guard ducks his head down in shame at being told by Yoongi what to do but nods and continues on with his pace. He doesn’t say another word after that. Nor do any of the guards. Maybe they realized that while Yoongi isn’t in his true form at the moment, he’s still their King. His word goes. Jimin will have to get used to this.
It doesn’t take long until they’ve arrived at the castle and when they do, Seokjin, Namjoon and Hoseok are all there ready to greet them once again. They’re moving faster. Faster than before because no one knows how long it will be until Jimin is affected by this world once again. If it works faster then they’re short on time. Who knows where Yoongi is located. How long will it take to get there? How much will Jimin have to push himself?
For now though, he’s fine.
“Under normal circumstances, we’d request you change to meet the King but seeing as he’s technically next to you and doesn’t seem to mind much, we won’t do that.” Seokjin begins saying. He glances towards Namjoon and Hoseok.
“Besides, we’re on a time crunch here.” Hoseok adds. He places his hand on his hip and smiles, with a small bow in Yoongi’s direction. Seokjin copies the gesture, Namjoon, however, does not.
“It’s nice to see you again, Jimin. Yoongi as well.” He smiles and motions towards the flight of stairs just behind them. “We moved Yoongi to his room. It’s the easiest solution we came up with for you to get to him before the magic begins affecting you again.”
“I see.” Jimin looks up towards the flight of stairs. They’re not too high, but it will take some of his breath away trying to race against time. He glances towards Yoongi who smiles as if encouraging him. Telling him that he can do it. “This Kingdom has been without its King for long enough. Lead me to his room and pray that I’m the key to waking him.”
“All we’ve done lately is pray,” Seokjin replies as he gestures for Jimin to follow him. The guards stay at the bottom of the stairs as instructed by Yoongi himself. The five of them climb the stairs two at a time and make an abrupt left turn down a hallway.
There’s photos littered all over the walls. Photos of Yoongi and Namjoon when they were younger. Photos of what Jimin can only assume were past Kings, Queens, Princes, and Princesses. How many generations back did this go? How long has Yoongi been King? So many questions about him that he doesn’t know anything. But if he’s Yoongi’s soulmate, surely he’ll eventually learn the history of Abronia, right?
Maybe one day.
The hallway is long. It almost feels like it’s never-ending and part of Jimin grows a little irritated with how long it’s taking them to get to Yoongi’s bedroom. He nibbles on his bottom lip, and feels the presence of Yoongi walking behind him the entire time. He never strays from his side. Not even when they finally stop in front of a door. He lets Seokjin open it up.
The room is dark. Faintly lit up by candles that are carefully placed around the room to prevent one from catching fire. The room is cleared out for the most part. A few tables holding the candles and a twin sized bed resting in the middle. Jimin realizes immediately this isn’t Yoongi’s real room but rather the room they placed him in for the moment.
The curtains are immediately pulled back upon entry. Hoseok ties them up and the room lightens up a lot more than Jimin had expected. His eyes find Yoongi quickly.
He looks so fragile. So delicate as he lays on the bed with his outfit on. It’s different from the one that Yoongi standing beside him is wearing. They must have changed him recently.
His hair is brushed back, styled in a way that he looks put together in the best way possible for someone who’s bedridden.
“Beautiful.” Jimin whispers without realizing. “I think he just raised the beauty standards.”
“Thank you,” Yoongi comments. Jimin lifts his gaze up only to lock eyes with the astral projection of Yoongi. His cheeks flare up forgetting for a moment that he was still there and could actually overhear what he had just said. He immediately averts his gaze and looks back at Yoongi laying in bed.
He bites at his lip before turning to look towards Seokjin and the others. “Do I just…kiss him? I’m not sure what to do.” He says. He’s scared. He’s not magic. There’s not an ounce of magic inside of him. What if he can’t wake up Yoongi. What then? Who do they turn to? What good is he as a soulmate? Nothing.
He has to wake up Yoongi.
I promised to save you, Jimin reminds himself. He turns back towards Yoongi and smiles faintly. How beautiful he was. But Jimin knows that beauty will be more when he’s finally awake. When he can see Yoongi’s eyes stare into his. When he can finally feel his touch, his skin. His lips and his hands. It’ll all be worth it.
Even as the first hit of dizziness hits him. Jimin stables himself against the bed to keep it a secret. He doesn’t want anyone to know that he feels the effects of this world yet. Not until he saves Yoongi.
He leans down, holding himself up weakly on the mattress as he moves in closer to Yoongi. Their noses are only meters apart and it spooks him when he feels Yoongi’s breathing.
Wake up, please.
Lips to lips. Skin to skin. It feels so surreal to be kissing Yoongi for the first time. Though it isn’t how Jimin had originally expected to share his first kiss with his soulmate, it’s still rewarding in a way. To know that this kiss will potentially save Yoongi from the curse that had been put on him as a child is something that no one else can replace. No one else can do it. It’s memorable in its own way.
And when Jimin pulls away, he can still feel Yoongi’s lips.
For a brief period of time, no one says anything. No one does anything. Not even Jimin moves from where he’s standing crouched over because of the pain that comes from being in this world. But when Yoongi doesn’t start waking up, Jimin panics. He turns his head to look in Yoongi’s direction but he’s not there anymore.
The panic in Jimin rises. He looks around frantically, through the spots in his vision, trying to locate where the astral projection of Yoongi has gone. Even the others look confused.
Jimin feels like he’s breaking. He didn’t lose Yoongi just now, did he? He couldn’t have. He’s supposed to save him. Not make things worse. This couldn’t be happening.
It couldn’t.
Jimin touched Yoongi’s arm. “Yoongi? Yoongi, wake up. Please. You have to wake up. You have to come back to me. Y-you have to…you…” He leans down again and presses another kiss to his lips. Longer. More intently. Praying.
Come back to me, please.
He goes to pull away again in hopes that this time Yoongi will wake up, but before he can, he feels a hand holding him into the kiss. Jimin opens his eyes to see Yoongi’s eyes open and looking directly at him. They’re brown, no longer grey. Brown with hints of blue. When Yoongi’s hand falls, Jimin pulls away.
“Y-Yoongi…you’re…”
“I’m awake, Jimin.” Yoongi whispers. He smiles faintly. His hand reaches out and brushes Jimin’s cheek. A tear could have fallen at that point and Jimin wouldn’t have minded. But all he can think about is the fact that right now Yoongi is touching him for the first time. It’s a fleeting touch. One that is long overdue and he rejoices in it.
This is the one thing he’s been waiting for since he and Yoongi met.
“Your Majesty.” Jimin turns his head to see Hoseok and Seokjin bowing towards Yoongi. Namjoon tilts his head in acknowledgment, in greeting. Yoongi smiles towards them.
“My friends. My brother. Thank you.” Yoongi greets. He pushes himself up until he’s sitting. Jimin makes a move to help him but Yoongi shakes his head and does it himself. He adjusts the pillow beside him, runs a hand through his semi-styled hair only to ruin it and hums. “I see you shaved my beard but didn’t bother with my hair. It’s longer than I remember.”
“You look good with long hair, brother.” Namjoon states. He has a goofy look on his face. Jimin can only guess it was his idea to not cut Yoongi’s hair throughout the duration of his sleep. “Though if you do wish to cut it, at least now you can choose how it’s done.”
“I suppose you have a point.” Yoongi brushes his bangs out of his eyes, hums and looks between the four of them. “It’s strange being in my body rather than just that magic entity. It’s even weirder to be able to feel you, Jimin. Thank you…for saving me.”
“I promised, didn’t I?” Jimin says. He smiles happily, gratefully. Lovingly. “I was worried it wouldn’t work. Worried you wouldn’t remember me or want me around after I saved you. I still don’t know some of those answers. We never talked about anything. All we had on our mind was saving you and getting your body back and now that we have…” Jimin closes his eyes, inhales and exhales a breath and tries to steady himself.
He can hear the footsteps as Seokjin gets closer to them. “You’re feeling the effects again, aren’t you?” He asks, quickly. Jimin shakes his head.
“N-no…I’m fine, I promise.” He mumbles out. He pushes himself up from the bed and attempts to walk around the side of it to prove he’s okay but his legs give out and he falls again. Yoongi is the first to reach out and catch him. His arms wrap tightly around Jimin's, holding him close. Jimin feels he could fall asleep in this embrace. “I…”
Yoongi helps Jimin get situated on the bed. He lays him down, rests his head against the pillow and sits on the edge. They’ve completely changed positions and once again Jimin feels ashamed for his weakness in this world. It’s cruel. Unforgivable that he can’t be here long. How would they make this work?
Yoongi places his hands on Jimin’s body. One on his torso, the other on his head. He whispers words softly. Words of another language that Jimin has never heard of before. A warm feeling buzzes inside of him and the pain subsides. The dizziness goes away. It feels as if he’s just entered the world again because he’s full of energy and doesn’t feel as if everything will collapse on him within seconds.
“As King, my magic is stronger than anyone else’s. There’s also a wider range of the things I can do. I healed you, though I can’t change the way this world affects you as of yet.” Yoongi explains. He bites at his lip and looks towards Seokjin and Hoseok. “I have a mission for you.”
The two of them give him a look of surprise. “You’re already putting us to work? You just woke up.”
“I want you two to see if you can figure out a way to make it easier on Jimin to be here.” He explains matter-of-factly. “Given that he is my soulmate after all, he’ll be here quite often. I don’t want him going through more pain if he doesn’t need to.”
Seokjin and Hoseok look towards each other as if saying that the mission Yoongi is asking is impossible. “You figured out a way to send my mind and spirit to a different planet to find him. You can find a way to keep him safe now. One day he’ll be leading this Kingdom by my side.”
Leading this Kingdom by my side.
Would he really be able to do that? He doesn’t even have a job right now. Let alone any income to pay his upcoming bills and house rent. He still isn’t sure what he’s going to do about that. He doesn’t know how he’ll handle any of this. All he had on his mind was Yoongi and time is of the essence back home.
“Right now, I wish to discuss some things in private with Jimin. I’ll make my formal announcement that I have returned tonight. Namjoon, please ask someone to make arrangements for that.” Yoongi says. Seokjin and Hoseok nod their heads first and head to leave. Namjoon follows after a moment later, but before anyone can exit, Yoongi stops them. “Again, thank you, for not giving up on me. And thank you Namjoon, for protecting the people.”
“Always.” The three say in unison before they leave the room and close the door behind them.
Jimin smiles towards the now closed door. “They’re good people. You have a good set of friends and family by your side.”
“I really do.” Yoongi smiles. He reaches out and takes Jimin’s hand into his own. Though the smile falters seconds later and he sighs. “I was thinking earlier before you kissed me what we would do after I was finally awake. And still, I haven’t come up with an answer.”
“There’s not many answers to come up with relating to our situation.” Jimin laughs awkwardly. He looks towards the window. The red trees sway in the breeze. He can see the real grass in the distance. Beautifully divine.
“You could stay here if we find you a solution to not get affected by the magic in this world. Or…if you want to return home we can do that too.”
“What about you?”
Yoongi sighs. “I can’t leave my people again.” He twiddles his thumbs and looks at Jimin sadly. “Trust me, I’d stay on Earth with you if I could but I just…I left my people for who knows how long. They can’t go without me again.”
“I can’t stay here until you have a solution that won’t hurt me.” Jimin comments. He whistles in thought. His eyes focus on the way the leaves dance in the wind. It leaves him thinking. “What about us? Where do we stand? What are we?”
“You’re my soulmate.” Yoongi says those words with a chirpiness. A hint of happiness. It makes Jimin smile. “And one day, I’d hope to call you my husband. But I suppose if you wish for a technical term, I believe I heard your people call them boyfriends? Is that what you would like?”
Jimin reaches out and touches Yoongi’s cheek. The King leans into the touch, “I feel as if I barely know you, Yoongi. Just days ago I found out you were a king. Not too long ago we had just met and now…call me crazy but I can’t imagine my life without you. Maybe it’s because we’re soulmates. But the idea of being able to kiss you whenever, hold your hand, wake up beside you? I want that, Yoongi. I want it all.”
“You have all of our lives to get to know me. To know my Kingdom and my friends. You have it all.” He kisses the palm of Jimin’s hand before pulling him close and pressing a kiss to his lips. “Forever and always, if you’d like.”
“I’d love it.” Jimin whispers when he pulls away from the kiss. “But for now, I need to return home. To pick up my life back there until I’m able to claim a life here with you.”
“I understand.” Yoongi intertwines their fingers. He holds Jimin tightly, but not enough to hurt. Holds him close so Jimin can hear his heartbeat. “You’re welcome here whenever, of course. Just follow the fountain to us. You know the way.” He pulls his hand away for a moment. Cupping them together, he whispers something in the language Jimin doesn’t understand once more. Seconds later, he pulls his hands away to reveal two necklaces with a fountain charm. They’re big. Bulky. Jimin tilts his head. “Wear this. We can communicate even when we’re worlds apart.”
Jimin takes one of the necklace charms into his hand. He smiles at it, knows that it resembles the fountain that led them here. The fountain that separates them. He turns around for Yoongi to put it onto him, waits until he clasps it to embrace it tightly. He can’t wait to use it, but deep down he hopes he doesn’t have to for very long.
One day, he wants to be able to stay here. He wants to have the chance to live here and explore Abronia. To experience everything it has to offer. What type of flowers lived here? What animals? What different foods and drinks? What about shops and clothing? All the things he could imagine would be different here. Money? Currency? How did that work? What about laws and rules? How would his life work as the King’s Husband? What role would he play? Would the Kingdom respect him too?
Though he supposes those are questions for another time. For a time when he’s not stressed out about things on Earth. When he doesn’t have bills that are demanding to be paid and a job that needs to be found. He still has to tell Taehyung and Jeongguk about the whole experience. About how he woke up and how Yoongi is even more breathtaking than Jimin would have ever imagined.
He can’t wait to tell them everything. To call them over and make dinner just to share the story.
And yet, at the same time he doesn’t want to return home to an empty house. The couch won’t be occupied, there won’t be clothes on the floor that Yoongi decided against wearing. He won’t have anyone to keep him company physically. Sure, he has this necklace. The one that he and Yoongi can communicate with but it’s not the same.
“Don’t look so grim.” Yoongi says. He kisses Jimin on the nose and pulls him off the bed. He intertwines their fingers again before stretching. How long has it been since he had the chance to do that? “We’ll see each other soon. I know that for a fact. And I’ll talk to you whenever I have a free moment from being a king.”
Jimin glares at him, “I didn’t know kings got those free moments.”
“We don’t.” Yoongi shrugs. “But for you? I’ll make the time.” He opens up the door and leads them out of the bedroom towards the main entrance again. Jimin can feel the eyes of the guards staring, bowing at the King as he brushes by. No one reacts beyond that but Jimin wonders if inside they’re overjoyed that Yoongi has finally returned. “I can’t walk you out to the fountain unfortunately. I’m going to help Seokjin and Hoseok find you a way to stay here but I’ll send someone I trust with you, okay?”
While this feels like a goodbye, Jimin knows it isn’t so he nods his head. Yoongi leans forward and presses a deep passionate kiss to his lips, holds him close and fights the urge to not let him go.
“Soon, okay?” Yoongi promises.
“Soon.”
Jimin knows he means those words.
—❀—
A month isn’t a long time and Jimin is slowly running out of options.
By now, his rent is long past due. Between the savings he had and the bills that needed to be paid, he quickly ran out of money that he could spend. Groceries were a necessity and so was having the electricity to cook everything as well.
He wasn’t sure what to do. He’s applied to every place he could think of that he would surely fit in. The places that met his criteria and where he fit in with their requirements. No one called him back though. Not even a single voicemail or text message requesting that he come in for an interview and honestly, it was worrying. Uninspiring. Slowly, Jimin was losing his hope and confidence in himself to get a job before he lost everything that he spent so much time working towards.
Was it because right after he finished his degree in Business, he started working at that one company? Was it because that’s his only job history? The only place he ever worked and now because that’s his only experience they worry an “old dog can’t learn new tricks”?
Time is running out and by time, Jimin means the next week he has to find a job so he can at least tell the companies he’s running bills through that he’ll be able to pay it, he’ll just be late. At this rate, if he doesn’t find a job, he’ll be screwed. Granted, he already is and part of him knows he won’t be able to find a job in time. With his confidence levels shot and the empty responses, Jimin feels useless.
What good was he if he couldn’t get another job? What did Yoongi see in him anyways? How could he run a Kingdom if he can’t even work?
Jimin mopes. That’s all he can do besides watch Netflix on his account that he shouldn’t have paid another month for. The food in his fridge isn’t the greatest nor most appealing but he has chips that cost a dollar he managed to pick up that will keep him satisfied for the next day or so.
The only good part about all of this is Yoongi.
Yoongi has been a constant in Jimin’s life since his departure from Abronia almost a month ago. While they haven’t had much time to visit each other— Jimin still went through the fountain even if it was to see him for a few moments before kingly work called Yoongi away again—they still managed to talk every second they had a chance. The necklace that Yoongi created for Jimin is probably the greatest gift he could have ever asked for. It’s his prized possession. He can’t go to bed without it, he can’t leave the house unless he’s sure it’s on his neck. If he went a day without speaking to Yoongi, he’s sure he would die.
Though a month isn’t a long time, he’s learned a lot about Yoongi and his Kingdom. It had only been three months since Yoongi had taken the throne when the curse took its course and sent Yoongi into an eternal sleep. Seokjin, Hoseok and Namjoon had been searching for a way to stop it from happening but they never found the answer.
The Kingdom of Abronia was the largest of Kingdoms in The Enchanted Land sitting at around half a million people. Jimin can’t even imagine controlling a Kingdom with that many people living in it. How many enemies did Yoongi have there? How many times was there a target on his back? How many times has he almost lost his life before even being King?
The thought alone is enough to leave Jimin shaken up, scared about what will happen if he ever decides to stay there. Would he even be able to? Yoongi mentioned a week ago that Seokjin and Hoseok were making progress on finding a solution so he could stay in Abronia without feeling the magic effects, but how was that going now? Nothing has been mentioned in days. Part of Jimin worries they’ve come to a stop or something ruined their idea.
Surely they’ll figure something out, Jimin is sure of it. He has faith that they will do it. With all the magic in that world that he’s only beginning to understand, there’s so many layers an answer is bound to come up.
“ Jimin?” The voice is so familiar. So recognizable that Jimin hears it in his sleep now. It keeps him calm. Helps him rest with ease and sometimes Jimin imagines waking up to it one day. “ How's the job hunting going? I know you’ve been stressed lately so I didn’t want to ask but…it’s been a few days and you haven’t brought up the topic.”
Jimin pouts. It’s been a particularly hard day today because the one job he had really been hoping for hasn’t sent him anything or called him. He hasn’t been able to find a good show to watch all day, and all of his good food he ate last night, finishing the show he had been watching.
He hates feeling like he’s doing nothing. He hates that all he can do is lay around in bed while Taehyung, Jeongguk and Yoongi do important things in their lives everyday. What important task is he doing beyond breathing?
“It’s not going well, is it?” Yoongi asks a moment later when he doesn’t get a response from Jimin. He also hates how easily Yoongi can read him. It’s like he’s an open book, constantly wearing his heart on his sleeve and Yoongi isn’t even physically present to know anything. Was it a soulmate thing? Something about their connection with one another that made it easier to understand and read them? But Jimin feels as if he can’t do the same thing with Yoongi. Maybe it’s something relating to magic. He’ll have to ask Yoongi about it someday.
“I don’t know what to do, Yoongi.” Jimin whispers. He looks up at the ceiling. It’s dark in his room. Not a single light is on in his apartment. The curtains are closed and the moon is so thin that the light doesn’t shine through. He didn’t even have the motivation to look through Netflix to try and find a show to watch. All he has the strength for is moping around. “I can’t find a job. No one will call me. No one…no one wants me to work for them. Taehyung and Jeongguk have even talked to people they work with to see if anyone was interested in hiring me. No one is and I-I’m running out of options.”
“ Options aren’t easy when you’re short on time .” Yoongi comments. He sighs through the necklace. Through Jimin’s mind. It’s a weird sensation. A weird feeling and Jimin is still trying to get used to such a thing. He doubts it phases Yoongi anymore. “ You’ll find an answer though. I’m sure of it. But um…Jimin?”
Jimin tilts his head. Yoongi sounds confused. Lost as well, he hums quietly to himself and bites his lip. What did Yoongi want? “Yes, Yoongi?”
“ Could you let me inside please? People are staring because of my outfit. Or maybe because of how delightful I am to look at. Either way, it’s cold.”
“Let you inside?” Jimin’s eyebrows furrow. He doesn’t understand what that means, but when he does he shoots up. Wait, Yoongi wasn’t—
He stands up out of bed as fast as he can. Marching through the house in quick strides, he unlocks the door, opens it and comes face to face with Yoongi standing there with a bouquet of flowers in one hand. He smiles happily when they lock eyes.
“Hello, my King.” Yoongi greets. Jimin flushes at the name.
“Not a king, that’s all you.”
“You’re a king in my eyes,” Yoongi comments. He leans forward and kisses Jimin on the cheek. Then he passes over the flowers and motions to go inside. Jimin moves for him to pass by. “Always have been. Always will be.”
“These are beautiful.” Jimin brings the flowers up to his nose and smells them. They’re fresh, unlike anything from this world. Maybe they weren’t. They could have come from Abronia. Jimin wouldn’t be surprised if they were. “What brings you here though? Shouldn’t you be working in the castle? I thought you said you were busy today?”
“Busy, yes. But what did I tell you?” Yoongi walks over to the couch and sits down. He touches the cushion and smiles. “It’s strange to be able to really feel your apartment finally. It feels like just yesterday you were bringing me clothes after the rain.” He turns his head to look at Jimin, “I promised I would always find time for you. You’ve had a tough week. A rough month, honestly. I hated seeing you leave because I felt like things wouldn’t be easy on you…but…I’ve come with a solution.”
“A solution?” Jimin walks over to his kitchen. He sets the flowers down on the counter and begins looking for a vase to put them in for the time being. He doesn’t want them to die as fast as he got them. They’re beautiful. If he can make them last then he will. “What would that be?”
“Come with me to Abronia.” Yoongi says. He stands up from the couch, walks over to the kitchen and leans against the counter. Jimin still remembers the time they spent together here even if it was a month ago. It feels like they’ve known each other for lifetimes. Maybe they have.
Maybe they would always be destined for each other.
“I can come with you, but I have to come back. You know that.” Jimin replies. He finds a vase underneath his sink, rinses it out and then fills it up with water. Yoongi grabs his hands and stops him from finishing the task he was working on. Confused, Jimin looks up at him.
“No. You don’t understand what I mean.” Yoongi shakes his head. He pulls one of his hands and reaches into his pocket. A second later, he’s pulling out a ring. “I know this is sudden but it's for a good purpose, truly. This ring is the key to you staying in Abronia. Magic can’t affect you. It’ll keep you safe and…and I want it to signify us. You and I.”
“Are you…is this some kind of proposal? I’m not sure if I’m reading this right. I could be wrong, honestly.” Jimin’s eyes are wide and there are so many things running through his head that he isn’t sure what to think at this very moment, but he’s trying. He wants to know what Yoongi means and instead of waiting, he wants to say what’s on his mind. But then Yoongi continues.
“Yes, in a way. And I know it may be sudden…I know we were never considered boyfriends ? Though now that I think about it maybe we were, considering everytime we were together we kissed but…Kings and Royalty don’t normally get the stage so forgive my boldness.” He looks down at the ring. It’s a silver band with a gold gem inside of it. Beautiful. Jimin can’t help but smile at it. He loves it to pieces. “I know your life here is probably something you’re not entirely ready to leave. Yet, I also know that it’s been hard this last month and you’re struggling. I hope this doesn’t seem like me choosing the easy route but…come to Abronia with me. Learn to lead a Kingdom and be by my side.”
Oh.
Oh.
Now Jimin understands. Yoongi wants him to come to Abronia for good. To leave this apartment, this world, and go to The Enchanted Land. But was he ready?
He can always return, he knows that. The fountain’s portal won’t disappear simply because Jimin stays on that side. They’ve both done research and it appears that the portal has always been there. Or at least, it always will be since Yoongi opened it up a month ago.
“If ever a time comes where you’re stressed or need an escape from my world, the portal will bring you back here to where you come home.” Yoongi promises. He looks down at the ring he’s holding in his hand still. “However, I don’t want you to think this is your only option. I don’t want you to agree just because you have no other choice so please think it through first.”
Jimin shakes his head. “I don’t have to think it through.” He says. He holds his hand out so it’s easier for Yoongi to slide the ring onto his finger. The finger where it will remain for the rest of his life. “Let’s go to Abronia. I’m ready, I think. I can do this. I’m your soulmate, Yoongi. It’s never too early to propose when we’re destined to be together. Besides, I have so many things I want to learn. So many things for us to do…let’s go.”
Yoongi picks Jimin up then and spins him around. He pulls him close and kisses him passionately. Lovingly.
“My future King, I love you more than the worlds combined.” Yoongi whispers. “You saved me from that Darkness. That cursed sleep. Without you, I wouldn’t be me.”
“My King, my future Husband, I love you more than the worlds combined.” Jimin whispers back. A smile pulls at his lips. His heart swells. “You found me when I needed you most. You saved me from the hardships of this world.”
Jimin thinks back to all of the times they told each other “ soon” .
He smiles at the thought.
Soon has become Now.