Chapter Text
Jungkook groaned as the alarm from his phone jolted him out of his dreamless sleep. He rolled over onto his stomach and reached over to his bedside table to swipe his phone off the surface, effectively ripping it off the charger.
The brightness of his phone made his eyes squint and his head throb more than it already was. When his eyes adjusted to the light, he saw that it read nine in the morning. It was much too early to be up after a night of drinking but he was already late for his workout at the ballpark.
He really shouldn’t have had that last drink the night before.
He rolled over until he found himself in a sitting position at the edge of his bed. He leaned over, stretching out the kinks in his back and shoulder before making a mental note to get a hot pack for his pitching shoulder later.
Shaking his head, he made his way to the kitchen, turning on the TV to the sports channel in the process as he usually did. His open floor plan let him watch the TV from the kitchen.
He hummed lightly as he made himself some coffee, choosing to just use his Keurig because he was not going to exert extra effort that morning. With his back to the TV, his ears perked up when the sports analysts began talking about his team.
“Breaking news, we just got word that the Samsung Lions just traded their veteran catcher, Kim Seokjin, to the Doosan Bears for center fielder Park Jimin. We’re here with Lee Hyosung-ssi, head analyst for the Doosan Bears.” He turned to the analyst sitting next to him. “Lee Hyosung-ssi, how does this trade impact the teams and possibly the division?”
Jungkook stood frozen in his spot before slowly turning around, coffee mug in hand. He made his way to the living room, standing in front of the sofa so he could get a good view of what was happening.
“Well, Junghoon-ssi, the Lions have been desperately missing a key bat in their lineup. Despite having a decent team batting average, they are last in the league in runs scored as well as home runs. Park Jimin has fifteen home runs already on the season and is on track to have a thirty home run season. Not only that, he is third in the league in average with runners in scoring position. He is definitely someone you would want batting third or fourth in your lineup.”
Jungkook clutched his mug tightly as he sat down on the couch slowly. He didn’t even notice his jaw was clenched shut until he moved to take a sip of his coffee, the caffeine working to try to calm him down.
What was his idiot of a general manager doing? Why the hell would he trade such a key part of their batting order in the middle of a pennant race? Without Jimin, they were never going to make it to the playoffs.
“Why would the Bears, then, trade such a key player to their rivals, when they’re on the verge of making it to the playoffs, Hyosung-ssi? What do the Bears have to gain from any of this?”
“Well, they get the leadership of Kim Seokjin. There’s no argument that they have a lot of raw talent on their team but what they’re lacking is guidance. Thirteen of the twenty-five players on their team are on their first or second season in the majors. Only two of their players have been in a post season before last season. I believe that that is the reason for their collapse in the post season last year. Kim Seokjin is playing his eighth season in the majors and has been a key figure for the Lions in guiding a lot of their young rookies and helping them make that transition to the majors. On top of that, Kim Seokjin has a decent bat and a really strong arm so he catches a lot of runners trying to steal. He’s not a bad addition to any team.”
Jungkook shook his head. He didn’t need a stupid babysitter telling him what to do. He already had his old man of a manager breathing down his neck constantly. He was ace rookie, Jeon Jungkook.
“But what about the history these two teams have? These two teams are in a heated rivalry at the moment. No one can forget about the game last post season where the Lions eliminated the Bears with a walk-off home run.”
“Ah, yes. Many heated words were exchanged after that. Starting pitcher Jeon Jungkook called the Lions old and overrated whereas closer Min Yoongi called the Bears choke artists. It’ll be interesting to see how the team dynamics will change with the addition of these new players.”
“Thank you, for your insight, Lee Hyosung-ssi. We have fifty games left in the season so we still have a lot of baseball to play but the door is already closing for some teams to play in the post season.” The analyst looked to the side and the image panned to a different camera angle. “And when we come back, we’ll show you the biggest highlights from last night’s games-”
Jungkook quickly turned off the TV, not wanting to listen to anything else. He stood up quickly and dumped his coffee in the sink. He pulled out his phone out of the pocket of his sweatpants. He took a deep breath when he saw he got a message from Jimin.
Kookie! I’m gonna stop by the clubhouse to pack up my stuff before I have to leave to meet up with my new team! Make sure to actually stop by the ballpark today so I can say bye!
--
“Hyung don’t goooo!” Taehyung whined as Seokjin was packing up his things in his locked into a baby pink duffel bag. Taehyung pouted when Seokjin just chuckled so in retaliation, he proceeded to unpack everything Seokjin put in his bag and place it back into his locker.
“Tae, please don’t do that.” Seokjin laughed but when Taehyung did not listen to him, he frowned. “Tae, if you do not stop right now, I swear you’re not getting a good-bye hug.”
“Hyung! That’s cruel! You can’t do that! Especially when you’re leaving for the enemy!” Taehyung complained but sat down obediently on the bench as Seokjin continued to pack.
“Just leave him be, hyung.” Yoongi approached while adjusting the cap on his head. “At least you don’t have to deal with the kid anymore.” Yoongi and Seokjin laughed.
“Hey! Hyung! You can’t just leave me with Yoongi hyung! He’s mean!” Taehyung scooted closer to Seokjin on the bench and tugged at the sleeve of his shirt.
“Yoongi, stop teasing him.” Seokjin said, though the smile on his face said that he wouldn’t oppose Yoongi not stopping. Taehyung stuck his tongue out at Yoongi who just waved him off and walked away, mumbling something about throwing some practice pitches.
“But hyung! You still can’t go! You’re going to have a horrible time there! I heard that that Jungkook pitcher guy is a complete and total ass. And he hates us! Do you remember the look he gave me when I hit that home run off him last season?” Taehyung tried to reason with him but Seokjin wasn’t having any of it.
“Well, he also gave you that look because of your bat flip after you hit it. Not to mention you threw your hands up before giving him the bird. I don’t think he appreciated-”
“Minor details.” Taehyung put his hands up in defense. “I still don’t think you should go.” Taehyung said firmly.
“Sorry, Tae. I don’t really have a choice. The trade is final. I don’t really have a say in it.” Taehyung pouted again before taking a deep breath.
“I’m gonna miss you a whole lot, hyung.” Taehyung tilted his head to rest it on Seokjin’s hip. He had stood back up by the bench, packing his stuff away.
“Hey!” A familiar bright smile jogged over from his own locker across the room. “You’re not the only one who’s gonna miss him! I’ve known hyung for much longer than you have, Tae!” Seokjin laughed before pausing to pack. He walked around the bench
“I’m gonna miss you too, Hoseok.” Seokjin put his arm around Hoseok’s shoulder before patting him firmly on the back. “You grew up a lot in the five years I’ve known you. I’m proud of you.”
“You talk like you’re an old man.” Hoseok laughed before leaning his head into Seokjin’s shoulder. “You’re only two years older than me hyung and you’ve only been in the big leagues three seasons more than I have.” Seokjin laughed before wrapping his arms around Hoseok’s head and engulfing him in a hug.
“Let me have my moment, Hobi.” The elder rocked them back and forth while humming in contentment.
“Hyung! That’s not fair! I didn’t get a hug!” Taehyung’s complaints made the duo separate and look at him. Seokjin glanced at Hoseok to make sure it was okay before extending his arms out to invite Taehyung into the hug.
Taehyung immediately jumped up from his spot and inserted himself between Seokjin and Hoseok, much to Hoseok’s displeasure, wrapping his arms around his hyung’s waist and snuggling his face into his chest.
Seokjin couldn’t do anything but mouth a “sorry” to Hoseok and pat Taehyung’s hair, running his fingers through the strands in the process.
Hoseok mouthed back an “it’s okay” with a smile before letting go and walking back to his own locker to grab his bat and get some batting practice in before the game.
Seokjin looked down at the shortstop latching onto him. In so many ways, he had seen him grow and mature into such an intelligent player but at the same time, he still seemed like the nineteen-year-old rookie that came up to the big leagues two years ago.
For two seasons, he saw the way Taehyung’s raw talent was refined and shaped to make him a smart and intelligent athlete that was known as a threat across the league, especially on the bases.
He smiled remembering how when he was first called up to play with him, Taehyung was filled with a desire to play and love for the game. At the same time, he was reckless and a little too eager during the game. He swung at absolutely everything and tried to steal a base at any chance he got. He was a wildfire. He wore his heart on his sleeve and showed all him emotions on his face. The result: he had the highest strike out rate in the majors, his running game was a disappointment, and every other player in the majors knew exactly how to get under his skin.
It wasn’t until Seokjin had sat him down and talked about strategy with him that he started to show some improvement. He began looking for pitches in his zone instead of swinging at anything that came his way. He began waiting until the defense wasn’t paying attention to him to try and steal a bag.
In a few weeks, he went from being the easiest strike out to one of the hardest players keep off the bases. In a few weeks, he went from being the worst base stealers to being almost invincible on the bases.
Taehyung owed his success as a player to Seokjin. He was sure that if Seokjin wasn’t there – if his hyung wasn’t there to look out for rookies like him – no one would have paid any attention to a disappointing rookie like him.
And it wasn’t just in the game the Seokjin showed his endless support for him. Any time Taehyung felt homesick from being on the road for so long, any time Taehyung was having a hard time because he felt lonely, any time Taehyung was mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted from the grind of their career, Seokjin was there for him even when he didn’t say anything.
He was always there for him with a bowl of jjimgalbi and a tub of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.
Though, even if Seokjin wasn’t there with food for him all the time, he would be content because he was always there.
He was there for him when he was a tiny guppy thrown into a sea of sharks. He was there for him when he was one of the youngest players to even be promoted to the major leagues. He was there for him when he was called star rookie and expected to know everything when in reality he knew nothing.
He was there.
And now he wasn’t going to be.
The fear that he was going to be alone again, the fear that he was going to be a failure again was flooding through him like a broken dam.
Taehyung was terrified, shaking in his cleats. His palms were sweaty and his throat felt constricted. It was happening all over again. He was going to be alone.
Seokjin was his hyung. He was his rock. He was his cornerstone and without him, the house was going to come crumbling down.
Seokjin didn’t even realize Taehyung was crying until the neckline of his shirt began to feel damp followed by the subtle shaking of Taehyung’s shoulders.
“Hyung,” Taehyung let out a cracked cry. “You can’t leave me.” Taehyung’s voice was almost a whisper, as if meant for only Seokjin’s ears.
“Oh, Tae.” Seokjin sighed before pulling them to sit on the bench. He held Taehyung to his shoulder and cradled him, rocking the two of them back and forth comfortingly. “It’s gonna be okay.” Taehyung shook his head frivolously in protest.
“No, it’s not and you know it.” Taehyung sniffed. He knew he was getting snot and tears all over his hyung’s shirt but he didn’t care. He was leaving. He wasn’t supposed to leave. “I can’t play without you. I can’t be here if you’re not.” Taehyung barely managed to let the words escape his throat.
“Shh.” Seokjin hushed the younger. “You’ll be okay. I promise.”
“B-but,” Taehyung hiccupped before pulling back from Seokjin quickly, tears streaming down his cheeks. “Who’s going to remind me to stop swinging at the pitch off the plate? Who’s going to remind me to wait until I have a good lead off first before I steal? Who’s going to remind me that I can’t keep eating whatever I want because I’m not fifteen anymore? Who’s going to-”
“Shh.” Seokjin hushed him again before tenderly wiping his tears with his thumb. “You don’t need me to remind you to do that anymore.” He smiled at the younger. “You just remembered that all on your own. Even if you don’t think so, you’re not a kid anymore. You’re all grown up.” Taehyung shook his head as more tears fell down his cheeks.
“No, but-”
“No more buts.” Seokjin reached underneath his shirt to pull out a gold chain with a simple “S” written in cursive as the pendant. He had to firmly release his other arm from Taehyung’s grasp to reach behind his neck and unclasp it. “You can have my lucky necklace.”
“But, hyung!” Seokjin raised his finger up to hush Taehyung.
“As I was saying, you can have it.” He carefully placed it in the palm of Taehyung’s hand before making the younger enclose his fingers around it and hold it close to his chest. “I’ve had that necklace since I came to the big leagues and it has never failed me. It won’t fail you either.”
“I…” Taehyung shut his eyes closed while clutching the chain tightly. “I won’t forget this. The next time you see me, I’m gonna show you how good of a player I am!” He opened his eyes, wet with tears. “I don’t care how good of an arm you have! I’m gonna run on you and I’m gonna steal second, third, and maybe even home! Just you wait!”
Seokjin smiled at Taehyung. Taehyung smiled back at Seokjin but the pain was still evident in his eyes. He was never really good at hiding how he felt.
“That’s my boy.” Seokjin pet Taehyung’s head and Taehyung leaned into Seokjin’s hand, savoring the feeling of his hyung’s fingers running through his hair. “I know you’re going to be amazing, okay? Don’t doubt yourself.”
Taehyung couldn’t help but close his eyes again. He pouted while he nodded though he wasn’t sure he really believed it yet.
“I…I’m going to try, hyung. I’m gonna be a better player for you.” He leaned close, placing his forehead onto Seokjin’s trying to relish in their closeness because he wasn’t sure when the next time he would be given this chance again was.
Seokjin closed his eyes, too. He could feel Taehyung’s breath on his lips. They were so close. If only he had the courage to lean forward, but he didn’t.
He pulled back and let out a breath he didn’t even know he was holding in. Taehyung’s eyes drooped in disappointment as Seokjin stood up and packed the last of his things.
Taehyung sat there in silence while watching Seokjin fold up the last of his clothes with eyebrows furrowed as if deep in thought. Before he knew it, Seokjin was zipping up his duffel bag and slinging it across his shoulder, ready to go.
They stood in front of each other wanting to say so many things but not having the courage to say anything. It was Seokjin who was finally able to muster out something after taking a deep breath.
“Tae, when you become that better player that I know you can be, don’t do it for me. Do it for you.” Seokjin smiled and placed a gentle kiss on Taehyung’s forehead. He pulled back and looked at Taehyung one last time before holding the handle of the duffel bag and leaving the locker room, ready to head out to meet his new team.
Taehyung stood there, shoulders sagged slightly. He stood there next to the empty locker with the only evidence of Seokjin ever owning it being his name tag barely sticking onto the shelf.
--
“Jungkook-ah!” Jungkook was in the locker room, putting his cap on when Jimin’s voice surprised him, forcing him to turn around and find Jimin standing at the entrance.
Jimin took it as an invitation to jog up to Jungkook and warp his arm around his shoulders. He was wearing an Under Armor shirt with some jean shorts. His lack of a baseball uniform showed that he wasn’t playing.
“Yah, I told you to come early! It’s the seventh inning already! Why are you so late? I was supposed to leave hours ago!” Jimin jumped up to grab Jungkook’s head in a headlock before knocking his cap off and ruffling up his hair.
Honestly, since the news of the trade hit that morning, Jungkook wasn’t even planning on coming to the ballpark that game. The only reason he did was because he had already broken team policy by not showing up a game the week before. The team had fined him as punishment and stated the next time he was to not show up to a game, he would be suspended.
But he was only late. His team would probably still be angry at him, but at least he wouldn’t get suspended.
“Why didn’t you leave?” Jungkook frowned, not expecting to find Jimin there.
“What do you mean why didn’t I leave? I was waiting for you, you idiot!” Jungkook was squirming around in Jimin’s hold before he finally let him go. Jungkook quickly tried to fix his hair before picking up his cap to put it back on his head. “And that’s no way to talk to your hyung!”
“I can talk to you however I want, traitor.” Jungkook snorted while letting out a small chuckle. Jimin gasped for dramatic effect.
“I’m no traitor! Once a Bear, always a Bear no matter what team I end up playing for! You know that!” Jungkook rolled his eyes.
“Whatever, no one really believes that. It’s just you.” Jungkook went into his locker to pull out his glove. He slipped it into his left hand and punched at it with his right to loosen the strings.
“Not true!” Jimin frowned. “I’m sure most of the team thinks that way too!” Jungkook chuckled while walking towards the exit, signaling Jimin to follow him.
“Nope.” Jungkook made a popping noise with his lips at the “p”. “I’m pretty sure it’s just you.”
“You rascal!” Jimin jumped onto Jungkook’s back who just kept walking as if nothing happened. “You better take that back and show some respect for your hyung!”
“What hyung?” Jungkook laughed. “All I see is a little dwarf who can barely see over his bat.”
“No respect!” Jimin hit Jungkook’s back while laughing. “After all I’ve done for this team, this is the payback I get?”Jimin jumped off. “You know, I’m kind of happy I get to leave now. Now, I don’t have to deal with disrespectful brats like you.” Jimin knocked his hips into Jungkook’s pulling him a little off balance.
“Even if it means not being around Namjoon hyung anymore?” Jimin froze in his steps, making Jungkook stop a couple steps in front of him. He turned around to see Jimin with a blank look in his face.
“We’re not talking about this right now, Jungkook.” Jimin shook his head and started walking again.
“But hyung, did you even tell him?”
“I said, we’re not talking about this.” Jimin looked up, a mixture of hurt and desperation in his eyes. “Please.”
“You’re going to have to tell him some day, hyung.” The two walked through a door that brought them to the bullpen where all the relief pitchers were warming up and throwing some practice pitches in case they were called to replace the current pitcher. Among them was Namjoon, getting ready because he would be called up to pitch the eighth inning for the team.
“Yea, but now is too late.” Jimin gave Jungkook a sad smile before looking back at his former teammates. When Namjoon spotted the pair, he immediately ran up to them with his goofy smile on his face.
“Jimin-ah! I thought you left already!”
“Not yet!” The sadness in his eyes was seemingly gone. “I was waiting for this brat.” He laughed before hitting Jungkook’s shoulder. “It took forever for him to come tonight.”
“Yah, Jungkook-ah.” Namjoon shook his head in disapproval but he still let out a chuckle. “You know team policy. Even if you’re not scheduled to play, you’re supposed to be ready with the team as if you were!”
“Policy, shmolicy.” Jungkook shrugged. “Honestly, I don’t really care.” Namjoon rolled his eyes before placing his arm around Jungkook’s shoulders.
“And that, you brat, is exactly why you have a bad reputation around the league. You better stay away from coach for the rest of the night or he’ll have your head.” He patted Jungkook’s back a couple times before taking a step back. “Well, I better get back to warming up. They’re gonna call me to play soon.” Namjoon nodded. “Next time I see you, we’ll be playing against each other, right?”
“Yea,” Jimin mustered out, a blush creeping up his cheeks.
“Try not to hit a home run off me.” Namjoon laughed as he turned around and jogged back up to the practice pitching mound. Jimin turned around, back to Namjoon, while biting down on his bottom lip to try to hold in his smile.
“Are you sure it’s too late?” Jungkook joked but Jimin just hit him again before he started walking back the way they came.
“Shut up.” He stopped before he made it to the exit before turning around and walking back up to Jungkook real quick. “You take care of yourself, okay? And stop being a brat. I heard Kim Seokjin-ssi is really uptight about that sort of stuff.”
“Yea, alright, mom.” Jungkook rolled his eyes with a smile.
“Bye, Jungkook.” Jimin laughed before finally making his way out with a wave.