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When Jimin woke up in the morning, the first thing he did was breathe in and out deeply. He tried to inhale the warmth of the sunlight streaming through his thin curtains, tried not to think about the cluster of responsibilities resting on his lone shoulders.
The dull throb in his lower back had quietened to a soft whisper of discomfort as he pulled himself up and out of bed. For a moment he just sat there, bedsheets clutched loosely between his fingers. His gaze fell on his ever-swelling stomach which he caressed slightly before making his way to the bathroom.
The mornings in his apartment were always quiet and lonely; not only that, but they used to be filled with sickness. Jimin remembered waking up at dawn, panting and sweating as he stumbled towards the toilet just in time to throw up in it. His painful wrenches, his tired limbs, all twisted into an empty ache as he tried to pull himself together.
The mornings were better now, he agreed with relief, though he had taken to being rid by fatigue. The pregnancy wasn't easy on him; his back would ache from all the standing he did on his job, and his exhausted body had rejected dance some time ago. He told himself not to think about all that he'd lost, and just work hard to gain what he could.
His child.
After finishing up his tasks in the washroom, he stepped into the shower and washed his hair thoroughly. Its light pink stands were fading but he couldn't bring himself to get them retouched; after his long day at work he'd come home, preheat his dinner and gobble it down, falling into bed not much later. Even after all the things he went through, Jimin couldn't bring himself to abort his child. Instead, he decided that being a single father was something he was capable of, and so far he'd managed.
It would only get worse, the doctor had hinted.
Jimin turned off the shower and dried himself, rubbing the soft towel over his belly as he gazed down at it. His feet automatically carried him towards the floor length mirror mounted on the wall. No matter how much his mind told him not to stare, he couldn't bring himself to look away.
Jimin knew his pregnancy would change his body. His stomach was swollen big, thighs larger than before, tiny waist reshaped. His face had already been plump and now it was only getting chubbier. He wanted to look away but he couldn't-- not when he'd changed so much. Jimin had struggled with his weight ever since he was a teenager, and now...
A tear fell from his eye. More pooled in his eyelashes until he was forced to blink, scattering the droplets. He rubbed his eyes and sighed before he began pulling on his clothes: a slightly oversized sweater and those stretchable pants made for pregnant males. He shuffled through his drawer for his rings and his finger skimmed over the choker at the back of it.
The choker was a smooth black strip with two golden letters hanging from it: J Y. His hand absentmindedly came to rest on his pregnant stomach as he picked it up. Quietly, he put clasped it on. He wasn't supposed to wear it to work but he decided that he could wear it to breakfast, for today it seemed to bring him comfort.
His stomach growled and as he stood on his toes to pull out some cutlery, a twinge of pain in his back had him gripping the counter. Tears pooled in his eyes once again. He didn't want to go to work. He didn't want to make breakfast. He didn't want to do anything but lay in bed to nurse his body back to health.
He couldn't.
He had to earn money, especially to support his child. So he stood up straighter. Just as he was about to take some painkillers, the doorbell rang.
~
Yoongi knew his sudden reappearance would break Jimin.
Yet he couldn't help but stand in front of Jimin's door with a bouquet of flowers in his shaking hands. He'd told Jimin that it would take him at least a year to return to his arms, for he had some business left unfinished back in Daegu. Before he'd met Jimin, he had been involved in way too many gang crimes and illegal operations. Instead of legal entities tailing him, he was chased by enemies of the same constitution. When he had fallen in love with the soft, giggly boy with pink hair and kind eyes, he realized with a start that he had to settle scores, or else his enemies would come for his precious Jimin.
He still remembered the day he'd broken this news to Jimin, how devasted both of them had been in the prospect of being separated for more than a year-- Yoongi's dealings were far too many, and there were numerous secretive accounts he had to settle. "I know I'm very selfish for saying this," Yoongi had cried into Jimin's arms, "but will you wait for me?" Jimin had just smoothed out his hair and kissed him, "Of course I will. I'm selfish for you too."
But when Jimin opened the door to his apartment, Yoongi was taken aback.
Yoongi's gaze first fell upon Jimin's beautiful face, but everything about it was wrong. There were dark circles framing eyes which were hinted red, lips set in a sad turn. Then Yoongi saw Jimin's swollen belly and his eyes stuttered with shock. Time seemed to low down and clutch his heart, squeezing painfully. He couldn't believe his eyes.
"Y-Yoongi hyung?" Jimin squeaked out, tears smearing his eyes.
"Jimin," Yoongi breathed out. His heart hammered wildly in his chest. I'm too late, he wanted to cry out, I'm too late. But then he saw the choker he'd once gifted Jimin, the initials glinting: J Y.
Jimin and Yoongi.
Jimin threw himself across the threshold and into Yoongi's arms with a sob. It sufficed to say that Yoongi dropped the flowers to catch Jimin around the waist and pull him closer, the belly pressing between them. Yoongi ran his hand through Jimin's wet hair, eyes glassy. "Jiminie," he murmured as they both fell to the floor in each other's arms. Jimin was sobbing louder now, and his grip on Yoongi had tightened.
"Baby," Yoongi said softly, trying to compose himself, "Let's go in." He pulled away and wiped Jimin's tears, watching Jimin's hands as they, in turn, wiped his own. "Yoongi hyung," Jimin cried again. "I'm here," Yoongi choked out, pulling him up and shuffling into his apartment. He closed the door with his foot and Jimin wrapped his arms around Yoongi's neck, pulling him close once again.
Yoongi held Jimin firmly, back pressed against the door. They stood in each other's embrace for a long time, drinking in the love they both gave each other. No amount of morning sunlight could compete with Yoongi's warmth.
"Jiminie, baby," Yoongi said as he ran his hands up and down Jimin's back soothingly. "Yoongi hyung," Jimin repeated, nose pressed to Yoongi's neck as he inhaled. His eyes fluttered closed; he was holding Yoongi. His Yoongi.
"Jimin--"
"You're back." Yoongi nodded, brushing a strand of hair away from Jimin's face. "I am. I told you I would come back to you." Yoongi kissed his tears, sucking them away. New ones replaced them, Jimin growing more emotional by the second. "What--" Yoongi looked down at Jimin's pregnant stomach and looked back up at him.
"Baby, did someone... hurt you? Knock you up?" Yoongi's head swirled with confusion. Jimin got pregnant after Yoongi's absence but he wore his choker and clung to him. Nothing added up. "N-No and yes." Jimin gulped, looking away. Yoongi's heart clenched painstakingly but he took Jimin's chin in his fingers and gently made him meet his glassy eyes. "It's okay," Yoongi murmured, "if you found someone else to start a family with--"
"No!" Jimin gasped with wide eyes. Yoongi was more perplexed, feelings distorted by the overwhelming fact that Jimin was in his arms. The pregnant man bit his lip and looked down at his belly. "Yours," he murmured so quietly that Yoongi couldn't even hear him. "What--"
"The baby is yours, hyung."
Yoongi froze. His heart pounded heavily, blood rushing in his ears. For a moment he couldn't feel anything, couldn't comprehend anything, but then the words rung true in his head. "M-Mine?" Jimin nodded as fresh tears worked their way out of his puffy eyes.
~
Jimin couldn't stop staring at Yoongi as a series of intense emotions flashed across his face. Disbelief, shock, realization. Then, a question: "How?"
Jimin took a deep breath as Yoongi's arms tightened around him. "I found out a week after you left. I tried contacting you but your number had changed and you had already moved out. I couldn't find you," he whispered. Yoongi's tears leaked out after a few moments, steady as a river. "Don't cry, hyung, it wasn't your fault."
"You planned on keeping the child?" Yoongi gasped out. Jimin looked at him with worry and surprise, "Of course I did." Before Yoongi had left they both had acknowledged that it wasn't highly unlikely that Yoongi wouldn't make it back. After all his background was painted in violence and murderous undertones. If anything went wrong someone would kill him. But Yoongi didn't have a choice: risk his life in order to settle down his 'debts' or pave the way for Jimin to become a victim of a personal vendetta.
"I didn't know if you would come back, especially just after six months instead of a year as you'd said," Jimin said gently, pressing his forehead against Yoongi's, "and the child was the only thing I had left of you. Of course I kept it."
Yoongi looked into Jimin's eyes; eyes which had looked so tired before were lit up now. Jimin's plump lips turned up into a soft smile, cheeks bunching together. His skin glowed from beneath the trails of tears that were birth from his shining eyes. His euphoria was contagious, and Yoongi found himself bursting into his largest gummy smile as he gazed at his lover.
"I love you, Jiminie." Jimin kissed his nose and laughed gently, putting his arms around Yoongi, "I love you more than anything in the world, hyung."
~
Jimin felt overwhelmed in such a wonderful way. The smile couldn't fall off his face as he kissed Yoongi, deep and slow. Yoongi held onto him, delicate features set aglow with elation. "Sweetheart, you look so tired." Yoongi managed to say in between their kisses. Those sunken eyes, loose limbs. So unlike Jimin who was always bright and strong and fierce in the cutest way possible.
Jimin broke away, a heaviness returning to his visage. "I am," Jimin was particular about making sure that his weakness didn't show in front of his colleagues at work or the students he taught. But with Yoongi he could easily lay bare all his vulnerabilities. And so when his pent-up emotions rose to the surface he didn't shove them down.
"It hurts," Jimin began with eyes cast down, "and I'm always so tired. All I want to do is lay in bed but I have to go to work-- I don't teach dance anymore. Instead, I got a job as a school teacher and now I have to spend my day crouching by my tiny students and their tiny desks and my back hurts. My body is changing and I can't keep up. I have to clean the house too, and cook food, and do the dishes, take out the laundry. Every. Day. I'm so tired." And lonely.
Yoongi pressed his lips to Jimin's forehead and kissed down his nose, nuzzling his neck and massaging his lower back with his hands. "You don't have to do any of that from now on, baby," Yoongi claimed, wavering voice housing guilt and determination, "I'm going to take care of you and make up for everything I made you go through and sacrifice--"
"It's not your fault--"
"I committed crimes, I left you, I got you pregnant. Now I'm taking responsibility. I'll make sure you never feel tired or hurt or stressed ever again. I'm going to take so much care of you; you'll drown in my love, baby. Jiminie--" Jimin pressed a kiss to Yoongi's lips with a graceful smile.
"Please don't beat yourself over it," Jimin said. He knew that Yoongi would smother himself in his guilt, "I'll feel worse if you do."
Yoongi looked up through his lashes, "For you, I'll do anything."
~
Jimin smiled when Yoongi picked him up bridal style. Jimin linked his arms around his lover and kissed Yoongi's pale, smooth neck, giggling at his grunts and reddened face. "Yoongi hyung, I can walk. Besides I'm heavy now, don't force yourself--"
"Listen, baby boy," Yoongi grunted out through clenched teeth, "I'm going to do this every fucking day. I don't care if my arms fall off. You will never be too heavy because half of your soul is in me." Jimin laughed and carded his hands through Yoongi's hair, meeting his gaze as Yoongi set him down on the bed.
"You are hungry, right?" Yoongi asked, pulling away. Jimin nodded, eyes widening in shock, "Oh my-- I forgot to make breakfast," he groaned, "and I have to go to school--"
"Jiminie, no, I'll make you breakfast. Meanwhile, call up work and tell them that you won't be coming today, okay? It's time for you to rest. Actually, take the whole week off--"
"Hyung I need to go--"
"I have money," Yoongi blurted, "and I'm going to pay for everything you and the baby need."
"Where did you even get the money from?" Jimin narrowed his eyes, reprimanding. A bit of disappointment leaked from his gaze. "It's not blood money or anything, Jiminie. I settled everything before coming back. I have no ties to that shithole anymore."
Jimin's eyes softened and he took Yoongi's hand in his, "How did you earn so much money; you can't possibly pay for all the expenses."
"I can. My parents," Yoongi cleared his throat, "gave me a share of their company and put a large sum in my bank account."
Jimin's jaw dropped. Yoongi had had a falling out with his elite parents ever since he was a teenager; they'd always been busy in their multinational business, traveling from place to place, hardly ever spending time with their only child. Yoongi was unfortunate enough to fall into gang dealings as a result of a poor, neglected upbringing. He grew to despise his parents so much that he, turning nineteen, left home with none of their money or blessings, but plenty of hatred in his heart which he garnered into violence.
Until he'd met Jimin his life was ugly and vile. The kind of crimes he'd committed was unforgivable, yet Jimin gave him a second chance to show the gentle character that had been buried under his hardened layers. Of course, it had conflicted with Jimin's morals, and many times Jimin had questioned his decision to pursue his love for Yoongi. Yet he didn't leave him.
Yoongi was forever grateful for being shown that there was enough love in this world for him, right in Jimin's arms.
"Your parents," Jimin breathed out. Yoongi nodded, "Yeah. After I... left you, I went to them and told them everything. I told them that I wasn't sorry for leaving them but... there is this boy I love, I confessed, and I want to fix everything to be with him. My mother asked me if I was willing to give up my 'gangster lifestyle,' I told her that was exactly what I had set off to do. They supported me even if they no longer knew me.
"I left when I was nineteen, so they gave me all the money that I was supposed to have used. They told me to use it to make you happy, to give you everything I can, the way they never did for me." Yoongi's eyes were watery again. Jimin pressed a kiss to each of his eyelids and smiled, "I'm not going to ask you about the money anymore, or how you settled everything back in Daegu. Not now when we both are too emotional. I'm just glad you spoke to your parents again."
Yoongi nodded, pressing a kiss to Jimin's palm. "I promise I won't be like them," he said with his gaze on Jimin's stomach, "I'll support you and our child to the fullest, not just with money." Then both were quiet for some time, Jimin staring at his lover, Yoongi staring at his belly.
"May-- May I?" Yoongi asked tentatively. Jimin blinked, "What, hyung?" Yoongi gulped, tapping the swollen belly, "Can I see our baby?" Jimin raised his brows, though his heart burst with the words he was longing to hear for six months: our baby. He lifted the hem of his sweater to reveal a rounded stomach, not as big as it was going to be in some more time.
Yoongi placed his hands on Jimin's tummy, brushing his thumbs over Jimin's milky new skin in wonder. Jimin closed his eyes at the sensation of Yoongi's warmth on his stomach and tried to hold in his giggles at the ticklish sensation. "Hyung," he whined. Yoongi grinned and looked up at Jimin, giddy. "You're so pretty, Jiminie," Yoongi said, "what a perfect man." Roses bloomed on Jimin's cheeks and he grinned back, "Hyung, you look like a kitten." Yoongi rolled his eyes, "You know, a 'thank you' would have been enough."
Jimin's grumbling stomach broke their conversation. "I'm going!" Yoongi said, stumbling away from Jimin, "You must be so hungry and here I am, not cooking--"
"You don't even know where the pans are kept--"
"I'll figure that out," Yoongi said as he jogged through the living room and into the kitchen, "just give me fifteen minutes. Rest till then, baby boy. I'll be right here."
With a relaxed smile, Jimin settled into his bed, pulling the covers over himself. He had to call up work and tell them that he wasn't going to come; in fact, he was considering actually taking a break until his pregnancy was over. For the first time in a long time, he felt untroubled and carefree. He didn't have to worry about making breakfast or going to school today.
He finally got what he needed: Yoongi, and some rest.
~
"Sweetheart," Yoongi whispered in Jimin's ear, brushing his hair from his face, "Baby?" Jimin blinked himself awake and a slow smile graced his figure at the sight of Yoongi hovering over him. "You're still here," Jimin murmured, brushing his hand over Yoongi's cheek. Yoongi looked worried, "Of course. I'm not leaving ever again. Your hunger, though, better get the fuck out of here. I made you breakfast." The delicious smell of omelets prompted his mouth to salivate. He sat up from his brief nap, only to have Yoongi set up some pillows against the headboard and hand him a plate stacked with three massive omelets.
Jimin raised a brow, "What about you, hyung? Did you eat?" Yoongi rolled his eyes. "Don't worry about me. Just eat. Tell me if you want more, okay? Do you need anything else?" Jimin shook his head with a smile. "Do you take any vitamins for pregnancy?" Jimin nodded, "Yeah. They are kept on the fridge. I already took them today."
Yoongi smiled and nudged his plate, "Eat, babe."
Jimin complied gladly, stuffing himself fully. Yoongi laughed cutely and pointed at the bouquet of flowers that were now kept in a vase on Jimin's desk. "I brought you roses and daisies but I dropped them in the hallway. Luckily no fucker stole them otherwise I would have beat their ass." Jimin laughed heartily at his boyfriend.
"Also, I brought you so many gifts it's unbelievable. Namjoon-ah will probably ask me why I turned into such a romantic."
"Gifts?" Jimin perked up. Yoongi smirked, "Yeah, baby boy. I know you love being pampered and spoiled so how could I resist?"
"Gimme," Jimin demanded with a playful grin and smiley eyes. "It's all for you, baby. Finish eating first."
~
When Yoongi pulled out a bottle of nail polish from his pocket, Jimin's eyes sparkled brighter than any sun in the universe. "This is holographic nail polish!" Jimin gasped, turning the bottle in his hands with a big grin. "I knew you'd like it. It's so damn glittery." Jimin looked up, "Thank you, hyung!"
Jimin unscrewed the bottle and began to apply it on his nails. A strip of fierce glitter shimmered brightly. "Let me, babe," Yoongi took the bottle and placed Jimin's hand on his big stomach as he began to put the polish on.
"It's amazing, hyung," Jimin praised as he watched his boyfriend closer than the work he was actually doing. "Yeah? I practiced for you." Jimin laughed, "I was talking about the nail polish but I've got to say that you have skills too." Both of them laughed. "Oops," Yoongi said as some nail polish brushed Jimin's skin; he quickly wiped it away. "Your beautiful stomach is distracting me."
After the nail polish dried, Yoongi tucked Jimin into bed. "Go to sleep now, okay?"
"But it's not even nine, hyung."
Yoongi ran his hand through Jimin's hair, "You should still rest-- wait, there's one more thing." Yoongi reached into his bomber jacket's pocket and pulled out an anklet. "For my baby's pretty ankle," Yoongi explained as he pulled Jimin's foot from under the covers, raised the hem of his pant and put it on. "Its made of real silver." Jimin's plump lips formed an 'o' as he gazed at the delicate piece of jewelry that sat so well against his skin. "Oh, hyung, you didn't have to..."
"I wanted to. And this is only the beginning. You like it?"
"Yes!" Jimin pulled Yoongi in for a kiss and put his arms around him, pulling him close. "Will you cuddle with me?"
Yoongi snuggled in close, mindful of Jimin's bump as he wrapped his arms around him. Jimin pressed his palms to Yoongi's broad chest. "Sweetheart, how can I say no?" Yoongi shrugged as Jimin's grinned so wide his eyes disappeared into slits. "I love you, hyung." Yoongi kissed Jimin's smiling lips and tapped his belly, "I love you, baby."
"Are you speaking to me or the baby?"
"Both of you; the loves of my life."
~
Jimin had fallen asleep within the next ten minutes, legs entwined with Yoongi's, arms around his shoulders. Yoongi's hand caressed Jimin's baby bump as he gazed at his lover. He was so lost in his thoughts that the sound of the ringing doorbell registered too late. He stumbled out of bed when he realized someone was at the door, hurrying to open it so that the loud bell couldn't disturb Jimin.
Taehyung stood at the door with his car keys dangling from his fingers, eyes wide and surprised as he stared down at Yoongi. Then, they hardened. Yoongi was startled to see such wrath in his friend's eyes but had somewhat expected it. They all knew how protective Taehyung was, especially over sweet Jimin. And after what Yoongi had done, only Jimin was capable of forgiving him. "Taehyung--"
"Hyung," Tae said flatly, "What are you doing here?" Instead of waiting for an answer he shoved Yoongi aside, barging into the apartment. "Minnie--"
"Shut up, idiot. He's sleeping."
Taehyung made his way to Jimin's bedroom, peeking in to see his best friend snuggled into the sheets, cuddling with a pillow. He turned back to Yoongi with a snarl as he hissed, "Why are you here?" Yoongi raised his hands defensively, aware of what all this ruckus was about.
"I promised Jimin I'd come back."
"Yeah? Where the fuck were you when he needed you, anyway?"
Yoongi lowered his eyes and looked away, "That's between him and me."
"It doesn't matter, hyung! You don't even have the slightest idea of what Minnie went through and then you just show up as if--"
"Tae?" Jimin called out, rubbing his eyes. The sound of his best friend had shaken him awake.
"Look at what you've done," Yoongi hissed, "he was sleeping--"
"What I've done?" Taehyung gasped incredulously, "Look at what I've done? Hyung, look at what you've done--"
"Tae, what are you doing here? Why are you both raising your voices?" Jimin asked as he sat upright and stared at the men in his hallway with a hand instinctively on his stomach. Their eyes' snapped to Jimin, softening immediately. "Minnie," Taehyung started, "Why did you just let Yoongi walk into your life as if nothing happened--"
"I need him, Tae. And I love him." Yoongi could have teared up at those words --so full of love and trust-- but Taehyung wasn't having it. He turned to Yoongi, fists clenched.
"Leave if you want to fight," Yoongi interrupted before Taehyung could say anything. Taehyung's eyes flared with anger, "Look here, hyung," he sneered, "I am the one who drives him to work, I'm the one who cooks him food on weekends, I'm the one who takes care of him on his worst days, and you are asking me to leave? Well, news flash. I'm not going anywhere; I'm not like you."
Yoongi flinched away, guilt curdling his insides. His heart clenched painfully as it fell apart in his chest, and Jimin was quick to see the blood. "Tae, stop it," he said firmly as he swiftly walked over to place a palm on Taehyung's shoulder, pushing him away gently. "Seriously, Minnie? Are you actually taking his side now?"
Jimin shook his head, eyes glazing over, "I'm not taking sides--"
"Taehyung, it doesn't matter that you are my friend right now. I'm going to fucking kill you if you make Jimin cry--"
"I am making him cry? Asshole, you are the one who disappeared--"
"I'm here to stay now, okay? I'm not leaving Jimin ever again--"
"Yeah, empty promises. Is all this a game to you? Do you think Minnie actually--"
"Tae, stop," Jimin pleaded with his eyes shut as he clutched his shoulder, "Stop saying all that. You know Yoongi hyung-- he'd never willingly hurt me--" He burst into tears, sobbing into his hands. Taehyung and Yoongi froze at that, that saddening moment when all they could see was Jimin in tears, Jimin in pain. Yoongi made the first move, shoving Taehyung aside as he pulled Jimin into a hug, pressing big kisses to his hair.
Taehyung watched quietly, defiance dying out in his eyes, a lone fire in an endless sea. "Sweetheart, don't cry," Yoongi whispered soothingly, running his hands along Jimin's back, "Please don't cry."
"I hate seeing you guys fight." Jimin choked out, pressing into Yoongi. Taehyung reached for Jimin's hand and squeezed it gently, "I'm so sorry, Minnie."
"Me too, baby." Yoongi murmured into his hair. Taehyung and Yoongi tried their best to calm Jimin down, wiping his tears away and apologizing profusely for upsetting him.
"Say something nice to Tae," Jimin whispered against Yoongi's chest, "he has been taking care of me. Please don't fight."
Yoongi was silent for a few moments, looking for the perfect words to say.
"Tae," he started as he put his chin on Jimin's head, eyes meeting his friend's, "Thank you for taking care of Jiminie." Taehyung didn't reply, causing Jimin to grow more anxious by the second. Yoongi continued, unrelenting, "From today you'll never see him cry or stressed ever again. I'm going to take care of him, okay?"
Taehyung's eyes drifted between Jimin and Yoongi who held on to each other, like always. He saw Jimin's face shine contently as he folded himself into his lover, saw the softness in Yoongi's eyes.
"It sounds like you are going to abduct him, hyung," was all Taehyung said. Jimin laughed, tension draining, and patted Tae's hair affectionately. Yoongi nodded with a thankful gaze at his friend who, for the first time after six months, smiled at him.
It was a slight smile, but a smile nonetheless.
~
"I can't stay for long, Minnie. My students will be waiting for me," Taehyung said as he nursed a cup of coffee Yoongi had made. Jimin, having taken a seat on the kitchen counter, nodded.
"I told Seokjin hyung that I won't be able to make it," Jimin said as he traced circles on his belly with his thumb, "I'm also considering resigning."
"What?" Yoongi and Taehyung exclaimed together, one in delight and one in shock. "Yeah. I don't think I can handle all those kids anymore, and after pregnancy, I'll be going back to the dance studio. I might as well resign."
"That's a good decision," Yoongi said at the same time Taehyung said, "What about your income?"
Yoongi rolled his eyes as he turned to Taehyung, wiping his hands on his apron, "I told you I'll take care of him."
"You shouldn't be financially dependent, Minnie," Taehyung said, still bitter about how Yoongi had left. "Tae, my money is Jiminie's money. That's the end of it."
Taehyung looked ready to protest but Jimin shook his head, effectively shutting him up. Yoongi smirked slightly, aware of how well Jimin was able to influence the ones who loved him. "Oh!" Taehyung said, pulling out his phone and texting furiously, "I almost forgot about this, I'm so stupid--"
"I agree," Yoongi cut in.
Taehyung rolled his eyes, "I booked a doctor's appointment for your back, Minnie. I'm sending you the details right now--"
"Wait," Jimin interjected with startled eyes, "how did you know I have backaches? I never told you!"
"Don't think I didn't notice your winces as you interacted with your kindergarteners, Minnie. And your hand constantly cups your hip," Jimin promptly removed his hand, "I'm not dumb. I read somewhere that a backache isn't uncommon during pregnancy. Still, you should get it checked."
"Baby," Yoongi murmured as he tapped Jimin's knee.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Taehyung asked.
"I didn't want to worry you, Tae. You already did so much for me--"
"Well, it didn't work, okay? That's because I worried anyway. I've known you for longer than your Yoongi hyung. Of course I would know--"
"Hey," Yoongi cut in before the atmosphere could sour, "thank you for doing that. I'll be sure to take Jiminie to the appointment. Babe, can you send me the details?" Jimin mumbled a yes and pulled out his phone, doing a quick work of forwarding Taehyung's message to his boyfriend.
Taehyung watched the couple for a moment before he sipped his coffee, setting down the empty mug. Glancing at the clock he scurried out of the room, "I've got to go now. Both of you take care." Taehyung stared Yoongi down, "You better make your presence worth it, hyung." With another long look at Yoongi, Taehyung bid his goodbye.
Jimin and Yoongi sat in silence after Taehyung closed the door behind him. Instead of addressing the whirlwind of emotions their friend had brought, Yoongi read the appointment's details carefully. "Sunday, five o'clock. Got it-- oh shit!" Jimin jumped in surprise, "What's wrong--"
"Nothing, nothing. I just forgot to cancel a reservation, that's all." Yoongi's fingers flew over his phone's screen.
Jimin, nosy as hell, butted in, "What reservation?"
Slowly, Yoongi lifted his head and Jimin watched in amazement as a brief pink tainted his cheeks. "Nothing important, baby."
Jimin lifted his eyebrows, swinging his legs slightly as he cocked his head, eyes large and doe-like, lips parted. Yoongi froze, knowing exactly what Jimin was trying to do-- he was succeeding too. He'd missed this so much. "Hyung~" Jimin sang, "Tell me~"
"O-Okay," Yoongi conceded instantly, watching Jimin's face burst into satisfaction, "I had pre-planned a dinner for us. It's salsa night too..."
"That's so romantic, hyung," Jimin exclaimed with crinkling eyes, "Why do you want to cancel?"
Yoongi frowned, "Jiminie, you have back pain and you're pregnant. I didn't know all that when I booked a table. I think we should take it easy, let you rest well."
"I'll stay in bed the whole day," Jimin said, exasperated, "but please let's go there for dinner. It's been so long since I went out and did something that actually I enjoy. Dinner, you, and salsa? Best combination ever."
Yoongi laughed at Jimin's sweet smile, immediately giving in to his wishes. Yoongi was a weak man, and happily so, "Okay, but don't stress yourself. If you feel tired or anything just tell me so I can take care of you."
Jimin's smile didn't waver as his face scrunched up cutely, "Obviously."
"I won't cancel then. But let's go back to bed for now," Yoongi said, helping Jimin hop down from the counter. "You know, I'm beginning to wonder whether it's me who wants to rest or you," Jimin joked, poking Yoongi's nose, "You're such a kitten."
They shared a laugh as they walked to Jimin's room, hand in hand as if they were new lovers-- which they definitely weren't. They had started dating two years ago; Yoongi had been a big influence underground when he'd come across dance major Jimin. They loved each other but even in those days, it wasn't enough. There were tough situations which put a strain on their relationship and Jimin had suffered from minor acts of violence meant to intimidate and threaten Yoongi. Living in constant fear of the underworld, and trying to love and understand each other to the fullest; that was how their story started and they wouldn't have it any other way.
Jimin let go of Yoongi's hand and walked over to the bedside table, pulling off his rings and putting them there. Yoongi came up behind him, eyeing his phone which was connected to baby blue headphones. "What music are you listening to nowadays, hm?" Yoongi asked as he took the phone, unlocking it with his fingerprint (yes, Jimin's phone, like Yoongi's old one, recognized the both of them).
"W-Wait hyung--" Jimin said uneasily as he tried to snatch the phone away. Yoongi narrowed his eyes at the screen and when his expression changed, Jimin knew it was too late to make up an excuse. His phone was open on his music player app, proudly displaying the audio he'd paused last night: Suga Album Review pt 1.
Suga was the name Yoongi had gone by in the underworld scene and that name was enough to incite respect and fear. Not only had Yoongi been a gang leader, he'd also produced and rapped his own songs. It must sound unusual to some, and others wondered where he found the time. His love for music was so well known that no one was fazed when he began to put out album reviews on the internet.
The album reviews, also under the name of Suga, were a series of videos of Yoongi talking about the contents and qualities of the albums he bought. He never showed his face in any of them, only his masculine hands were visible as he flipped through the pages.
Jimin had downloaded an audio of a few of his reviews, simply because of his voice. Jimin was positive that Yoongi's voice was the most gorgeous sound he'd ever heard. It was as deep as the ocean and as rough as its waves. The rugged and unpolished tone glided smoothly over the words. The laziness embedded in it lured Jimin in, distorting his reality.
"Is this an audio of my album review?" Yoongi asked quietly, although it was so obvious that Jimin didn't bother nodding. He just looked away with pursed lips. "Your voice," Jimin murmured, "helps me sleep. Especially on the hard days."
A few agonizing seconds stretched between the two, and Jimin just knew when Yoongi began crying again. He saw it in Yoongi's downcast eyes, hunched shoulders. "Hyung," Jimin tried to sound as gentle and soothing as possible. He moved to embrace Yoongi, holding him as close as his belly allowed him.
The physical comfort was the final straw for Yoongi; he broke down, tears unleashed brutally as he sobbed into Jimin's shoulder. "I feel so terrible," Yoongi cried, "for leaving you--"
Jimin rubbed Yoongi's back and cooed at him softly, pressing kisses to his neck and cheeks, "You did the right thing, okay? And because we both made some sacrifices... we can stay together forever." Yoongi pulled away and stared Jimin in the eyes, "You mean that?"
Jimin smiled, brushing his tears away, "Of course."
~
By the time it was eight in the night, Jimin and Yoongi had spent the whole day in bed, except for the times when Yoongi got up to make lunch or bring snacks from the kitchen. They had several emotional and heartwarming (sometimes heartbreaking) conversations about what Yoongi had done to fix his past. There were moments when Jimin teared up or Yoongi conducted painful silences. All the while their skinship never terminated, neither did the lovemaking of their souls.
Jimin followed Yoongi into the kitchen, feeling lightweight and simply happy. Hours of sleep combined with lying in bed with Yoongi had given him back his strength. His muscles didn't hurt and his mind felt clear and steady; all he had needed was a stressless environment, something he could enjoy only if Yoongi supported him. Taehyung often preached about being 'independent' but Jimin never felt in the wrong when he relied on his lover.
"When are we going for dinner~" Jimin chirped as he tried to jump onto the kitchen counter. Yoongi lifted him by the legs and heaved him onto it. "In an hour. Are you hungry?" Yoongi asked, pulling open the fridge. "Nope," Jimin replied, the taste of the smoothie Yoongi had made him lingering in his mouth. Yoongi hummed, "Pass me the notepad." Jimin reached for the notebook and pen that sat beside him and handed it to Yoongi curiously.
"What are you doing?"
"Making an inventory of the groceries. The food is running out."
Jimin grinned as Yoongi began scratching away on his notepad, opening a few drawers to check for cereal and oatmeal. "Fruits, Jiminie," Yoongi murmured, "Where are the fruits?"
Jimin shrugged, "I didn't get time to buy them."
Yoongi turned to him, coming to settle between his legs as he placed his palms beside Jimin's pregnant belly. Jimin, left unintimidated, leaned in for a kiss which he quickly received. Yoongi touched the letters hanging from Jimin's choker, a smile gracing his pouty lips. "I'll go shopping tomorrow."
"I'll go with you," Jimin said immediately.
"No, you should rest. Especially since we'll be going out tonight. I don't want you to get too tired."
"I'm not staying in the house all the time, hyung."
"Of course, baby. That's not what I'm saying. I just want you to spend a couple days in bed since you've been working so much for the past few months. Only a couple," Yoongi emphasized, pressing Jimin's nose.
"We're a couple~" Jimin sang. Yoongi laughed, pleased that Jimin was in such a good mood. He almost thought that they were going to end up fighting.
"Which restaurant are we going to?"
"A damn good one. I'm not going to tell you because I know you'll search it up."
"Oh," Jimin said, rolling his eyes, "This is a surprise."
"Shut up," Yoongi muttered, eyes creasing.
"What will you wear? Are you going to go wearing your signature leather jacket and ripped jeans or...?"
"Hey," Yoongi pouted, "I thought you liked me that way."
"I do," Jimin giggled with a slight smirk, "You're so hot in it. In everything, actually."
Yoongi chuckled, the gummy smile on full display, "You'll know about it in an hour, okay? Patience."
"But what should I wear?" Jimin mused, hands smoothening the hair at Yoongi's nape, "A suit or what?" Jimin didn't even own a dress shirt which would fit him anymore. "No, it isn't formal. You should wear light colors, and something simple. Like a nice shirt and trousers-- wait, do you have new clothes which fit you?"
Jimin nodded, a tiny bit of insecurity eating away at his mind, "I bought some online."
"Wear anything that's comfortable, okay? You don't have to dress up," Yoongi tapped Jimin's stomach, "Later we'll go to a proper store and get you even more amazing clothes, yeah?" Jimin smiled in acknowledgment when the phone rang, jolting them both in surprise.
"Yes?" Yoongi said as he accepted the call. Jimin could hear a voice on the other line but couldn't make out any words. "Hm... I'm Min Yoongi, Jimin's boyfriend." Silence, then more murmurs, "That sounds about right... Yes, sure. We'll be there. Thank you."
Yoongi turned his attention back to Jimin, "It was your doctor, babe. Miss-- I forgot her name. She wants you to come for a health checkup after your appointment for the back pain on Sunday." Jimin's eyes widened in fear, "Is there something wrong?" Yoongi shook his head, cradling Jimin's cheek, "Not at all. Just a general checkup."
Yoongi felt Jimin relax under his touch and decided that this was the best feeling in the world.
~
"Get ready; I'll be back in half an hour, baby. I have to go change and grab some things from Namjoon-ah's place," Yoongi said as he pecked Jimin on the lips, pressing their foreheads together. Jimin's eyes popped in surprise, "I can't believe I forgot to ask you where you are staying!" Yoongi pecked Jimin again, "That's okay. We've been through a lot today."
Jimin nodded, hands against Yoongi's broad chest and right over his heartbeat, "Well?"
Yoongi raised a brow at Jimin's coy tone, "Well what?"
"Are you going to move in with me or what?" Jimin blurted, "You sold your old flat and you can't live in Namjoon's dorm forever."
Yoongi's face stretched into a thousand dollar smile, "I'd like to," he breathed, "stay with you. That way I'll be able to take care of you--"
"Don't be such a saint, hyung. You can stay for selfish reasons too."
"Like the fact that I want you all to myself?"
"You already have me all to yourself."
"No," Yoongi murmured, "I want to be the person whose arms you wake up in, the person who kisses you dizzy till you fall asleep." Jimin smiled shyly, cheeks turning red at the romantic words, "So stay here."
"I'll get my stuff then. We'll make some place in your closet for it." It was an unspoken agreement that they'd sleep in the same bed, something they had been doing for a year and a half already.
"You do that," Jimin said as he pressed his lips to Yoongi's, bidding him goodbye.
~
With Yoongi gone, Jimin immediately began to feel anxious again. The loneliness returned, although not as strong as it was before Yoongi's presence filled the apartment. Jimin could still feel the warmth from Yoongi's skin pressed against his body, could see the red his cheeks retained from all the laughing and giggling and crying.
A few moments later Jimin got a text from Yoongi's new phone number: Don't worry, babe. I'm coming back!
Jimin smiled with relief; Yoongi still understood Jimin on a very deep level and six months of separation hadn't slain the passion between them. Before Yoongi had shown up again, a periodically emotional Jimin had wondered if their love for each other would ever be blown away like smoke in the air. He was wrong, of course: they were gold, molded together to shine for eternity.
Jimin smiled to himself as he hummed, rummaging through his cabinet for an outfit to wear. His old clothes, the ones he grew out of, were sitting right in front of his eyes, yet he didn't feel any dysphoria as he moved passed them. He was too happy at the prospect of spending time with Yoongi to even care about what earlier made him sob.
He tugged out a large, fuzzy sweater: pink, golden shimmering strands sewn in with the soft fabric. He put it on, sighed when the thick cloth brushed his skin and pulled on some stretchable jeans-- newly bought, too. The outfit was far from what Yoongi had suggested him to wear, but he didn't have anything else which was fancy enough to wear to dinner. He put on some dangling earrings and did his eyeshadow, pleased at the final look.
This time he stood in front of the mirror, appearing to be the most gorgeous man in the world. After so many days of grueling away at his job and then at home, he finally was content with how he looked and what he felt. He realized that he should have treated himself on weekends-- perhaps should have gone to a restaurant or sat in the park by the lake.
He ruffled his hair a bit, wondering if he looked a bit too pink, and decided to let Taehyung decide. Jimin took a selfie, eyes crinkled and smile wide enough for his pearly whites to show, attaching it with a string of text.
Minnie: Dinner date with hyung! How do I look??
As expected, Taehyung texted back two minutes later. Jimin laughed quietly to himself as he took a seat on the couch, relaxed.
Tae: SO TODAY IS A PINK DAY!!! PINK EYESHADOW, PINK HAIR, PINK SWEATER
Jimin was so glad that Taehyung wasn't going to fight with him about Yoongi.
Tae: the sweater is gorg btw
Minnie: Thanksss. Is it too much?
Tae: nooo! you gonna wear those big ass heels too?
Minnie: Nope. I might hurt myself in them.
Tae: true that you're too damn clumsy
Minnie: I rock heels and we all know that. Just, not when I'm pregnant okay!!
Tae: yesssss minnieeee taking care of yourselffff
Tae: on a serious note i'm glad you dressed up. you had begun to look like a zombie lately
Minnie: Yeah. It feels so much better!
Tae: does hyung call you dollllll
Minnie: ...Not telling you...
Tae: O_O
Tae: i hope you enjoy today! he better take care of you
Minnie: He will, and you know that. He's your friend.
Tae: i know... but you are my friend too
Minnie: If something happens you can yell at him >.<
Tae: thankssss
~
When the doorbell rang half an hour later, Jimin was quick to throw the door open-- and stand there, agape.
Yoongi was grinning slyly, a suitcase by his feet, but what made Jimin flabergasted was Yoongi's clothes.
Yoongi was wearing a loose flowery shirt which was graced with tints of pink and orange. It was tucked into black trousers, displaying the shape of his skinny legs. There were multiple silver bracelets which chimed around his wrist, a string of earrings dangling from one earlobe. His shoes were polished to the point of glistening in the hallway's lights.
"Jiminie," Yoongi breathed as he smiled, making his way in and closing the door behind him. He set the suitcase on the floor and cupped Jimin's cheeks, pulling him close. Jimin's eyes fluttered as he leaned in, expecting a kiss. Instead, Yoongi held Jimin's visage close, scanning his face closely.
"Your eyeshadow is as perfect as ever. How do you even get that gradient blend?" Jimin leaned away, laughing, "You know I've been doing it for years," Jimin checked Yoongi out with a smile, "You look amazing in flowers. We're matching, too."
"Are we the pink boys, then?"
"Pink lovers."
"That sounds like a band's name." They laughed in each other's arms.
"You look so sexy and adorable at the same time," Yoongi said, nuzzling his face against Jimin's sweater.
"I knew you'd like this sweater-- oh wait," Jimin exclaimed, jumping away from Yoongi to shuffle through his drawers, pulling out a photo frame, "Take a look. This was taken the day I found out I was pregnant. The guys threw a party for me."
Yoongi gripped the frame in his hands as he looked at it. All five of their friends were standing in a line, frozen in the moment-- Namjoon was caught winking, Seokjin was blowing a kiss, Jeongukk was laughing with his bunny smile on display, Taehyung was making a peace sign with a massive boxy smile and Hoseok was doing some weird pose on the floor with Yoongi's picture in his hand.
Jimin, in the center, was wearing a tight leather skirt.
It was really short, ending at his mid-thighs, and was high waisted, pulled over the base of a white tshirt. He was sporting a jeans jacket and ankle-length heel-boots. As he smiled wide at the camera, his eyes disappeared into the folds of his cheeks.
"Fuck," Yoongi breathed.
Jimin giggled from beside him, the latest layer of blush dusting his cheeks. "I always wanted you to see me wearing that," he babbled, "and I bought it on discount, too. It's so cute--"
"Will you wear it for me one day?" Yoongi questioned, eyes glazed. Jimin nodded, "If I ever fit in it again." Yoongi immediately sensed the drop in Jimin's expression and quickly snapped out of his trance. Putting the frame aside, he pulled Jimin to him by his elbows.
"Baby," he started, "I know how you feel about putting on weight. It's not easy, especially considering the fact that you struggled with it for years. I'm so proud of you for holding up so well," he brushed his fingers over Jimin's bump, "This is normal for anyone who is pregnant, and if you hadn't gained weight it would have meant that you are unhealthy. But right now, what's happening is perfectly normal.
If it makes you feel better, you could start going to the gym once pregnancy is over. I'll take care of the child. If you want you can regain your fitness, okay? I'm always going to support you. And you'll rejoin dance instructing, right? So everything will slowly go back to how it was. For now, try to be happy that your body is responding well to the baby's needs. Can you think about that, sweetheart?"
Jimin pressed a kiss to Yoongi's sweet lips and smiled at the sweeter words that came out from it. Everything Yoongi said made a home in Jimin's heart, pushing aside the insecurity, the doubt. Yoongi was right: Jimin's body was doing well, and he could always go back to being fit after giving birth. A few months in the gym along with rigorous dance routines would do the trick.
"Yeah," Jimin smiled a bit, relieved, "That makes sense." Yoongi laughed and bumped his nose, "You always worry about so many things but if anything bothers you just tell me, okay?"
"Yeah, now that you're here you'll have to prepare yourself because I won't make it easy," Jimin teased with a laugh.
~
"Can we take your car or should I hail a taxi?" Yoongi asked Jimin as he put his suitcase away. "My car. Catch," Jimin replied, throwing the car keys to him. Yoongi caught it smoothly, honed reflexes kicking in. Deadlier things had been thrown his way.
As they made their way down the elevator, hand in hand, Jimin caught Yoongi staring at him through the mirrored interior. He blushed at the intense gaze, "What?"
Yoongi shook his head, looking slightly bewildered, "I'm not-- I'm not used to seeing you like this-- pregnant. With my kid. Like, I'm going to be a father? I can't even think straight."
"That's because you're gay, hyung," Jimin joked, squeezing his hand, "and I'm sure you'll be a great father. You take such good care of me, and your self-management skills are so effective."
"I just," Yoongi looked down, "don't want our child to... to know I'm a criminal." The elevator doors slid open and they walked into the basement, getting into the car.
Jimin searched for the right words as he buckled himself in, "You've done--" he gulped, "--bad things. I'm glad you recognize that. You haven't been caught or put on trial-- I definitely wouldn't have stayed with you if you had killed someone. But you didn't, and I'm not saying that that makes you forgivable by the law, but I think my point is that you've learned from all that and you've decided to stop. I think that's important, even though you're supposed to serve your punishment."
Yoongi began driving, "Should... Should I turn myself in?"
Jimin fiddled with his hands, feeling anxious, "Morally, that is the right thing to do. But, I'm selfish. I don't want you to do that, to leave me again."
Yoongi took Jimin's hand in his own, resting it on the gear, "I'm sorry I got into such a mess. If I had known that you would become my lover, I wouldn't have done any of that shit," they drove in silence until Yoongi started talking again, albeit quietly, "I'm not going to turn myself in because I don't give a fuck. I made so many people suffer --heck, I should be imprisoned by law-- but the one person I can't bear to hurt is you. Unless you want me to, I will not leave you."
"I--" Jimin's voice stuttered, "-- don't want you to turn yourself in, no matter how right that is."
"Then I'm starting over again, baby," Yoongi whispered, eyes on the road stretched out in front of them, "and no one can stop me from being with you. I don't care about anything else."
~
They were still a little tense when they arrived at the restaurant, knowing fully well that their decision was wrong, but upon seeing the place lit up on the outside with fairy lights, Jimin grinned wide in surprise. "Hyung, hyung, hyung," he chanted in a daze, "this place is so pretty!" Yoongi laughed from beside him, parking the car, "I know, baby. You deserve to dine in the prettiest of places."
The small building was made of bricks, and the entrance was strung with fairy lights, blinking and shining brightly. There was a podium to the right of the open doors, a man standing there with a warm smile, "Hi sir," he said politely to neither of them in particular, "may I see you to a table or have you already made a reservation?"
"A reservation," Yoongi replied, hand in Jimin's.
"Name?"
"Min Yoongi."
The waiter nodded, going through his list. When he spotted the name he looked up and gestured them to follow him. "Here's your table, sir." Yoongi thanked him when he pulled out a chair for Jimin to sit in. Jimin smiled pleasantly as he was offered the menu.
When they were left alone, Jimin looked at Yoongi, the light from the candles in between them twinkling alongside the happiness in his eyes. The low lighting was doing wonders to illuminate Jimin's natural beauty, and Yoongi couldn't help but wonder how he, of all people, had gotten so fucking lucky.
"Hyung," Jimin said, looking through the menu with wide eyes. A soft melody played in the background; all Yoongi wanted to do was record this moment. He pulled out his phone and turned on the video camera without any preamble.
"Hyung~" Jimin whined, oblivious, "everything is so expensive!"
"Eat whatever you want, baby boy. I told you money's not an issue."
Jimin hummed and bit his lip as he decided what he wanted. It wasn't long before Jimin realized that Yoongi wasn't holding his own menu. "Why aren't you-- oh!" Jimin exclaimed, "Are you filming me?"
Yoongi shrugged with a content smile. Jimin covered his face with his hands, shaking his head. "C'mon," Yoongi cooed, "you look so angelic." Jimin laughed, pushing the phone away, palm on its lens, "Stop, hyung! Just order some food already!"
"What do you want?" He asked, immediately.
"A lot, I'll admit."
"Then say it to the waiter directly, okay? Order anything you want. Don't hold back."
"If you say so~"
~
When their dishes arrived, one for Yoongi and three for Jimin, the elder wasn't surprised. He'd been happy that everything his boyfriend had ordered was healthy. Jimin dove into his food after thanking his hyung ("Jiminie, don't thank me, dammit.") and Yoongi watched him eat languidly, pushing his own food around.
"Why aren't you eating?"
"I feel full just watching you."
"Didn't you say that to Hobi hyung once?"
Yoongi shrugged, "Sure."
Jimin laughed, aware that Yoongi generally didn't have a straightforward way of worrying about his friends. Every caring act and sentence was conveyed subtly, and it was one of the traits that made him so magical to Jimin. So perfect in every way, just for him.
~
Just as the couple finished eating, the music switched to a Latin pop. Many people cheered, getting up from their seats to gather in the big, empty space in the middle of the restaurant. The lighting switched to a fierce motion of colors as everyone began dancing. A few waiters were standing to the side, wearing badges which told people that they could teach them salsa basics if they wanted. Jimin and Yoongi watched as some people began to approach them, seeking assistance so that they could become an elegant part of something bigger.
"Hyung!" Jimin said excitedly as he tugged his boyfriend's hand. Yoongi's eyes snapped to him, "Let's go!"
"Are you sure, baby? Are you tired? Does your back hurt?"
"No!" Jimin successfully managed to pull Yoongi out of his chair. They walked to the dance floor, smiling. Yoongi's cheeks were powdered with pink by the time they found an empty spot and stood to face each other. Jimin placed Yoongi's hand around his waist. Yoongi pulled him closer.
As they both fell into a rhythm dictated by the song and followed by their love, the lights dimmed gracefully. Everyone around them was laughing delightfully, some stumbled while others almost managed to look as classy as Jimin.
"You've gotten better at this," Jimin said as Yoongi lifted their hands and twirled beneath them, "Don't want you to get dizzy," he explained since it was generally Jimin who spun. Jimin couldn't stop smiling, so grateful for having chosen to stay with Yoongi. His belly brushed up against Yoongi's stomach.
"Wanna know something?"
"I want to know everything you can tell me," Jimin replied. Yoongi rolled his eyes and laughed, "So cheesy, Park Jiminie. This song," he continued, "is produced by me."
Jimin's eyes widened. The only music he'd ever heard Yoongi make was angsty and full of raw emotions, his rap overpowering and powerful. This Latin pop... wasn't Yoongi's style. "What?"
Yoongi rolled his eyes, "Seriously! I worked on it in my free time. In fact, I have many other songs lined up."
Jimin listened more carefully, now that the song had a deeper meaning than the fact that they were dancing to it. "I love it! You-- You should try to pursue production. Rap too; you are so good at it. Good is an understatement, actually."
Yoongi leaned forward, lips brushing Jimin's ear, "We both know I can't do that. They'll dig up my history. If not, someone will definitely recognize me as ex-leader of a fucking gang."
Jimin lowered his eyes regretfully, "I really wish you could. You'd do so well."
"Maybe I can do it anonymously, without a label behind me."
"It won't be the same," Jimin replied gently.
"Just enjoy my song for now, okay, baby? All that stressful talk can wait."
"Yeah," Jimin allowed himself to be lured in by the beats of Yoongi's latest song. The vocalist was unquestionably Jeongukk. That kid was so fucking talented, "Don't you think Kookie should audition?"
Yoongi hummed, thinking, "He'd make it in, no doubt. Just, the idol lifestyle is really hectic and toxic. I don't want him to get into something that he can't handle."
"Hm," Jimin murmured in agreement, although he still wanted to ask Jeongukk to try it out.
As Jimin led Yoongi in the dance, he giggled and laughed and smiled so wide that Yoongi couldn't keep his glee from exploding. Despite being pregnant, Jimin was lithe, quick on his feet, not complaining even once about how Yoongi incessantly stumbled. Once Yoongi had almost backed into some other couple.
Fifteen minutes later, Yoongi realized that a lot of the people had left and new ones had replaced them. He stopped dancing and pulled Jimin aside, "Rest now, okay?" Jimin huffed but agreed, taking a seat on one of the empty tables. His cheeks were red and he was sweating slightly.
"Excuse me," Yoongi told a waitress walking by, "can you please get my boyfriend some water?" She looked at Jimin and nodded immediately, scurrying away. "You okay?" Yoongi asked, patting Jimin's knee as he sat down beside him. Jimin nodded with a grin, "Yeah, just a bit tired. I'll be up in a moment."
"We have the whole night ahead, baby. Take your time."
"I might not last the whole night," Jimin pointed out.
"Then we'll come here again. I'll take you to more places too."
"Will all of them play your music?"
"For you, I'd get them to."
Jimin laughed, "Tell me, did they pay you to use your Latin song?"
"They organized Latin night so I went and spoke to the supervisor about my song before I came to your house. She really loved it and decided to use it. We got free dinner in return."
"Your water, sir," the same waitress came up to them, offering Jimin a glass. Jimin thanked her and drank in big gulps. "Slow down," Yoongi murmured, but Jimin had drowned the whole glass by then. "Want more?"
Jimin shook his head and stood up, "Let's go dance~"
Yoongi, after failing to convince Jimin to rest, followed him to the dance floor. To be honest, he wanted to hold Jimin. For this dance, yes. For forever, of course.
~
Five days later, Jimin found himself waking up in the middle of the night. His stomach rumbled and his skin tingled and he had the sudden urge to eat ice cream.
"Yoongi hyung," he grumbled, pulling at his boyfriend's arm. Yoongi rolled over and huffed into Jimin's neck. "Yoongi," Jimin tried again. Yoongi's catlike eyes opened slowly, face scrunched up. "What did you just--"
"Ice cream," Jimin whined, "I want to eat ice cream."
Yoongi closed his eyes, "There's some in the fridge." Jimin shivered at Yoongi's hoarse, sleeping voice.
"I know, but it's strawberry. I want coffee!"
"I thought you said you wanted ice cream."
"Coffee flavored ice cream!"
Yoongi groaned, putting his palm over his eyes, "The sun didn't even come out yet. Go back to sleep."
"But-- But I'm hungry, hyung. You said you'd take care of me, right?" But Yoongi had fallen asleep, deaf to Jimin's pleas for sympathy. Jimin pouted but got out of bed and patted his hair down, picked up his phone and went rummaging through the drawers for his items. The collective sound of the wooden drawer and his sharp keys startled Yoongi awake.
Seeing Jimin in the doorway, he rubbed his eyes, "Where are you going, baby?"
"Ice cream," Jimin muttered.
"Which place will be opened right now, hm?"
"There's a store opened 24/7 a kilometer away."
"I'm coming," Yoongi said immediately, rolling out of bed. Jimin smiled satisfactorily. Yoongi ruffled his hair and pulled on some pants, pocketing his wallet. "You shouldn't go like that," he muttered, "it's cold outside."
Jimin, clad in a short green romper that framed is perfect bubble butt, shook his head, "I'm not changing. I just want ice cream, hyung." Yoongi sighed, massaging his forehead. Pregnant Jimin in that fucking romper was making him go crazy. Yoongi's gaze fell on his boyfriend's smooth shoulders which were revealed through the thin spaghetti straps.
Yoongi gulped.
"Get the mints, I'm coming," he muttered, watching Jimin as he flaunted away to the kitchen. With slightly shaky hands, Yoongi pocketed some of Jimin's socks in his jacket and shoved a tiny box into his baggy back pocket.
When Yoongi reached the door, Jimin was already munching on some mints and was holding out five more. He fed them to Yoongi as Yoongi locked the door and took the car keys from him.
"Sorry, hyung," Jimin murmured apologetically in the car, aware of how painfully silent Yoongi was, "I shouldn't have woken you up." Yoongi shook his head and gave Jimin a smile. Jimin would soon find out why Yoongi was so quiet, "Don't worry about that. I told you I'll take care of you."
~
When they finally reached the store Yoongi made Jimin sit down and went up to pick out their icecreams. The cashier nodded sympathetically at the way Yoongi rubbed his eyes, standing there at two in the morning. And was Jimin whistling? "I know how it goes. Keep up for a few more months," the stranger said, nodding toward an obviously pregnant Jimin. Yoongi agreed absentmindedly with a yawn, taking their icecreams and walking over to hand the coffee flavored one to his boyfriend.
"Thanks, hyung," Jimin said as he cheerfully began to lick the ice cream. Yoongi, as usual, ate slowly. Halfway through their ice creams, he noticed the way Jimin had begun to curl his shoulders, goosebumps traveling along his arms.
"I told you you'd be cold," Yoongi said as he pulled some socks out of his pocket and placed them on Jimin's lap. "O-Oh," Jimin was surprised as he gave his ice cream to Yoongi in order to put them on. Next, Yoongi shrugged off his jacket and made his boyfriend put it on, aware that the cashier was watching the scene unfold with wide eyes.
"T-Thank you."
"You seriously need to stop thanking me, baby; besides, I was damn sure this would happen."
"But you're sensitive to the cold too."
"So?" Yoongi asked nonchalantly as if sacrificing his warmth was something he did without hesitation on a normal basis.
"I love you," Jimin murmured, squeezing Yoongi's hand. Yoongi leaned forward with a soft smile and licked the ice cream off Jimin's lower lips, "Hmm."
Once they finished eating they walked back towards the car, enjoying the silence of the night and the darkness pooled in the sky. When they reached the car, Jimin walked over to the passenger side but soon realized that Yoongi hadn't unlocked the car. Jimin turned around, "Hyung--" the words froze in his mouth as he looked down at Yoongi.
Yoongi was on one knee in front of him, a tiny box in his hand.
Jimin covered his mouth with a palm, eyes tearing up even though Yoongi hadn't said a word, "Y-Yes," he choked out. The night was breezing and quiet, just for them.
Yoongi's eyes widened, hands trembling slightly. He hadn't quite registered the 'yes' because he was too fucking nervous, "B-But let me give my speech..." Jimin blinked, eyes glassy, and nodded.
"Jiminie, I--" Yoongi took a deep breath, looking up at Jimin through his lashes, "--I love you so much, and you... you are the reason why I love myself. Before I met you I was going off the tangent of the world. But then you set everything right just by being... real. Being you. I'm so fucking grateful to have you love me even after everything I did and put you through. And I'm not proposing you just because you're pregnant with our child; I was planning this for months and I...I've done many illegal things but... but, will you be mine, legally? Will you marry me, baby?"
"Yes," Jimin cried, palming Yoongi's cheeks. He slowly dragged his hands down Yoongi's face and came to rest them on his shoulders, feeling the smoothness of his skin, the warmth of his body, "Yes, yes, yes."
They laughed together as Yoongi took out a beautifully crafted ring and slid it onto Jimin's trembling hand; it glinted in the street light. Jimin pulled Yoongi into a hug and they shared a big, loving kiss. Their hearts beat fast and wild, filling them with the kind of high you can only get from pure happiness.
"I-I--" Jimin stuttered, pulling away. He reached into the pocket of his romper, "I was planning on proposing to you too. I've been carrying it around everywhere but I guess this is the best time," Jimin opened the box and slid the thick ring he'd bought onto his fiance's finger.
"Jiminie," Yoongi announced, placing one had on Jimin's swollen belly, the other around his waist, "I'm the luckiest man in the world!"
"We," Jimin corrected, kissing Yoongi, "are the luckiest men in the world."
The stars hidden behind the clouds twinkled in agreement.