Chapter Text
Ever since Jimin was a kid he always dreamed about seeing colour. Always wondered what the reds, and blues and greens his parents described truly looked like. He wondered what the sun looked like when it was setting or when it was rising. His parents always told him they were beautiful - gorgeous really and that one day he would be able to see it.
That one day when he meets his soulmate everything will become colourful. Like a flower blooming for the first time, the pops of colours will come all in one. It’ll feel like a sugar rush maybe, and at first you won’t understand what exactly is happening. One second you see black and white and the next you’ll be seeing all the colours of a rainbow.
It sounds crazy, Jimin used to think. But it also sounds amazing. To have that feeling knowing you found the one you’re to love the rest of your life. To know that all your years of searching, touching another person can finally come to an end and you can get your happy ever after.
Some people get that happy ever after anyways.
Sometimes, Jimin wondered what the blue of the ocean looked like, whether the sand was actually beige or if it was a different colour when wet. He’d heard his parents say some is brown and he wondered what the difference is. Wondered what the actual colours looked like. If they were anything like he imagined.
He’s been told ever since he was a child that the day he meets his soulmate it will be the best day of his life. Not just because he’s found his perfect partner because then he’ll see the world and all it’s glory.
Jimin has always looked forward to that day. Always wished his soulmate would just hurry up and find him because he wants this. He wanted to see everything the way it should be. But it took a long while. He went through all of middle school without his soulmate. Living in the world of black and white. He hated it. Hated not having the other colours. Hated knowing that some of his friends already had their other half.
There times where whenever they went out Jimin would end up asking Taehyung or Jeongguk what the colours looked like. What the buildings were covered in. Whether it was something besides the white paint he could see. He wondered about everything. And even though Jimin knows Taehyung and Jeongguk are fine with explaining it to him because they feel bad that he’s alone...he still feels bad that he gots to continually ask over and over again.
But he can’t help it. After all, he doesn’t know when he’ll find his soulmate. He doesn’t know how long his world will be black and white.
He wants to experience the colours even if he can’t actually see them. Even if he knows that he’ll have to wait until he finds the one before that becomes a reality. Have to be patient because these things take time. He’s not magical, not a wizard and he has no special powers to make it easier for him to find the one he’s to be with.
But there’s never been a case where someone died without meeting their soulmate. No matter what someday Jimin will be with his other half. It’s destiny. Fate even.
And even if he has to wait years and years and years before he meets them he will. Because the colours are worth it, and so is his soulmate.
It’s during his second to last year of high school when he meets him. Meets the one he’s destined to be with for the rest of his life. And it becomes the best day of his life.
His soulmate was a new student at the school - having moved there for reasons Jimin didn’t find out until they had become closer friends. His father and mother had divorced and he came with his father because this was his hometown. And now he was to finish high school here even if he hated it and wanted to stay with his mother - at his old school where all his friends were.
They never talked much the first few weeks of school. Jimin stayed with his small group of friends - that being Taehyung and Jeongguk only - he was never one to start a conversation. Coming off as shy to most people but in reality he just preferred not to talk to others unless he needed to.
And then the group projects came along. And the teacher said it could only be duos, small groups weren’t allowed. It was easy for everyone to partner up, after all everyone had at least one other friend in the class that they could work with. But Jimin only had Taehyung and Jeongguk, and obviously the soulmates were going to end up together. So that left Jimin alone.
And then there was him.
Jihae sat by himself, focusing on everything and nothing at the same time. Jimin had watched the way his eyes darted around trying to find someone to partner up with. Someone he could work with. The teacher said no one could work alone because there were enough people for everyone to get paired. And when you know no one that makes for a tricky decision.
Jimin had bounded over to him with a bright smile on his face when he made the decision to go and see him. When he made the decision that they were going to be partnered up. Though in reality he didn’t have any other choices. Everyone was already with someone and it wouldn’t be long before the teacher would end pairing them up together herself. So Jimin took the initiative and went to ask him himself.
Jihae had been surprised by the sudden person standing in front of him. Surprised that someone would even wish to talk to him, but he returned Jimin’s smile.
Jimin hadn’t thought much about it at the time, he simply introduced himself and held his hand out as a way of greeting completely forgetting that a lot of people were hesitant on human contact for the fact they might find their soulmate. Or simply because they’ve lost their soulmate and they don’t need the feeling of hope in their minds.
But no one has ever had two soulmates so it’s not possible. They’ll only be let down and feel disappointed that they aren’t meant for the other person.
But Jihae hadn’t cared about that. Or maybe he forgot the fact as well as he took Jimin’s hand and shook it.
But as soon as he touched Jimin’s hand even just the slightest is when everything changed. When there were random pops of blues and reds and yellows appearing in their visions and it confused Jimin. It startled him. He hadn’t expected this to happen at school of all places.
Like his parents said, the colours bloom like a flower. It starts slowly, filling his vision in a manner to not overpower his eyes at first before everything in full view is colourful. Until there isn’t a speck of black and white left unless it’s the actual colour of something.
Jimin had let out a gasp, letting go of Jihae’s hand and falling backwards. It had startled the others in the class - especially Taehyung and Jeongguk and they were by his side almost instantly wondering what just happened and why he was so panicked and freaked out.
He couldn’t express the words though. His eyes just glued to Jihae’s as the blue orbs of the other male stared straight back at him too.
After years of searching he had found his soulmate. He has seen the colours he’s been desperate to see for years and years.
He doesn’t know why it makes him so emotional but he started crying in class at that moment. Wanting nothing but to hold his soulmate and just thank him for being there at the right time. But he doesn’t. He doesn’t trust his legs at the moment, so he stays put.
After all, they have all the time in the world together anyways. He can make up for that later.
Or at least, that’s what he thought.
For their time is quickly cut short. Before Jimin knows it during his first year of college. And the wonderful colourful world that he’s grown to love over the past three years is ripped away from him in a blink of an eye.
What was once a beautiful world filled with blues, pinks and the other colours of the rainbow shortly become that bleak grey, white and black again. Jimin thinks it’s ironic, the feeling of going back and losing the colours he loved. He lost Jihae, lost his soulmate, it’s the same feeling as losing the colours. Maybe that’s why it’s black and white once again. Because once you lose the one you’re supposed to love that’s how the world feels. How it looks.
Jimin spends the next three years after losing Jihae in black and white. Never once getting used to not having colour again.
—
College is not easy. Jimin has learned that throughout the four years that he’s been here. It’s a struggle and a half and a lot of the times he just wants to give up and quit. When he was younger he never dreamed of going to college, never thought he’d want to because he didn’t see the point. He didn’t know what he wanted to do with his life, what major suited him, or anything really. He just knew he wanted to graduate high school and that was it.
And yet, here he is. Here at a university that he somehow managed to receive a scholarship for. A place he never wanted to go to had wanted him so badly they helped pay a significant amount of the tuition to make sure Jimin actually went and attended college. At first, when the decision was final. When he finally accepted the invitation and decided he was going to attend here Jimin had thought that he would regret it. Thought that it would be a huge waste of four years attending school once again.
But he’s recently started to discover that that’s definitely not the case. That attending university was by far one of the best choices he’s made even if there’s times when school becomes challenging. Even if there’s times where he stays up until nearly four in the morning trying to complete an essay, even if he drives himself crazy while on four cups of coffee trying to study for exams. Or if there’s the parties that Taehyung and Jeongguk continually try to drag him to - which he always turns down because he’s not the partying type.
College has definitely been an amazing decision. And Jimin is glad the opportunity arose. He’s not sure what or how life would be right now if he hadn’t been offered the scholarship or if he had decided against going and rejected it.
There’s been a lot of things he’s learned over the last couple of years. And while some of the things Jimin has learned he finds extremely dumb and doesn’t understand the reasoning behind why he learned such matieral. There are other things he’s glad to have been taught. Glad to know there are teachers here who can definitely give him the education that he wants and needs. Those who are there ready to help Jimin achieve his goal.
But if Jimin’s being truly honest...he’s not sure what his goal is.
Not anymore anyways.
When he was younger - more so only a few years back after colour was brought into Jimin’s life - he began gardening. Began growing flowers of multiple arrangements, multiple colours. It was like Jimin had a rainbow of colours in his backyard. A beautiful place that anyone could love.
It was then when his love for flowers truly blossomed. Where he decided that one day wanted to have a floristry business. That he wanted to give others that same joy of seeing all the flowers. Of seeing beautiful bouquets filled with the customers favourite flowers and colours. To see their eyes widen at the bundles.
Jimin had begun taking business classes back in his first year - had decided being a business major was his best course of action to achieve such goal. And on the sides he took some gardening classes to better his skills.
But then everything went down during his first year. And with losing that sense of colour in his eyes. In losing the very thing that inspired him so much, Jimin took himself away from the business major. And even now, during his senior year when he was supposed to have his major chosen by last year he hasn’t a clue what he wishes to do.
Too many dreams died the day Jihae did.
College has also been a way for Jimin to meet new people, make new friends. All of his life he only had Taehyung and Jeongguk and with the two of them being soulmates it did sometimes feel a bit lonely for Jimin. He felt like a third wheel a quarter of the time whenever they hung out. Always taking the living room chair while they took the loveseat. Never having someone to share a bed with, waking up cold and arms empty. Never once being held.
But then, Jimin met Hoseok. A cheerful and friendly boy who happened to be his dorm room neighbour. Every morning - without fail - when Jimin left his dorm to go attend class Hoseok too was leaving. There was always that exchange of a bright and cheerful ‘good morning!’ that Hoseok would give Jimin. And he wouldn’t lie. It definitely cheered him up to see Hoseok in such high spirits.
Eventually, throughout the weeks that Hoseok would greet Jimin, and Jimin him their friendship began officially blooming. Instead of remaining outside to talk to one another, Jimin was the first to invite Hoseok in for coffee and breakfast. Which ended up leading them to chatting for a long time that Jimin was late to his first class. And though Hoseok repeatedly would apologize for causing such a mess Jimin never once blamed him.
It was almost impossible for Jimin and Hoseok to not get along. Like if there were soulmates for friends only, Jimin would believe that’s what he and Hoseok were meant to be. If Taehyung and Jeongguk weren’t over keeping Jimin company then most of the times it would be Hoseok. The two did a lot of things together. From having random sleepovers, to playing video games at three in the morning to going out and singing karaoke even though they both know sleeping is way more important.
They naturally fell into each other and Jimin was glad for his company. For his friendship. It was nice to have someone who didn’t have their soulmate even if it was a bit selfish of Jimin to take such joy in the matter. It just felt better to have someone who still understands how he feels. Who still knows the feeling of not being able to see colour. And even though Jimin, too, knows the feeling of the rainbow sometimes it feels like he doesn’t. Sometimes he feels that was merely a dream and he never found his soulmate to begin with.
It’s nice. College is nice. Having friends is nice. (Even if sometimes they ignore you because they’re on their millionth date.)
It has its hardships. It’s got those couples that have their vision at a hundred percent, those who can see the world in all it’s beauty and Jimin is surrounded by those. By the ones who can see it while he can’t. And sometimes it’s hard. Just to hear what they say, to think back and try to remember it himself. Sometimes he can. But most times he can’t. After all, it’s been three years. And he only had colour in his life for maybe three years in total. It’s easy to forget.
But it’s easy to not forget as well.
—
Jimin is not the cleanest person in the world. But he’s also not the dirtiest. Don’t get him wrong. He’ll clean up after himself sometimes. He’ll make sure all the dishes in his dorm have been done so he can continue to eat, but if there’s clothing on the ground he can’t be bothered to pick them up. Or if his bed isn’t made he won’t bother to do it because he knows he’ll climb right back into it after he’s done with all his classes and homework. He doesn’t see the point.
Which explains how he got to this point.
He’s residing at a local café that the campus has, a small quiet little building that many students come to for coffee and evenings of studying and doing homework. Jimin would definitely be one of those people who come strictly for that. It’s easier to concentrate here than at home anyways. If he stays home he’ll merely focus on the fact his bed is a few millimeters away and calling his name. This way he has to complete the assignments before he’s able to leave.
It’s definitely more efficient this way.
He’s got a textbook sprawled on out the table in front of him, open to page three hundred and sixty-five. There’s a notebook sitting right before his chin, notes written all over it, highlighter staining through the paper where Jimin pressed down a bit too hard but he doesn’t mind. He can still read it after all. There’s little handouts his professor had passed out to them spread over the table so Jimin can see and read them easier and then in the corner there’s a sandwich Jimin had ordered since he hadn’t eaten yet. And now it sits without being touched. A single small bite in the corner from when Jimin first received it.
It’s nice and quiet inside the café. One of the main reasons why Jimin is so adamant on coming here often - even if the coffee and food was a bit overpriced. The café itself was well known, but many people preferred to either stay at home and study or they were currently attending classes which led to it being relatively empty. It was perfect for Jimin who preferred the peace and quiet rather than the chattering of small little groups talking about anything and everything. There were other places for such conversations. Couldn’t they see he was busy?
Jimin is currently scribbling down notes that he deems important from the textbook. It’s for a random English class that he decided to take with Hoseok and Taehyung because they needed it for their majors. And since Jimin still hadn’t decided his he didn’t see the harm in joining. He had hopes the class would help him decide what path to follow.
The class itself isn’t too hard, but it’s a bit difficult to say the words in English or translate them. Thankfully he has his two friends that have been taking English for quite some time now so they could help him. But he still continues to struggle at times.
“Oh, you are here.” A voice says from behind where Jimin is currently sitting. A voice he recognizes way too easily. But then again after being friends for their whole lifetime it’d be shocking if he didn’t recognize his own best friend. “I figured you would be. You normally come every Wednesday I have begun to notice.”
Jimin lifts his head up from where he’s looking at the book attempting to take more notes and smiles at Taehyung. “Yeah. It’s always quiet here on Wednesday’s. I get most of my work done here.” He replies, looking down again to clean up some of the table for Taehyung to sit down as well.
Instead of trying to be neat and clean like he probably should Jimin just grabs the handouts and stuffs them in the back of his textbook where he’ll forget about them until after Taehyung ends up leaving. If he even remembers them then. Most of the things in the back of his book stay forgotten until they fall out.
He watches as Taehyung walks around the table and takes a seat in one of the chairs. His newly dyed grey hair shines in the sun that comes through the open window next to them. Jimin was glad he could open and close that window whenever he pleased. The workers didn’t complain much about it. It gave Jimin fresh air from being cramped in the little space for hours at a time.
“What are you doing here anyways? Didn’t you and Gukkie have some plans today?” Jimin asks running his hand through his blonde hair. His roots are growing in. He’ll definitely have to redo them eventually because the dark colour that’s natural starts really showing through. Even if he can’t see the colour of his hair - it shows up as white to him, Jimin still has Taehyung to remind him of when he needs to get it done.
“Well, we did.” Taehyung replies letting out a huff as he reaches out for half of Jimin’s long forgotten sandwich and takes a bite of it. He offers Jimin a smile when he’s greeted with a glare. “But, Hoseok-hyung needed Guk’s help teaching the others the new dance routine. So we postponed our plans until further notice. And since I didn’t want to be alone I’ve come to seek you out.”
“I’m glad to know I’m the last choice. I see where I stand.” Jimin teases, as he shuts the textbook and closes his notebook. He knows for a fact he won’t get anything done with Taehyung around right now. He loves Taehyung, he really truly does. But sometimes Taehyung reminds him of an energetic child. It’s never easy to get things done when they’re around.
“You’re never the last choice. You’re the…” Taehyung draws out, cutting himself off before he says something stupid or wrong by eating more of the sandwich. “This is good.”
Jimin laughs, shaking his head as he reaches out and grabs the other half where he originally taken a bite from. “I know it is. Why do you think I ordered it? You should go get your own instead of eating mine.”
“You weren’t even eating it when I got here.” Taehyung pouts, avocado staining next to his lip. Jimin grabs a napkin and leans forward cleaning at the spot until all the avocado is wiped away. “Thank you.”
Jimin nods his head, setting the napkin on the table before continuing to eat his half of the sandwich. “I probably won’t be much fun to hang out with right now though. Sorry to break it to you but I’ve got to finish this English homework. I’m not as skilled as you yet so it takes me a bit longer.”
“It’s fine,” Taehyung sets the sandwich down on the plate with only a few bites remaining. He reaches out next for Jimin’s coffee that’s more than half empty and takes a drink of it. His face scrunches up in disgust. “This is gross.”
“For you, yes. You don’t like coffee remember? You wouldn’t like it.” Jimin laughs, taking the coffee back from Taehyung and setting it down on the little table he received when he got his food. “But I like coffee so I’ll drink this. Besides, it keeps me awake when trying to do homework like this. Why on earth does English have so many words? Like there’s so many versions of ‘there’. And I just...why Taehyung? Why are there so many? I’m not going to remember this.”
“It’ll just take a bit of practice. But you’ll remember eventually. Don’t worry.” Taehyung offers a sincere smile as he pushes the chair back, “I’m gonna order another one of those sandwiches and myself a drink. Then I’ll help you out with your homework, okay? Maybe I’ll help you understand things a bit better.”
“That would be nice,” Jimin replies, taking another bite of the sandwich. His is almost gone now and he’s tempted to buy another one. But he also doesn’t think he can finish an entire one himself. He’ll just steal some of Taehyung’s. “Buy me another coffee? I’ll give you the money later.”
“Sure sure. But don’t worry about giving me the money. I don’t mind. Besides I did eat half of your sandwich. Though I’m sharing mine with you.” Taehyung smiles, “I’ll be right back.”
Jimin watches as Taehyung does just that. He walks up to the counter and orders the sandwich and their two drinks before he’s returns with a small smile on his face. “There’s not a whole lot to do honestly. I’m just finishing up my notes for now and then we can work on the handouts that we got.”
“You didn’t do them yet?” Taehyung asks, tilting his head to the side as he sits down once again. He moves some of Jimin’s school supplies around on the table so there’s space for his tray when it comes out. “They’re quite easy actually. And there’s not a lot to do on them. It’s more reading than anything.”
“Well, Mr. They’re quite easy actually,” Jimin chirps as he moves his backpack from the chair beside him and sets it down on the ground. “You sit here and help me out then. That way I’ll be finished and you’ll be able to have your best friend that you so lovingly want today.”
Taehyung barks out a laugh, taking the chair that Jimin had cleared for him. He reaches out for the textbook, flipping towards the back so he can grab the handouts Jimin had stuffed there earlier trying to smooth them out so they aren’t as wrinkled anymore. Then he sets the book back down on the table and moves the papers so they’re in between the two of them.
They spend another hour going through all the handouts their teacher had given them to do for homework before the next class. And even though Jimin dreads said hour he’s glad it’s going by quickly and he has the help of Taehyung as well. If it had been just him alone he’s sure it would have taken longer. Probably a few more hours and really Jimin wasn’t sure he wanted to be there much longer. He was starting to get bored and tired of doing the same thing for so long.
Taehyung is a good teacher, Jimin learns. Whenever they’re reading a passage and Jimin doesn’t understand a word he’ll stop them and Taehyung will explain it for him. He’ll translate it first into Korean and then he’ll use it in another sentence in English once again to help Jimin get the feel for it. It’s a lot easier learning one-on-one than in a classroom full of other students, and Jimin finishes his homework with a new understanding of quite a few words.
He feels more confident in the English language now than he did when he first came into the café.
As Jimin packs everything up into his backpack so they can leave and return to Taehyung’s apartment, Taehyung brings the trays up to the front for the staff to take care of. Jimin puts the handouts back into the textbook making a mental note that that’s where he put them so he doesn’t forget tomorrow in class. But if he does he’s sure Taehyung will remind him of the fact.
“What are we doing at your place anyways?” Jimin asks, as he puts the English textbook away followed by his notebook and his pencil pouch. Then he opens up his front pocket and grabs out the pair of gloves he owns. A pair of gloves he wears anytime he goes out. Whether he’s with Taehyung, Jeongguk Hoseok or not. He never leaves without them. They’re his safety. He zips his backpack up and swings it over his shoulder, pulls the gloves on over his hands, picks up his phone and stuffs it into his pocket and turns to face Taehyung who’s waiting by the door for them to leave.
His best friend stares at the gloves on his hands, a small frown forms on his face as he remembers what they stand for. As he remembers why Jimin has dedicated his life to constantly wearing them. But as quick as the frown comes, it’s soon wiped away as he begins answering Jimin’s question, “I was thinking maybe movies?” Taehyung suggests as he opens the door for Jimin to leave first.
Jimin walks out the front door, moving to the side so Taehyung can get out as well. A soft hum escapes him as they walk in the general direction of Taehyung’s car.
Unlike Jimin, Taehyung and Jeongguk don’t live in a dorm. With them both working whenever they aren’t having classes they were able to afford a small one bedroom apartment for the two of them to share. So most of the time they spend together is at Taehyung’s place since it’s a bit bigger than Jimin’s dorm happens to be.
“Movies sound fun,” Jimin replies with a nod. “Anything to help me relax sounds amazing right now. I’m still a bit stressed out over that English. I thought it’d be easier than that but I never imagined I’d spend hours on it.”
“Yeah it can be difficult sometimes.” Taehyung hums they continue to walk. The sun is beginning to set now. They definitely spent a long time there. Normally by the time Jimin leaves it’s around three. But now it’s nearly five, and he’s getting hungry once again. “But if you ever get really stuck just ask me or Hobi-Hyung. You know we’ll help you out.”
Jimin nods his head as they turn to round a corner, “That’s tr-“ he begins saying before he’s being slammed into.
He feels himself falling backwards, a huff of breath escaping him from being bumped into hard. But before he lands on the ground there’s arms wrapping around him and keeping him up. Involuntarily, Jimin closes his eyes already expecting to fall straight on his ass, but once he realizes that’s not the case he opens them back up.
He’s expecting that maybe Taehyung managed to catch him before he fell. But that’s not the case. Not at all. In front of him there’s an unknown person, with what looks like light coloured hair. But all Jimin can see is white. He briefly wonders what colour exactly it is before he panics and uses his gloved hands to get out of his grip.
“I’m sorry!” The stranger says bowing down quickly. He’s holding his hands at his side, “I really didn’t mean to run into you. I’m running late for something and I decided running was my best choice to get there. I wasn’t watching where I was going. I’m sorry about that. You aren’t hurt are you?”
Jimin shakes his head, holding his hands tightly behind him. “I’m fine. Don’t worry. You should try not being late next time. It might prevent this from happening again.” He moves a bit behind Taehyung, both wanting to stay out of the strangers reach and letting him pass.
The stranger nods his head, “You’re right. Time just slipped away from me today. Ah, Seokjin is gonna kill me.” He offers a small smile before he’s taking a few steps forward. “I’m sorry again. See you later.”
Jimin watches as he leaves, turning the corner until he disappears before letting out a baffled laugh. ‘See you later’, he plays in his head again and again.
That was highly unlikely.
—
It was highly likely to be true, Jimin realizes come the next week.
Like every other Wednesday, Jimin has come in to the café to sit down and do his homework. By this point everyone should be aware that he’ll be there and have his sandwich and coffee all ready to go. But he always comes at random times. It’s never precise. Normally it depends on how much he has to do and how motivated he currently is to do it.
Today, he comes in around three. The normal time he usually leaves when he comes in the morning. But today he doesn’t have much to do. A simple English assignment he could have finished back at home but it didn’t feel right to do such a thing. It’s almost a tradition that he comes every Wednesday for his homework and before he knew it his feet were already leading him in this direction.
He’s got his bag swung on his shoulder, weighing him down from the numerous amounts of textbooks, notebooks and other school supplies he has supporting in there. He’s not sure why he doesn’t take them out if he’s not using them for the meantime. It would definitely take the strain away not having to carry everything around everyday. He’ll consider taking some out when he gets home.
The café is a bit busier today than he’s seen recently, but maybe more people are gathering more assignments that they need to do. Or maybe they just needed a break and this café seemed the perfect place to do so. With its soft music playing in the background, the calm setting and feeling the atmosphere has, and the workers. All kind and reserved - there to help if there’s a problem.
There’s one customer in front of him, a small girl ordering something simple. Much easier than Jimin’s normal coffee and avocado sandwich he always gets when he comes. He knows it’s probably not a good idea to spend his money every week when he comes here but the food is amazing and he can’t help it. Call it his treat for keeping up with all his homework and staying on top of his grades.
When the customer is finished ordering what she wants and moves out of the line Jimin is expecting to see Seokjin or maybe one of the other workers who normally attend the counter when he comes around. It’s normally one of three people who work when he shows up, but the one he comes up to is anything but.
Jimin stops in his tracks. One step closer to the counter but still in his original spot as his eyes land on the guy who ran into him last week. He blinks, wondering if his eyes were deceiving him. He’s already lost his colour vision, is he losing his black and white vision too? Maybe he’s going crazy.
The man behind the counter smiles at Jimin’s frozen figure and Jimin is glad there’s no one behind him waiting to order. “I didn’t expect to see you again so soon,” he says, as Jimin finally collects himself and inches closer until he’s able to touch the counter with his hand if he wants to. He doesn’t. “What are you doing here?”
“I could ask you the same thing.” Jimin hums, resting a hand on his hip, “I’m here to order something and get my homework done. What are you doing here?”
“I’m here to take your order and prepare it.” The man replies, “I work here.”
So that’s the Seokjin he had mentioned last week. It didn’t click at the time but now that Jimin knows he works here it all makes sense. Seokjin was the owner of the café - or rather - his father was the owner but Seokjin managed everything and took charge. So if you asked Seokjin he would say he owned it himself.
“I’ve never seen you work here before though.” Jimin mentions tilting his head to the side. Then again, he does only come on Wednesday’s. Maybe he works other days of the week rather than today. It would make sense as to why he’s never seen him before.
“I don’t work Wednesday’s normally,” he confirms Jimin’s thoughts, “I normally have them off because I have class in the morning and Seokjin rather I worry about that instead. But I wanted some more hours because my best friend’s birthday is coming up so here I am. Time got away from me last week though and I was a bit late. Again, I’m sorry for running into you.”
“It’s fine, really.” Jimin smiles, “You were in a hurry and we turned abruptly. You couldn’t have prevented it even if you tried and I’m not hurt. So there’s no need to apologize.”
“I still feel bad,” he replies shaking his head, “What's your order? I’ll buy it for you. It’s not much but I’ll feel better that way, yeah?”
“Are you sure?” Jimin’s smile falls. He doesn’t like when people buy stuff for him. Unless it’s Taehyung but even then he’s still really iffy on such things. He prefers to do everything himself if he can. “It’s a bit pricey. Your sandwiches aren’t exactly cheap here.”
“That would be Seokjin’s doing,” The man laughs. A deep sound resonates out loud and Jimin finds himself smiling once again even though it happens naturally. He likes his smile. “But yes, I’m sure. Don’t worry. Seokjin pays quite well for us working here. I can afford a sandwich and a coffee. So tell me, Mr.-“
“Jimin.” He adds in quickly. “My name is Jimin. Don’t use Mr. it’s weird. I’m sure we’re around the same age.”
“Jimin,” he smiles once again. This time a more fond and sincere smile on his face as he leans against the counter. “Tell me Jimin, what is it you’d like to order?”
—
“Jiminie!” Taehyung cries as he barges into Jimin’s dorm room one week later. Why he doesn’t lock his door always bemuses Jimin. And why he gave Taehyung a key if the door is locked confuses him even more. He trusts Taehyung too much with the safety of his bedroom.
Jimin jumps from where he’s standing in the restroom trying to fix his hair. He definitely wasn’t expecting any unannounced visitors, but then again, with Taehyung crying his name he technically announced himself. He heaves out a breath, placing a hand on his chest as he looks out the door to see his best friend already making himself comfortable on his bed.
“Hi Tae,” Jimin says returning to the mirror to finish fixing his hair. He’s not sure why he bothers to put so much effort into it when he knows come an hour later it’ll be ruined with how much he runs his hand through it. But it’s the thought that counts right? Besides, Hoseok’s dorm was right next door. He really didn’t need to put this much effort into it. “What are you doing here? Weren’t you supposed to get ready at home? And where’s Gukkie? Did you really just abandon your boyfriend?”
“He abandoned me!” Taehyung whines. Jimin can hear Taehyung shuffling around on his bed before the sound stops and he’s appearing in the door frame of the restroom. “He went over to Hoseok’s to help set up everything.”
“Why is Hoseok the one planning his birthday party?” Jimin questions letting his hands fall from his hair down to the counter. He stares at Taehyung through the mirror curiosity written all over his face. “Shouldn’t we plan it for him?”
“We could have,” Taehyung shrugs, “But Hoseok likes planning these things himself, remember? He always plans ours because he enjoys it so much. So I’m sure he had a blast planning his own party. But he kidnapped my boyfriend for the time being and I’m sad and I need help.”
“You need help with what exactly?” Jimin asks turning away from the mirror to look at Taehyung directly now. He tilts his head to the side wondering what exactly it is that Taehyung needs him for. “And why aren’t you dressed? You can’t go in sweats to Hoseok’s. You know he’ll complain about it. He likes when we dress up for these events.”
“And that my lovely best friend would be what I need help with.” Taehyung beams, turning around to walk back towards Jimin’s bed. Jimin follows him out of the restroom flicking the light off behind him. “I’m not sure what to wear, and since Jeongguk isn’t home to tell me I need your input because you’re the fashion god.”
“From the way you put it it almost sounds like I’m the second fashion god and Jeongguk is the first.” Jimin mentions sitting down besides Taehyung on his bed. “You really came all the way here just to take me back to your house to help you pick an outfit out when you know the party is right next door to us? Why didn’t you just FaceTime me?”
Taehyung’s face scrunches up in confusion, “What do you mean next to us?” He tilts his head, “Hobi-Hyung isn’t having his party at his dorm. It’s too tiny for all of us. We’re going to his friend Namjoon’s. That’s where the party is being held. So either way, I had to come to pick you up Chim. Didn’t you get my message? You didn’t answer so that’s when I decided to come over.”
Now that Taehyung mentions it, Jimin does remember his phone going off saying he had a text message but he was so focused on being ready before the party started that he never bothered to look at it. Honestly he’s not even sure where his phone currently is. It could possibly be on his desk for all he knows. It’s been hours since he last touched it.
Jimin shakes his head rubbing the back of his neck with a sheepish smile, “I guess not. I haven’t been on my phone in a while. Sorry about that.” He pushes himself off his bed now actually wondering where his phone is and begins looking for it. “It’s a good thing you came by though. Or else I would have been standing outside Hoseok’s dorm for hours wondering why no one was answering.”
Taehyung laughs standing up as well, “You’re welcome.”
It takes Jimin a moment but eventually he finds his cell phone on the ground by his desk. How it came to be there is beyond him but Jimin has learned not to question things. If anything there’s probably a ghost in his dorm. Who knows?
He picks up the phone and stuffs it into his pocket before standing up straight and turning towards Taehyung with a smile. “I’m ready whenever you are then. We have to get back to your apartment to get you ready. We don’t want to be late to Hoseok’s party. Or else the sun itself will be sad. And I could do without the rain today.”
—
Within the next forty-five minutes Taehyung and Jimin head back to Taehyung’s apartment, figure out an outfit for Taehyung to wear and quickly hurry to get him ready. By now they’re already ten minutes late, and Jimin is sure that soon enough both he and Taehyung are going to get text messages and calls from Jeongguk asking where the hell they are and when they’re going to make it.
It’s not like they’re late on purpose though. It was a bit challenging to find an outfit that Taehyung liked and seemed fitting for today, even harder to figure exactly what light shades of eyeshadow complimented the outfit and how to style his hair. But after a while they finally got it all figured out and now they were on their merry way to Namjoon’s.
Jimin doesn’t know exactly how to feel about going to Namjoon’s house for the party. He knows Hoseok has more friends than just him, Taehyung and Jeongguk. But he’s never actually met the others. Sure, he’s seen him around campus whenever he’s with Hoseok but normally he doesn’t go up to them and initiate a conversation.
Though he’s not one to complain. Today isn’t about him. It’s about Hoseok and as long as they all enjoy themselves then that’s what matters. Besides, Jimin knows Hoseok’s friends aren’t bad people. Knows they’re nice and kind just like himself. So there shouldn’t be any problems. Today will be a night full of fun.
“Do you have his present?” Taehyung asks as they slow to a stop beside one of the houses. Jimin has been zoned out the entire time that he never even noticed they were close to arriving. But then again, he didn’t know where Namjoon’s house was from Taehyung’s anyways.
Jimin looks towards him, blinking confused before it clicks in his head and holds up the small box with wrapping paper covering it entirely. He smiles down at it, remembering the meaning of it.
“You never did tell me what it is.” Taehyung mentions as he puts the car into park and unlocks the doors for them to get out.
“It’s a bracelet,” Jimin replies extending his arm out to let his shirt sleeve roll up. “A friendship bracelet. I have the moon and inside the box is the sun. Because that’s what Hobi-Hyung is you know? He’s the sun and he’s always been here to brighten my day and cheer me up. It seems fitting.”
“It’s cheesy,” Taehyung laughs, but his smile is sincere. “But it’s adorable and I’m positive that Hobi-hyung is going to love it. You know he loves anything relating to friendships. You might take the cake with that gift.”
“I think he’ll end up liking every gift the same,” Jimin replies as he unbuckles his seatbelt. A turn to look out the window shows Jimin that the others are already inside partying from the way he can dimly see through the front window. He’s almost sure he can see Hoseok and Jeongguk dancing, but he can’t hear any music. Maybe they’re being considerate of the neighbours.
“Quite possibly.” Taehyung agrees as he opens up the driver’s door and gets out of the car. Jimin follows after him and once his door is shut he hears the beep of the car locking once again. “Hopefully Hoseok won’t be too mad that we’re a tad bit late.”
“I think he’s having too much fun dancing with your boyfriend to care much,” Jimin teases shifting the present from one hand to the next, following Taehyung as he climbs the stairs and knocks on the front door. Even if he knows there’s a party going on and they’re both invited it’s better that they knock rather than waltzing right in. Especially when they don’t know Namjoon and the others all that well yet.
From outside the door Jimin can faintly hear music playing inside of the house. It’s definitely not too loud but it must be loud enough that they can enjoy dancing in peace. Jimin laughs a bit at that, before stepping back a little bit.
It’s only then that he remembers he doesn’t have his gloves with him. Only then that he realizes he’s going to be surrounded by other people who don’t know him, who don’t know that he can’t handle physical contact that he doesn’t touch others. Jimin panics a bit. “Tae,” he squeaks out as they continue to wait outside. Maybe the music is a bit too loud for the others to hear them out there waiting.
“What is it?” Taehyung turns to face him, worry fitting on his face. “What’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“I forgot my gloves at home Tae,” Jimin whines, quickly passing Taehyung his present and stuffing his hands in his pant pockets. He didn’t even bring a jacket either. He has nothing to cover himself up in. “I can’t believe I forgot them.”
“It’s fine.” Taehyung says offering a small smile. He digs into his pocket and grabs out his keys before turning towards the car and unlocking it. “You don’t think I keep a pair in my car for you? There’s a pair in the middle console. Go get them.”
Jimin stares at Taehyung in surprise, “You have a pair of gloves for me?”
“Of course I do. I’ve always had them in my car. You just never need them so I never mentioned them.” Taehyung smiles as Jimin walks down to the car and opens the passenger door up so he can get inside and grab the gloves.
Just like Taehyung mentions, Jimin finds a pair of unopened gloves in the middle console just waiting to be worn. He smiles fondly at the thought of Taehyung having them for him and opens them up so he can slip them on. They fit like a glove. Jimin finds the fact ironic and can’t help but laugh at himself.
When he gets out of the car and closes the door behind him after pressing the lock button once again he sees Taehyung on the phone. He tilts his head to the side as he walks up the stairs once again before the front door is opening and reveals…
Wait, it’s that guy again.
“Jimin?” He says shock written all over his face as he locks eyes with him. “I didn’t know you were coming. Though that makes sense now. I didn’t click the Jimin’s together.”
Beside them, Taehyung gasps, “Hey! You’re the one who ran into Jimin a few weeks ago. I didn’t know you two were friends now.”
“We aren’t.” Jimin shakes his head, “Not really anyways. We’ve just met a few times since then. He works at that café I go to all the time with the really good avocado sandwiches.”
Taehyung opens his mouth to say something again but before he can Hoseok is appearing at the door with a bright smile on his face. “Chimmy! Tae Tae! You made it finally. Sorry for making you wait outside. We couldn’t hear over the music.”
“It’s fine,” Jimin smiles as Hoseok presses the door open more for them to go inside. Once they’re both inside Jimin reaches around for Hoseok to give him a hug continuing to be mindful of not touching him. “Happy birthday, Hyung! I can’t believe you’re already another year older. Stop growing up on us.”
Hoseok laughs at that, pulling away from the hug after a moment, “Yoongi-Hyung kept saying the same thing. But then I just remind him that he’s still older than me as well.”
Jimin tilts his head at the comment, “Who’s Yoongi-hyung?” He questions. He only knew about Namjoon and Seokjin. He wasn’t aware of any Yoongi being Hoseok’s friend.
“That would be me,” The one beside Hoseok says. The one who bumped into him, and works at the café. “I guess I didn’t tell you last week. Sorry about that. I’m Yoongi.”
“You’re friends and you don’t know each other’s name?” Taehyung raises a brow at that, “Isn't that like the first thing you learn about someone?”
“I told you we aren’t exactly friends. We just keep running into one another.” Jimin explains shaking his head. “But look I know his name now. We’re all good.”
Hoseok hums, ushering the two of them towards the living room where the others are gathered. There’s still music playing in the background but now it’s not as loud. Jimin falls behind though, finding himself standing near Yoongi with a new found curiosity.
He hums, pursing his lips together in debate of whether to ask or not. “So this best friend you mentioned last week would be Hobi-hyung?” He questions tilting his head to the side.
Yoongi nods his head slowly stopping in his tracks to look at Jimin, “That would be him. I didn’t know you and Hobi were friends.”
“Same to you. He’s never mentioned you before. I always hear about Namjoon and Seokjin but never you. But knowing Hoseok he probably thinks he’s mentioned you a few times by now.” Jimin shrugs, continuing to walk towards the living room with Yoongi beside him. “The world is quite small. Funny how it all happened like this.”
“The world works in weird yet interesting ways,” Yoongi agrees. “We don’t understand it but it happens. Sometimes it works in our favour.”
Jimin stares at Yoongi in confusion wondering what he means by that but he doesn’t question it further. Instead he heads into the living room and introduces himself to Namjoon and says hi to Seokjin before they start enjoying Hoseok’s party once again.
Thankfully, no one questions him on the gloves he wears or why he stays away from them all when they’re crowding together.
He’s not ready to talk to anyone about it. Taehyung, Jeongguk and Hoseok know. But the others don’t, and he doesn’t know them well enough to explain it.
—
It’s raining.
Under normal circumstances Jimin would have an umbrella with him. He wouldn’t let himself stay in the cold being drenched by the water from head to toe. No, normally he would keep himself dry even if a part of him wanted to play in the rain and get soaked as he is now.
But even now he’s not playing in the rain. He’s merely just standing in it. Letting it damper his mood. Or maybe, it’s the thing bringing his mood up.
It’s late at night now. Probably around eight or nine but Jimin doesn’t really remember nor care. He’s been out here for a while. Since class let out honestly. Before though it wasn’t raining, but as if the sky read his mood and knew what he needed it eventually started to downpour on them. And Jimin didn’t have the strength or desire to leave from where he was.
He feels like crying, yelling and screaming at the world. He’s angry with himself for letting it come to this. For failing that English exam when he’s spent so much time and effort trying to figure everything out. When he spends hours at a time to figure out his homework and then even longer other days to study and absorb all the information. And yet he still got a failing grade on the exam.
He hates that he was suckered into taking English with Taehyung and Hoseok. They’re much smarter when it comes to this. When learning a new language they actually want to know about. But Jimin doesn’t. He’s just taking it because there’s nothing else for him at this rate. He doesn’t have a major and now he’s just taking classes until he finishes and can graduate.
It’s frustrating.
He knows he can do better. Knows that if he spends a little more time studying, asks a few more questions and gets Taehyung and Hoseok to help him that he’ll be able to pass the course. And he wants to. He’s going to find the help he needs but right now he’s just frustrated and all he wants to do is cry.
So cry he does.
It’s one thing Jimin likes about the rain. Whenever he cries he feels a bit comforted. Like he’s not alone and the sky is crying with him. His tears mingle with the rain and no one can tell the difference. Unless they looked close enough they wouldn’t know he’s crying. Just that he’s getting soaked. And Jimin loves that.
He doesn’t like crying. But he does it sometimes when things pile up and he’s overly frustrated like right now. But now he’s glad the rain is pouring down straight on him. Glad that he’s not alone right now even if technically there isn’t another person present. The rain is person enough.
Jimin moves over to one of the many benches scattered around campus and pulls his knees up to chest hugging them tightly. It’s the closest one to his dorm room for when he’s finally ready to go inside. He knows he’ll definitely need a hot shower to prevent him from getting sick but even if he did get sick he wouldn’t mind much right now. Though he probably would later.
He looks out at the campus. At how it’s dark and empty and almost peaceful besides the light posts that shine light everywhere and the raining pattering down onto all the surfaces around him making little noises of nothing. It’s calming to say the least even with Jimin crying away about the failed exam.
It’s almost weird to see the entirety of the campus empty right now. He thought at least a few other students would be walking around somewhere. But now it’s completely empty and Jimin feels like he’s somewhere he shouldn’t be. Though he knows that he’s not.
He wipes at his eyes, trying to clear away the tears lingering that wish to fall but won’t. Jimin wishes that they would though. That all his sadness and frustration would seep away when the tears fell from his eyes and yet they don’t. It does nothing to help his mood.
“Jimin?” A voice calls out in the distance. Or maybe they’re not that far but with the rain echoing in the sky it sounds further away. “It’s raining. What are you doing out here?”
Jimin turns his head to where the voice has come from. He’s not sure who he’s expecting to be right there. Though he wasn’t expecting anyone to begin with. But he’s definitely not expecting to see Yoongi with a worried expression and an umbrella over his head.
He quickly wipes at his eyes before realizing his efforts go in vain because Yoongi can’t tell if he’s crying or if it’s the rain anyways. So he lowers his hands to his knees and offers a small smile to him.
“Hi Yoongi.” Jimin murmurs turning away from him to look out into the deserted campus. It’s only now as he looks around that he notices one of the light posts are flickering on and off. The school will have to check that out soon. “What are you doing here?”
Jimin can hear the soft padding of footsteps around him before Yoongi is standing in front of him. The rain that was falling straight onto him and his shoulders is no longer reaching him. Instead, the umbrella Yoongi brought with him is shielding them both from the water.
“You look sad. What happened?” Yoongi asks, voice small and quiet. But loud enough that Jimin can hear him over the rain. Jimin looks up at Yoongi, eyes full of sadness and frustration still. “I think by now I can call you my friend. So as your friend lean on me.”
He blinks, suddenly taken aback by Yoongi’s words. Were they friends? They barely knew each other. “We’re friends?” Jimin questions head tilting to the side. He shivers a bit as drops of water fall from his hair onto his face and clothing.
“I’d like to think we are,” Yoongi confirms with a sincere smile. “I’d like to think it’s fate at this rate. We keep running into each other. Almost like it’s our destiny to be friends.”
Jimin frowns at that, “Destiny, huh?” He lets out a sigh, bringing his hands up to wrap around his arms hoping for any breath of heat to come and warm him up. Nothing does though. Maybe he should head home soon.
“Here.” Yoongi says extending the umbrella out to Jimin, “Hold this for a moment.”
Jimin tilts his head to the side before he takes the umbrella, being weary of their hands touching, before holding it over the two of them watching as Yoongi does whatever it is he wants to. He’s not expecting Yoongi to peel off his jacket until he’s in nothing but his bare t-shirt. And he’s not expecting Yoongi to hold it out to him with a smile.
“You’re cold. Here use this to warm yourself up.” He offers extending his other hand out for the umbrella once again. “I don’t want you getting sick.”
Jimin laughs a bit taking the jacket though part of him thinks he shouldn’t. Now Yoongi is going to be cold. He feels a bit bad. “I think the chances of me getting sick are high. I’ve been out here for hours now.”
Yoongi’s eyes go wide at that, “Hours?!”
He exclaims, lips pulling back into a frown as Jimin pulls on the jacket. He has a feeling Yoongi won’t let him get away with not putting it on. “Why? What’s wrong? Do you wanna talk about it or do you maybe want a distraction?”
The younger shrugs, lets out a small breath and shakes his head. He’s not sure what he wants but part of him feels like talking about it might make him feel better. Feels like maybe if it’s not someone like Hoseok or Taehyung who will just say he’ll get it eventually it’ll make things better. Because English is stressful and he’s struggling with it.
“Well, whatever it is it’s made you upset.” Yoongi continues, frown remaining on his face as he talks, “We don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to, but come inside? My dorm is nearby. I’ll make you some hot chocolate or coffee or something to warm you up. And you can take a shower if you’d like. I’m sure we’re around the same size so I’ll let you borrow some clothing.”
Jimin wants to tell Yoongi that his dorm is nearby too. Wants to tell him that they’re up the stairs but part of him just wants to go with Yoongi anyways. Wants to be away from his room where he’ll just be surrounded by all the books and papers of his schoolwork he still needs to do before the next meeting. So he nods his head and pushes himself off the bench pulling the jacket around him tighter as he shivers.
“I got your jacket wet,” Jimin whispers as Yoongi leads them in the direction of his dorm room. He definitely meant it when he said it was nearby where they currently were.
“It’s fine.” Yoongi replies bringing the both of them under the staircase so the rain is no longer hitting them. He closes his umbrella as he digs into his pocket and collects his keys to unlock the front door. “I knew it would get wet when I gave it to you. But there’s this fancy machine called a dryer that will fix that right up for me later. So don’t worry.”
Jimin smiles at that as Yoongi unlocks the door and lets him inside first. He shivers once again when the heat of the dorm room hits him. He relishes it.
He stands awkwardly in the doorway as Yoongi squeezes by him closing the door behind him. “I’m gonna get you some clothes and a towel. Take your socks and shoes off, okay? The heater is on, as you might have felt, so it should stay warm in here.”
Jimin nods his head, doing as he told by taking off his shoes and socks. He cringes a bit as he pulls his socks off hating that they’re wet. Absolutely gross. Then he pulls off the jacket he got from Yoongi and lays it over the desk chair that’s right by the front entryway.
Yoongi’s dorm isn’t much bigger than Jimin’s. Or rather it isn’t bigger at all. They’re the same exact size only the furniture is lined up in a different way that makes it appear to have more space. He watches as Yoongi digs through his dresser before he moves over to the closest and grabs a shirt out for Jimin wear.
“I think these should fit you well.” Yoongi says, extending his hand out with the clothes. There’s a pair of grey sweats and a white t-shirt in his hands. Something simple, Jimin likes it.
“Thank you,” Jimin says quietly sniffling as he takes the clothes into his hands. His gloves are completely drenched too but Jimin is too scared to take them off in fear of them touching so he deals with it.
“I’m not sure why you wear gloves but I’ve seen you with them a few times. If yours are wet I should have a pair around here I can let you borrow?” Yoongi offers as he points to where the restroom is. “They’re gloves I use during the winter though so they might be a bit big. Is that okay?”
Jimin nods his head as he walks towards the restroom in a quick manner to not get the carpet drenched in water. He flushes red at the comment. At the caring way Yoongi sounds right now even though they barely know one another. “Why are you so keen on helping me right now? Bringing me home and giving me things.”
“Because we’re friends. And that’s what friends are for.” Yoongi smiles as he walks over to the dresser once again probably to find the gloves he just mentioned. “Plus, I was worried about you when I saw you out there in the rain. I couldn’t leave you alone. Not if you needed someone to be there for you.”
Jimin smiles at that. A bit - no, a lot grateful that Yoongi was there at the time that he was. He still doesn’t feel better about what went on. Doesn’t feel any better that he failed a test. But he’s glad that Yoongi is here to comfort him.
He sets the clothes down on the sink, moving to the close the door behind him when Yoongi speaks up really fast.
“Did you want hot chocolate or coffee?”
Jimin peels out of the restroom and hums for a moment seemingly debating between the two options before saying, “Hot chocolate, please.” Yoongi nods his head the answer turning back around to continue looking for the gloves as Jimin starts closing the door once again. But then he says, “Hey Yoongi, thank you.”
He closes the door before he lets himself hear whatever it is that Yoongi says in response.
—
Jimin feels a bit better after getting out of the shower. The hot water piercing down on him was much better than the cold and chilly water of the rain. He’s left his wet clothes on the ground against his better judgement knowing full well it’ll leave the floor soaked, but hopefully Yoongi has a mop so he can clean it up.
He sniffles as he wraps the towel around him tightly reaching out for the clothes that Yoongi brought him to wear. Call him weird but they smell good. Freshly washed and folded. It’s different than how his clothes normally smell, a difference in their laundry detergents. But it smells nice enough that Jimin doesn’t complain as he pulls on the white t-shirt.
Part of Jimin is still wondering how Yoongi even knew he was there. If he actually knew at all. Maybe Yoongi had just been returning home from somewhere when he saw him? He’s not really sure, but either way he’s still thankful for him. Jimin can only imagine how he would be at home right now. Just staring at all those textbooks and notes making him angry and frustrated once again.
Maybe a break is what he needs right now.
Even if it’s a small one such as this. He’s been working hard balancing between all his classes and it’s his final year before he graduates. Of course things would be a bit more challenging for him. He just has to push through it all and stay strong.
Once he finished getting dressed, Jimin runs a hand through his hair brushing it back after using the towel to dry it some. He didn’t want to go out and get the furniture wet because his hair is completely drenched still. He spares a glance towards the clothes on the floor - the ones that are covering Yoongi’s floor in water and picks them up. Bringing them closer to the shower he wrings them out to try and get as much water out as possible before he throws them over the shower rod to let them dry some. He’ll have to bring his clothes to the dryer tomorrow.
When officially done Jimin hangs the towel up on the hanger behind the door and opens it up. Turning the light off in the restroom as the rest of the dorm is revealed Jimin sees Yoongi sitting on a bed with a laptop in his hands. He walks out timidly looking around at his surroundings. It’s only now he realizes that the bed he’s sitting on has been transformed to look like a couch and the other bed is completely made. Yoongi must have this dorm to himself and since he had the extra bed it was easy to make it into a couch.
Hearing the bathroom door open Yoongi looks up from his computer and flashes Jimin a smile before patting next to him on the couch-bed. “Your hot chocolate is on the table and I left the gloves beside it.” The says pointing next to the small table beside the couch-bed.
“Thank you.” Jimin says quietly walking over to the couch-bed and sitting down on it beside Yoongi. He leans over and picks up the gloves quickly pulling them on. He feels a lot more comfortable having them on. “I left my wet clothes hanging in your shower. I hope that’s okay?”
Yoongi nods his head, “That’s fine. I don’t have a dryer anyways so it’s best to leave them somewhere else to dry for the meantime.” Yoongi smiles at him, exiting out some of the tabs on his laptop before his smile fades away, “Do you want to talk about what’s got you upset? Or do you wanna watch a movie? I have a few on my laptop and I have Namjoon’s Netflix account as well.”
Jimin shrugs, reaching over to the table once again, this time for the mug filled with hot chocolate. It’s a small white mug with the word “latte” printed on it in a cute font. Well, he’s definitely not drinking a latte right now. But if Jimin were to choose between getting coffee or hot chocolate he’d definitely choose hot chocolate. He’s like it more than coffee, but coffee gives him the energy boosts he needs for doing homework.
He holds the mug between his hands letting the heat seep to them. A faint smile appears on his face. It feels nice. But then he sighs when he remembers Yoongi’s question.
“I failed my English exam today.” He murmurs. And now when he says it aloud it feels silly to be upset over. “And like I know there’s going to be other tests, and there’s a makeup test for this one. But I’m still angry and upset, you know? I’ve spent a lot of time studying and doing all my assignments for the class and I still failed and I just...it’s frustrating.”
Jimin looks down at the hot chocolate, he blows on the liquid before bringing it closer to his lip and taking a small drink of it. It’s still a bit too hot.
“And I just… I don’t know Yoongi. I guess seeing how my efforts went in vain just kinda hit me and I broke down. Like Taehyung and Hoseok get it easily. They hardly struggle. Even Jeongguk gets it and he’s not even taking an English class. It just leaves me wondering if I’m too dumb for the class.”
“You’re not too dumb.” Yoongi says before Jimin is able to say another word. “I can assure you that’s definitely not the case here. Everybody learns differently and at their own pace too. I took English my first year of college and I struggled like you did. I didn’t think I would pass the class, but I did.”
“How?” Jimin questions looking up from his hot chocolate to Yoongi. He finds that Yoongi is staring straight at him too.
“I had someone help me out. You remember Namjoon, yeah? He’s fluent in English. Has been since middle school. He used to help me out whenever I needed it. And I did pretty well myself after that.” Yoongi smiles, “So if you need someone to help you out as well. Whether it’s something big or small you can ask me. Or you could ask Hoseok and Taehyung. I know they would help you out immediately. You know that too.”
Yoongi looks back to his laptop, but his hands never move and neither does the cursor. He merely just stares at the screen. “Maybe you didn’t pass the exam now, but remember there will be more. And you’ll be ready for those and you’ll pass them.” He turns to look back at Jimin once again, “Don’t worry. You’re too smart to fail.”
Jimin flushes at the comment, eyes dropping to look between his legs at where the mug sits on the red blanket draped across the bed. He licks at his lips, bringing the mug up to hide his face. He’s almost the same colour as the blanket itself.
“Thank you Yoongi.” He murmurs, never once lifting his gaze up from the blanket to stare at the elders face. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Beside him, he hears Yoongi hum before the clicks of the keyboard can be heard as well. “It’s late now. Do you want to stay over? I’m sure your dorm isn’t too far but I think it’s still raining right now.”
Jimin looks up at that blinks and debates it in his head whether he should or not. He barely knows Yoongi but he can call them friends now. And seeing as he’s best friends with Hoseok he doesn’t see the problem in staying. So he nods his head and smiles, “Can we watch a movie now?”
Yoongi laughs, nodding his head as well. “Sure. What movie shall we watch?”