Chapter Text
This is the fourth time this month, the fourth time Jimin finds yet another brown sticky note with messy handwriting stuck inside the cover of his borrowed books.
The small library café is hidden in between a campus class building and general goods store, making it a quiet retreat from all the uncharacteristically noisy main campus library. The theatre studies major can’t stand the main library, the design of it made it seem like more of an office rather than a library.
On the other hand, the Three-legged Cat Library Café is designed purposely to look old yet charming. With the café’s wooden shelves and brown aesthetic, it quickly became Jimin’s weekday retreat before and after lectures. There is always jazz music being played softly in the background, and as the name states, a three-legged black cat could usually be seen hanging out somewhere around the seating area.
However, ever since Jimin had started lending the books from the library, he would often find the same sticky note with different messages written on it each time within the book. This was odd as students working at the library would often go by shifts to work at the counter, so whoever is writing these notes is unlikely to be working at the front. It could’ve been anyone really, judging by how books must be placed in a waitlist for a few hours or sometimes even a day or two before being lent out because of it being a small-scale library that also holds a number of rare pieces of literature.
This time, the sticky note is found behind the cover of just a general copy of Macbeth he had waited for about an hour to receive.
“Finals are coming up. You’ll do fine, I’m sure of it. Good luck!”
As always, a small doodle of a cat is drawn at the end of the sentence. Stifling a giggle, Jimin folds the sticky note neatly so he could safely slide it into the pocket of his brown tote bag. The blonde grips on the book tightly, moving to the café area so he could find Namjoon who was busy on his laptop.
The brunette lifts his head to smile at Jimin. The sleeves of his forest green sweater dipped into his cappuccino by accident as he was trying to reach for the fork to their cake, making Jimin snort. Namjoon throws him a weak glare before chomping down on the piece of cheesecake, whipping away the white foam with a tissue.
“Still don’t know who this sticky note person is?” Namjoon asks quietly after chewing.
Jimin shakes his head while sighing. He sets his book down to remove his coat, revealing his oversized cream cashmere sweater layered on top of a black turtleneck. It’s one of those colder Sydney winter days.
“It’s cute though, only mildly creepy.” He smiles to himself as he sits across from his friend, his oat milk latte untouched.
It is Namjoon who snorts this time.
“You’ll excuse stalker behaviour if said creep acts cute. Noted.” He jokes, moving back to his laptop to continue typing away at his assignment. Jimin kicks at Namjoon’s shin playfully while flipping his own laptop open.
The blonde is really trying to concentrate on the task at hand, but the thought of the sticky-note person is constantly nagging at the back of his head.
Who could it be? Is it a guy? A girl? In-between or somewhere along the wide gender spectrum? Not that it matters to Jimin of course. It must be someone working in the library café. Maybe it is the man with wide shoulders and pouty lips that can be often seen arranging the books on the shelves.
Maybe it is the blonde girl that is often seen stamping stacks of returned books. It may also be the barista with sleepy cat eyes and deep raspy voice who which caught Jimin’s attention when he first visited the place. He remembers thinking how attractive his voice is when he first ordered from the café, how despite looking intimidating, the man had a certain softness in his features. Jimin really wishes it is him.
Unfortunately, that is impossible judging by how he is only seen working in the café section and can only be seen in the reading section when serving drinks or talking to his friends working there.
The barista is now reading a book behind the counter, taking advantage of the fact that today is a slow one. ‘He looks so attractive in that black crewneck that it should be illegal.’ Jimin thinks as he admires the black-haired man.
A pen tapping at the top of his MacBook averts his attention from the barista. He is now faced with Namjoon with an unimpressed look on his face, causing Jimin to shrug and smile wryly.
“Stop ogling the cute barista and study for your finals. You wouldn’t want to retake your units, right?” The elder nags gently, turning his attention back to his English paper. Jimin shakes his head slowly at that.
Looking up, the blonde takes one last glance at the barista. To his surprise, he is staring right at him. Jimin’s face heats up at the thought of being caught staring, pink staining his cheeks and ears before he could stop it.
Guess who is going to scream into their pillow when they get home?
~
“I’m going to find out who it is.” Jimin mumbles out of nowhere while sitting in the living room of his shared apartment.
Taehyung pauses his action of reaching into his bowl of popcorn as he looks at his roommate, attention snapped away from the show playing in front of him.
“The person that stole your bath bomb? It could be Gukkie from our last hangout session.” He responds hastily, eyes shifting nervously away from his best friend.
Jimin narrows his eyes at him.
“What? No, I mean the person behind the sticky notes. Tae, stop stealing my bath bombs!” The blonde exclaims.
Taehyung flinches at the pitch, pushing a hand full of salted popcorn into his mouth.
“I’m sorry, okay! You have so many of them anyway, a basket filled with it.” He speaks as he munches, the popcorn giving him chipmunk cheeks while making his speech barely intelligible.
Jimin sighs with a roll of his eyes, turning his eyes back towards the screen. They’re re-watching Chilling Adventures of Sabrina once more, a way to cope with the wait for the new upcoming season.
“So, as I was saying. I’m going to find out who is behind those sticky notes.” Jimin huffs while leaning back down heavily. The vintage designed couch creaking as he does so.
Taehyung was in charge of decorating the apartment when they both had moved in, so the apartment is now decorated in a rustic minimalistic vintage theme. ‘Just because the theme is vintage, it doesn’t mean we need actual vintage furniture Tae.’
“How are you going to do that?” Taehyung asks, eyes not leaving the screen.
“I’ll start by asking around the library, I guess. If that fails, I’ll try to catch the culprit in action.” He says while smiling to himself. Taehyung looks at him with an expression that could only be described as amusement and fear.
“Please don’t get arrested again. I’m not bailing you out this time.” Taehyung says in deadpan seriousness.
He yelps loudly as Jimin lands a loud hit to his arm.
~
“Heard that you passed this semester, congrats! Today is exceptionally freezing and I really hope that you’re keeping warm. Don’t catch a cold!” The note is stuck inside the copy of The Secret History today.
“Hey, I’m sorry for interrupting but do you guys happen to know who has been leaving these sticky notes in my books? I want to thank them.” Jimin asks the man with wide shoulders that was previously talking to another student with a heart-shaped smile.
Both of them seem to freeze for a minute after the question leaves Jimin’s lips. He watches as the shorter guy shakes the other man out of it, to which he starts stuttering all the sudden.
“Oh, um no. Not really, yeah! Sorry, we don’t know who it is.” The man stammers. The brunette behind him looks at him with an exasperated expression, before slapping the raven head in the back.
He mouths a ‘What?’ with a shrug.
He is obviously lying, Jimin concludes. He really wants to press further, but the Libra in him hates confrontation. So, with a smile and a thank you, he excuses himself.
With a sigh of defeat, he retreats back to the café side of the library with the intention to drown the sorrow of his failure in the hot-barista-guy’s Oat Milk Matcha Latte. Maybe it’s his fat crush on the boy making him biased, but he truly makes the best café drinks Jimin has ever drunk.
To his surprise, it seems as if hot-barista-guy is already expecting him. He gives the blonde with his usual tight-lipped smile.
“Good afternoon.” Barista guy greets him politely. Jimin walks over to the counter, pretending to inspect the muffins displayed in the glass dome at the counter. He gets close enough to see the man’s paper aeroplane tattoo on his wrist.
‘Play it cool Park Jimin.’
“Hi, just a Matcha Latte with Oat Milk please.” Jimin requests while fiddling with his thumbs under his coat. God. Who am I, a middle schooler?
“Is that all for today?” He speaks in his usual raspy voice.
“Yes, that is all.”
The black-haired man nods at that, punching in his order without sparring Jimin a glance, making Jimin a little bit sad. It really isn’t the barista’s fault anyway, Jimin had never made any moves to talk to him other than ordering. They don’t even know each other’s names for god sake.
Walking to his usual table, Jimin tries to distract himself from his fat crush on the barista by letting his head wander to the person behind the sticky notes. Instead, he got into a trance of observing the world go by through the window.
“Matcha Latte with Oat Milk?” A familiar voice snaps him out of his trance.
Barista guy stands there with a smile, holding a steaming mug by the plate underneath it. Jimin stares in awe at the latte art at the top of his drink, a cat being drawn on top of the green beverage with foam. Three butter cookies sat on the edge of the plate holding the mug, two more than the usual one he would get.
However, instead of leaving after serving Jimin his drink, he stays in place.
“You’re alone today?” He asks in a small voice.
His usual stoic expression is replaced with one of uncertainty, Jimin is shocked, to say the least. He had always seen the other man as unapproachable, that is why he had never made any moves to talk to the black-haired man.
“Oh! Um, yes. I’m alone today, all of my friends are still busy with their final assignments.” Jimin speaks in an airy voice, still surprised.
The barista nods in acknowledgement, giving him a shy genuine smile. He is wearing a beige wool turtleneck today, a contrast to the black on black outfit he can always be seen wearing. As the note says, it is exceptionally cold today.
“I’m Min Yoongi, by the way.” He introduces himself with a cute gummy smile while reaching out with his hand out for a handshake.
“Um, I was just thinking that I should introduce myself since you are one of our regulars. I’m sorry, is this a bad time?” Yoongi asks when Jimin doesn’t respond.
After the blonde realises that he has been gaping like a fish for the last few seconds, he puts on one of his most pleasant smiles.
“Oh no! I’m Park Jimin, was just surprised that you’re Korean too I guess.” He cringes at his own excuse. There are plenty of Koreans on campus, the other two students working in the library are Korean too for fuck’s sake, he has heard all three of them occasionally speaking in Korean multiple times.
Yoongi just chuckles at that as he scratches the back of his neck. The sleeves of his sweater riding up, allowing some more of his tattoos to peek through.
“Yeah, I’m from Daegu. Moved here during the start of high school. You’re from Busan, right? Heard you and one of your friends speaking in Busan dialect once.” Yoongi must be talking about Jungkook. The last time Jungkook joined him in a study session in the café was at the end of autumn, that was a month ago.
He is surprised that Yoongi even remembers.
“I am from Busan, but I’ve been living here since I was a kid. My family along with occasional trips back to Korea kept me in touch with my language and heritage, I guess.” Jimin laughs softly at that. Him, Jungkook, Taehyung, and Namjoon would take trips down to their home country every year or two together.
Yoongi looks like he is about to reply with a joke, that is until a chirped meow rang across the room from the counter. The barista snaps his head back to find the three-legged cat hovering over one of the sandalwood scented candles.
“Willow, not the counter! I’m sorry, the cat is not supposed to go near the food, and I’m supposed to be behind the counter. I’ll…um…we’ll talk some other time?” Yoongi asks while taking a few steps back slowly from Jimin’s table, his lips quirked up into a hopeful smile.
Jimin nods dumbly at that, still astonished by the situation. With that, Yoongi quickly rushes to the counter.
“Stop eating the wick!” He hears Yoongi scold the cat gently while carrying the cat back to the library area.
The blonde stifles a giggle bubbling up his throat. Yoongi throws him a wry smile as he cleans the counter for any cat fur before lighting up the candle.
Maybe not finding the sticky note person today isn’t such a bad thing after all.
~
“Whatever you are going through now; no matter how minor or how serious, will pass eventually. Treat yourself to your favourite dessert! You deserve it.”
Vanilla is Jimin’s favourite flavour when it comes to anything. Whether it be in coffee, ice-cream, cake, or even candles. So, when Yoongi brings over a slice of his homemade vanilla crepe cake over to his usual table, he is ready to give him his hand in marriage.
“You made this yourself?” Jimin asks while taking the first bite of the dessert. It is light and subtly sweet along with a strong vanilla taste judging by how real vanilla bean seeds are used in it. He hums in glee.
Yoongi watches him as he takes another bite of the treat.
“Yeah. I make most of the treats here since people usually only come in for the drinks, and it isn’t worth it to order bulk. Plus, I get paid extra for it.” He says smugly.
The blonde’s eyes widen as he turns around to look at the desserts and sandwiches displayed in the small refrigerated display case. ‘He literally is husband material.’
“The sandwiches too?”
“Nah, Jin-hyung makes the sandwiches, the guy with wide shoulders. I’m the one responsible for the treats.”
Jimin hums in understanding.
Yoongi quickly became one of the most interesting people Jimin knows. He is a music composition major who enjoys baking in his free time. Behind all his tattoos and dark colour scheme of clothing is a soft shy boy who loves cats. The contrast in his interests is such a breath of fresh air, and it makes Jimin realise everybody around him is a human being with lives just as complex as his own.
Jimin would come over to the café at least three times a week, whether it be him alone or with some company. Other than the benefit of finally being friends with the guy he had been ogling for weeks, he had also met the Seokjin and Hoseok, both becoming quick friends with the blonde with their outgoing nature.
Yoongi and Jimin would talk about everything. From books they recently read to their struggles in life. Yoongi had opened up about his struggle to find the right course, and how he had at first taken up medicine just to make his parents proud and how they’re against his decision with taking up music at the end.
“But music is a form of art, how can they hate that?”
“Art or not, they wouldn’t care unless there is a guarantee of a big paycheck.”
Without borrowing any books for a week, Jimin quickly forgets about the sticky note person. That is until Monday afternoon when he asks Seokjin for an immediate checkout for an old book he had requested.
“Because it is you, I’m letting this slide. This version is old as fuck, you better be grateful, brat.” Seokjin jokingly scolds the younger as he slides the old hardcover of The Picture of Dorian Gray.
Jimin giggles at that, carefully picking up the well-kept vintage book and hugs it to his chest before remembering he is wearing a sage coloured sweater. He grimaces before wiping off the old book dust off his top.
“Thank you hyung, I will take care of-”
“Jin? The Picture of Dorian Gray is missing from our wait shelves.” A boy calls out as he walks out from behind a row of bookshelves.
He then locks eyes with Jimin. Holding his gaze for a few seconds, he looks down to the book the blonde is holding. It can’t be. Jimin thinks.
“It’s alright Taemin, I’ve given him a cut in the wait time.” Seokjin whispers out to the other, keeping his voice down so they won’t be disturbing others in the library.
Taemin seems to freeze for a few seconds before nodding hastily. With one last glance at Jimin, he disappears back behind the bookshelves.
“He’s new here. Sweet kid actually.” Seokjin chuckles as he says.
He lets out a muffled yelp when the younger reaches out to grab onto Seokjin’s hand before the elder could reach his mug of coffee.
“He is the one behind the sticky notes, isn’t he?” Jimin hisses at him.
Seokjin grits his teeth as he tries to pry Jimin’s iron grip off his hand.
“Ow ow ow, no! He isn’t the sticky note guy. Let go, please!” He begs and whines. With that, Jimin lets go with a huff.
“I don’t believe you.” The boy squints at him.
Seokjin just sighs in defeat. He picks up the stack of old books that were previously in his way so he could drop it down on one of the wooden carts.
“Look, I’m not in the place to tell you who this sticky note guy is. Trust me, if I tell you who it was right now, it isn’t going to be fair for the other person.” Seokjin placates him with the last sentence.
He didn’t deny that this Taemin guy could be the person behind those sticky notes, but then again, he is implying that he is indeed not. However, he does understand where Seokjin is coming from, and he isn’t the type of asshole that will force his another to risk losing a friendship because of something so trivial.
“Okay, I understand, but I really do want to find out who it is though.” Jimin sighs while leaning his side against the counter. Willow jumps up to the counter with a meow, snuggling his head against Jimin’s shoulder as a way of demanding for attention
It forces a giggle out of him as he moves to stroke down the cat’s back.
“Well, all I can say is that that person is closer than you think.”
Jimin thinks about that sentence more than he should on his train ride home.
~
“This may sound creepy but, that beret looks cute on you. I hope you are having a good day today, and as per usual, keep warm in this cold winter weather!”
“It has to be him, he walked out looking for the book I wanted to borrow, and then he looked all shy and shit after he saw me.” Jimin explains while warming his hands against the paper cup of Cappuccino Yoongi had made for him.
The elder was dressed in thick dark green button-up shirt that is tucked into some wool dark brown plaid pants. He is also wearing those black-rimmed glasses Jimin oh so adores. They were laughing, talking about everything yet nothing at all, that is until Jimin brought up the topic about the sticky note. Almost instantly, the smile Jimin had grown fond of falls into a tight line.
“Maybe he is just shy, after all he is new.” Yoongi replies softly as he plays with his piece of carrot cake with a fork.
“I’ll have to at least talk to him. You miss all the shots you don’t take!” Jimin waves his arms around animatedly.
The black-haired man frowns as he places the fork down onto the plate. He looks out the window while chewing at his tongue lightly. The sun is beginning to set as it is past 4 o’clock, the café and library is closed by now. The two had planned earlier to head out for some evening shopping after Yoongi closes. Now that everything is clean, all they had to do is finish their snacks then leave.
The plans made is enough to brighten Yoongi’s mood, but now all he is left with is a frown on his face.
“Taemin isn’t the one, Jimin. There’s no point in finding out anyway.” He grumbles as he chews on his thumbnail, a bad habit that Jimin has been scolding him for.
Jimin furrows his eyebrows at him before standing up straight from the counter where he was previously leaning against. He crosses his arms and huffs in annoyance.
“What’s up with you and your grudge against this sticky note guy? You don’t have to be so sensitive about it every time I bring it up.” Jimin says in an annoyed tone.
“I don’t know, Jimin. Maybe I just don’t want to talk about that? Maybe I just find that topic creepy and uncomfortable?” Yoongi bites back.
Jimin’s eyes widen in anger, next thing he knows, he is spitting out words he doesn’t mean.
“Maybe I like the gesture. No offence Yoongi, I have been receiving these notes for almost a month, but we’ve only known each other for three weeks, you’re nothing compared to this guy.”
When his brain finally registers his own words, regret immediately washes over him. When Yoongi’s face morphs into one of surprise and hurt, he knows he had fucked up. Yoongi had opened up to him within these few weeks more than he had with anyone in the last 23 years of his life.
Hearing him say feels like a slap to the face, not because it makes him angry, instead it is because what he said is somewhat true.
With deft hands, Yoongi throws his disposable plate of unfinished cake into a paper bag as he scurries over to the hanger to grab his dark brown coat.
“H-Hyung, I didn’t mean that. I’m sorry.” Jimin tries calling out to the older, but all he gets in return is the sight of Yoongi closing in on himself, any emotions he had on his face previously is replaced with a mask of a blank expression.
“Go find him then, like I could care less. I’m going home. The campus guard is locking up soon.” The elder speaks almost robotically before pushing open the glass doors and stepping out.
Jimin could feel his heart growing heavier by the second with each step he takes away from the quaint café. He punches weakly against the wooden counter as he runs a hand through his hair with a frustrated groan.
“Stupid, stupid, stupid.” Jimin yells out into the empty library café. No sound of silverware and ceramic mugs clinking, no meows from Willow that was already brought home for today by Hoseok, and no sounds of a teasing Yoongi.
~
The notes stopped appearing.
Seokjin gives him a solemn expression as he passes him yet another book. This is the third book he had lent this week, and still no sticky note. To make matters worse, Yoongi is avoiding him, only speaking up when the younger wants to take an order. It sets an icy chill in his heart to see him so distant. He misses his gummy smile and his raspy laugh.
“What can I get for you today?” The barista says with his autonomous ‘customer service’ tone. It is as if he doesn’t know Jimin at all, acting like he is just another customer.
“Hyung, please talk to me.” Jimin pleads softly.
Yoongi regards him with a bored stare as he places his hands against the counter. He is wearing glasses today, it would’ve made Jimin swoon if only they weren’t in such a tight situation.
“We have nothing to talk about since you’re apparently so much better than me.” He says coldly.
Jimin’s heart pinches in his chest at that. No, no, no. Jimin thinks while shaking his head rapidly, blonde hair falling slightly in his eyes.
“No! Hyung, that’s not what I meant. You know that’s not what I meant!” Jimin whines out. He could feel tears burning in his eyes, threatening to spill out. But he isn’t going to cry, he doesn’t want Yoongi to feel as if Jimin is guilt tripping him into forgiving him.
The raven head scoffs at that while rolling his eyes.
“Do I, Jimin? What did you mean then?” He hisses.
Jimin couldn’t answer that question. Not because he was lying, it’s because he doesn’t even know why he said that himself. His vision starts to blur with tears as he tucks his face down into his stiff big brown scarf.
Yoongi scoffs once more, clearly expecting Jimin’s response or lack thereof.
“Leave if you’re not ordering anything. There is a customer behind you, and you’re holding up the line.”
Jimin gasps at that. He turns around to find that there was indeed a customer, a blonde girl waiting behind him with a sympathetic smile. She must’ve heard their entire exchange, the thought of it makes Jimin flush in shame.
“I’m sorry.” Jimin apologises while moving away. A tear finally falls when Yoongi doesn’t spare him a second glance when he moves to walk out of the café.
~
“Give it time, Jimin-ah.” Seokjin says gently while wrapping his arm around Jimin’s shoulders. The blonde whines pitifully into the older’s white sweater. Both of them were lounging on the couch in Jimin and Taehyung’s living room, a candle was lit on the coffee table, its lavender scent wafting through the air.
Despite his argument with Yoongi, Seokjin and Hoseok remained his friends. Yoongi understands that as their arguments is a personal matter and Jimin is grateful that he didn’t have to lose two good friends along the way.
“He hates me.” Jimin mumbles into the fabric. The last two times Jimin had visited the café, Yoongi had treated him like a stranger. It shatters his heart every time he thinks about it.
“He doesn’t. I’ve known Yoongi for years, he just needs some time to himself first.” Seokjin answers softly.
The blonde peeks his head up.
“Really?” Jimin asks croakily.
Seokjin gives him a gentle smile.
“Yes, really.”
So, Jimin gives him time. He stopped asking Yoongi to talk nor does he try to explain himself anymore. He still visits the café as it is still his favourite spot to study, but his and Yoongi’s interaction would end at him taking his order and serving him his food and drinks.
It hurts, Jimin’s not going to lie, but if time is what Yoongi needs; he’ll give it to him.
It sounds all simple and dandy, Jimin thought he was doing well with it, until today.
The rain hits the pavement rapidly, drowning out noises other than the occasional beeps from vehicles. Jimin was walking across the street to the bus stop to exchange buses when the downpour happened.
He had to sprint across the slippery road to get under the shade of the tiny shaded bus stop. Despite that dangerous and risky act, he still manages to get soaked. His clothes were acting like a sponge, soaking up the cold winter rain and air, and soon enough he is shivering while curled up on one of the metal chairs.
The next bus is in seven minutes time, which wouldn’t be much of an issue on another day if Jimin wasn’t on the edge of getting hypothermia. He doesn’t entertain the thought of calling his friends as it’ll take at least ten minutes for any of them to get here.
While he sits curled up in a pitiful position, all the thoughts he had been holding back deep in his brain comes rushing in as an onslaught of emotions.
His brain which once wasn’t thinking of anything except for a nap once he reaches home is now filled with his studies, questions about his purpose in life, and his argument with Yoongi. He feels absolutely pathetic, so pathetic that he doesn’t realise how tears were flowing freely from his eyes, mixing in with rainwater on his skin before dripping off his chin. A loud sob rises from his throat as he trembles violently from the cold.
Jimin feels like a wet dishrag.
“Jimin?” He hears a voice yell above the sound of the rapid raindrops.
His muscles lock in place. It can’t be.
Yoongi pulls over to the curb before opening the door. Jimin watches as the man struggles to open his umbrella against the strong wind before running over to his side.
“Gosh, your skin is freezing.” He says with a worry laced voice as he feels Jimin’s cheek.
“C’mon let’s get you in the car.” Yoongi wraps his arm tightly around Jimin’s shoulders, pressing him into his body as if he is shielding the force of the wind from him.
With some encouragement and a strong grip from the other, he manages to waddle his way into his hyung’s car. The warmth coming from the heaters feels like a blessing from the gods. Jimin groans in relief as he sags against the seat, body still shivering but less violent than before.
A click can be heard from the other side as Yoongi sits down behind the wheel. Grunting with effort, he shrugs his long black coat off his shoulders and pulls at the length of the coat that he is sitting on out from underneath his butt so he could drape it over the younger’s shivering frame.
“T-Thank you.” Jimin croaks.
Yoongi shakes his head as he pulls his seat belt on.
“No need, I’m taking you home.”
~
The first thing Jimin notices about Yoongi’s apartment is how overwhelmingly fresh it feels. Almost every corner of the cream coloured wall room is filled with plants of various shapes, colours and sizes. Some were even hanging beside the window from a hanging planter. He could also make out what seems to be a mini herb garden out in his shaded balcony.
He had expected Yoongi’s place to be modern and sleek, making him pleasantly surprised by the botanical décor.
“C’mon, you need to take a shower before you catch a cold.” Yoongi interrupts him from admiring the interior so he could guide the other towards the bathroom.
Unsurprisingly, a few plants could also be seen in the bathroom. Two snake plants are potted up on top of a half wall behind the toilet bowl. Several what Jimin assumes are pothos were hanging from the ceiling near the bathtub.
Jimin suppresses a giggle when Yoongi moves to light a candle next to the bathtub, then he remembers their argument.
“Hyung…” Jimin starts, but Yoongi just shakes his head.
“We can talk after you bathe. The green bottle is the body wash, and the two pink ones are the shampoo and conditioner. I’ll leave some clothes right by the door later.” Jimin thinks he sees the other smile a little before leaving him alone in the bathroom.
Jimin grimaces as he peels off his damp clothes, the rainwater drying on his skin is starting to get itchy. He steps into the bathtub and turns the built-in wall shower on. A sigh of relief escapes him as the warm water hits his face and body.
To his delight, the shampoo and conditioner smelt of sweet Japanese Sakuras and the body wash is blood orange scented. The gentle smell of the soap and the lit vanilla scented candle almost makes him forget that he needs to get out of the shower eventually.
With a solemn frown, he turns the shower off and steps out of the tub onto a mat. He ruffles his hair with the towel for a bit before wiping down at his body. Jimin ties the towel around his waist before peeking his head out the door.
Sure enough, in a straw basket right beside the door is a fresh set of clothes; just as Yoongi told him just now. The grey sweater is oversized to which Jimin is very much grateful for its cosiness, and the pair of simple matching joggers are slightly tight around his thighs. Despite that, it is still very comfortable.
He pats at his blonde strands so it is just minimally ruffled before walking out of the bathroom.
Jimin finds Yoongi lounging on the couch while tapping at his phone. He had changed into some cream coloured loungewear, making him look extra cuddlable. Yoongi puts his phone down once he notices the other.
“Do you want anything to drink? I have tea, coffee, and chocolate. I only have almond milk around though.” He asks as he stands up.
Jimin nods shyly before giving him a small smile.
“Hot Chocolate sounds great.”
Yoongi nods at that before disappearing into the kitchen. Jimin takes the time to properly admire the interior. The rain is not as heavy anymore, allowing some natural light in to brighten the small living room. He was busy admiring the various glass jars of plant cuttings sitting in water by the window when Yoongi comes back with a big mug of hot chocolate.
“Thank you.” Jimin whispers before receiving the warm mug. He takes a sip of a drink, allowing the slightly sweetened drink to sit on his tongue for a few seconds before swallowing, savouring the taste.
“Didn’t know you like plants.” He says while cupping his palms around the mug.
Yoongi hums at that, briefly looking around the room himself.
“Yeah, people usually don’t expect me to be a plant dad. They’re therapeutic, allows me to put my attention fully on a single task when I’m tending to them.” A small smile graces his features, and Jimin is mesmerised by the other’s beauty.
He looks relaxed, eyes hooded sleepily. There is something about watching Yoongi letting his guard down while dressed in cosy home clothing that makes Jimin’s heart ache.
Yet, it also reminds Jimin that they have something important to talk about.
“Yoongi-hyung, I’m sorry for what I said that day. It was so wrong, and I don’t think that random sticky note guy is better than you. You are so much better than him, and I regret saying whatever I did that day.” Jimin starts to apologise, voice wavering yet sincere.
Yoongi blinks at him for a few seconds while biting at his own lower lip. He picks at his fingernail.
“I’m sorry too, for reacting that way. It was overdramatic. It’s just…” He trails off.
Jimin tilts his head questioningly.
“Just what? Also, you don’t have to be sorry, hyung. It wasn’t overdramatic, and you were rightfully upset.” The blonde argues while pulling his legs up to the couch so he could wrap his arms around his own legs.
Yoongi just shakes his head.
“Nothing. It’s nothing.” He mumbles.
Jimin whines and pulls at Yoongi’s wrists so he could hold his hands in his own. The older peeks up at him in surprise.
“It isn’t nothing, hyung. Your thoughts are important!” He exclaims, gripping harder at his hands. Jimin ducks his head.
“I really hope I’m not imagining things between us but believe me when I say I’m serious about seeing where this goes.” He mummers shyly.
The growing silence that forms between the two after he said that is starting to make Jimin nervous. He jerks his head up, words of assurance already at the tip of his tongue, but then he sees the smile on Yoongi’s face. It is the same wide gummy smile that makes Jimin’s heart beat a little faster and palms a little sweatier.
“Is that a confession, Jimin-ah?” Yoongi asks in a playful tone.
Jimin blushes slightly at that, but he nods nonetheless.
“It is. I really do like you, hyung. If you’re willing to forgive me, I do want to see where our relationship goes.” He says with a hopeful smile, a smile which is thankfully returned fondly.
Yoongi inhales shakily, hands squeezing back at Jimin’s as his thumb grazes gently across the other’s knuckles.
“Well, you aren’t imagining things, that’s for sure. I like you, Jimin-ah. I want to see where this goes too.” He replies while meeting the other’s gaze.
Jimin gasps in surprise. He was so sure that he’ll get rejected, that Yoongi would either ask him to get out of his imagination or say that whatever they had was broken the moment that stupid sentence left Jimin’s mouth in the café.
He expected frowns of disgust, not genuine gummy smiles.
“Oh my god, really?” His voice raises up a pitch in excitement, to which Yoongi just laughs at.
“Yes, really.” He says before raising their joined hands up so he could press his lips gently against Jimin’s knuckles.
The blonde squeals in delight, barrelling into Yoongi with a hug. His heart feels so full as if it is going to burst. He feels Yoongi’s chest shake with laugher and arms circling around his waist. He lifts his head up from Yoongi’s chest as he beamed at him, and he swears he sees the older blush.
Their eyes lock, and in the moment of joy, their lips meet halfway. It is all close mouthed and fast, sweet and loving rather than hot and heavy, but they enjoy it, nonetheless. Jimin pulls away when he feels Yoongi smiling into the kiss.
“Let’s not get carried away yet. Your first task as my boyfriend is to introduce me to every single plant in your house. It feels like a jungle in here.”
Yoongi laughs so hard at the random demand that his head rolls back onto the armrest of the couch.