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Jungkook had always known.
He didn’t know exactly when or how, but he just knew that his hyung will always be a part of his life. Jimin had always been a constant fixture ever since he was old enough to remember and the said boy had never once hinted at it being changed any time soon. Though he was two years younger, Jungkook had always been a mature and sensible boy so hearing the news of his hyung’s departure wasn’t of concern to him. After all, their bond wasn’t something easily broken. Right?
“- what do you think, Kookie?”, his thoughts were interrupted by a gentle nudge on his side.
“I’m sorry, what did you say, hyung?”
Jimin heaves an exasperated sigh, “I said, I’m thinking about dyeing my hair blonde again. What do you think?” Before he can even open his mouth to reply, Jimin rambles on, “You know what? Maybe I should try something new.”
“Hyung.”
“... I do think I’d look good in silver too… maybe platinum…”, his hyung muses.
“Hyung, stop.”
“Joonie did say I’d look good with pink-”, his rambling was halted as Jungkook put a hand over his mouth. “I think… I think you already look good as you are.”
Jimin blinks once, twice. And his eyes start to crinkle, a giggle following soon afterward.
“Wh-what’s funny?” Jungkook can’t help the pout that forms. Did he say something wrong?
As his giggling subsides, Jimin looks at Jungkook, endeared at the younger boy. “Nothing, Kookie. You’re cute.” He affirms the last statement with a soft pinch to the younger’s cheeks. “I’ll miss you, you know. But I’m sure you can’t wait to get rid of your annoying hyung.”
At this, Jungkook frowns. Yes, Jimin can get quite overbearing, but he had always found it cute how protective his tiny hyung could get.
“Hyung?”
“Hmm?”
Jungkook hesitates for a bit. He scoots away from Jimin and lays his head on the latter’s lap.
“I’m scared.”, he whispers low enough for anyone else but Jimin to hear.
Jimin threads his fingers through the younger’s hair absentmindedly, humming as he does.
Jungkook took this as a sign to continue. He honestly didn’t know where his confession came from, but admitting it made his chest feel a little bit lighter.
“Seoul… is this- this entirely different place. And… the people there… they’re different and it’s just… I don’t know.”, he flops on to his back, staring at Jimin’s profile. He really does look good. Angelic.
He fiddles with the hem of his sleeves, waiting for Jimin to say something, anything to break the silence that continues to stretch. He was about to turn on his side when Jimin took his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
“Silly Kookie. Hyung will be fine.”
“But I won’t be.”
Jimin freezes.
Jungkook does too but he immediately turns on his side, back facing Jimin. He closes his eyes, head in turmoil because WHY did he blurt that out.
“Kookie…”
He doesn’t reply.
“Kookie, come on.”, Jimin urges.
Jungkook squeezes his eyes tighter willing to fight back the tears swelling in his eyes. Yes, he was mature for his age but he was still a boy too. And to be left behind was something he had always been afraid of.
He finds himself shaking, fists clenched so tight it’s starting to hurt. But still, he makes no move to leave Jimin's lap. He’s well aware that his hyung will be leaving in a couple of days and he still hasn’t fully processed it all. He had known Jimin since they were kids, the older never once hesitating to take him under his wing.
A couple of minutes pass by, both boys sitting and laying in silence. Neither one knowing how to break the tension in the room.
But it was Jungkook who breaks.
A whimper escapes his lips as the tears start to flow.
“Ba- no… Kook,” Jimin gently guides Jungkook to sit in front of him. “Kook, tell me what’s wrong.”
The younger keeps his head down, ashamed at the sudden outburst. Seriously, what is wrong with him today?
Jimin tries his best to placate the younger - hands all over him as he calms him down. Jungkook looks up and Jimin’s heart breaks at the sight of the younger’s beautiful doe eyes full of sadness.
“Kookie, come here”, he pulls him for a hug. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s wrong, but I’m sorry, Kookie.” And before he knew it, tears were streaming down his face too. Seeing Jungkook so vulnerable tore at his chest. Not knowing what to do made the feeling worse.
Jimin straightens up. He reaches out to grab Jungkook’s face, wiping away at his tear stained cheeks.
“Tell me.”
Confusion was written all over Jungkook’s face.
“Tell me what I can do to make it better.”, Jimin gently caresses his face, “I’ll do it.”
Jungkook looks at the man he has spent almost all of his life with. He stares at Jimin for a long time.
Stares at his eyes, the way it holds galaxies in them, the way they light up over every little thing.
“I don’t think we’ll find one though.”
“AHA! Kookie, look! It’s a four leaf clover! Quick, make a wish!”
Stares at his cheeks, the way he flushes pink with happiness and embarrassment.
“Stop it. It’s embarrassing, Kook”
“You really do look good though, hyung.”
“Nooooooo!!! Stop taking pictures!”
Stares at his nose, and he remembers the way they scrunch when he’s focused and deep in thought.
“Hmmm… Joonie, I don’t think I got this one right.”
“What do you mean, hyung? You never get history right.”
“Shut up, you brat.”
Stares at his lips, so soft and plump.
“Happy Birthday, Kookie. Want hyung to give you a kiss?”
“Ew, hyung. Get away from me!”
“Yah! I’m just kidding, come back! Kookieeeeee!”
His breath hitches.
“Hyung,” he looks at Jimin straight in the eyes, “Don’t leave.”