Chapter Text
In life, everyone differs. From appearance to jobs, to houses and siblings. To education and skills. They differ in the ways they talk, in the languages they speak. There’s a difference in their personalities, who they like to be with. Who their family is.
Everyone is different.
And yet, at the same time, a lot of people are the same. They feel the same emotions, some get excited over the same things, some hate the same things. Some people share the same dreams and passions while others differ in their hopes and goals.
Some people have achieved their hopes and dreams already. Some are still fighting for them, hoping that one day they will come true. And then there’s some people who don’t believe their dream or their goals will ever come true.
Yoongi is one of those people who don’t believe his dreams will ever come true.
Then again, he’s not really sure what his dream is anymore.
Ever since Yoongi was fourteen, he’s been on his own. Well, he wasn’t on his own since he had his younger brother Jeongguk with him, but he was on his own in the sense that both his parents were no longer able to take care of them.
It was hard to get used to that. Hard to process the thought that his parents weren’t returning anytime soon and they weren’t taking care of them anymore. It was hard to process that at the young age of fourteen, he became the sole guardian over Jeongguk. How was a fourteen year old supposed to provide for two people? They had struggled enough when it was four.
It was difficult trying to balance between school, taking care of the house that they luckily were able to keep out of pity from the townsfolk, and making sure Jeongguk had everything. Sometimes Yoongi wondered why the townsfolk left them a house, but never bothered helping with food or anything in that sense. He won’t question it though. He doesn’t want to risk being called greedy and losing their house. They needed it definitely.
Maybe they never truly starved because of Namjoon. Because Yoongi’s best friend ever since they were three and four was always around. Even though he was younger he had a lot more experience with things, he had better education. Maybe it was because Namjoon’s parents adored them and helped whenever they possibly could. Or maybe it’s because the townsfolk pitied them still and lowered their prices for Yoongi to be able to afford it with whatever scraps of money he achieved from a random job he did.
Yoongi had never been able to keep a job. He could never find anything that suited him. He tried to be a blacksmith — or rather, he gathered materials for the blacksmith. But they were often too heavy for him to carry so he couldn’t handle that. He tried to help out in one of the bakeries but always forgot to put a timer on so the sweets were overcooked or burnt. He once tried to be a tutor for someone but thanks to his lack of good education, he wasn’t that helpful.
Jobs just seemed to hate Yoongi. Or maybe it was just because he was young.
Maybe that was it. Maybe it was because as a fourteen year old he still had a lot to learn and do. A lot more ways to grow.
Or maybe not.
Maybe he just wasn’t good at those jobs because even now at the age of twenty-two he still struggles everyday with finding a job to help out.
—
Stealing.
That’s the life that Yoongi has chosen. The life that seems to suit him and works in his favour. It came as a bit of surprise to Yoongi the first time he had successfully succeeded in stealing from someone and shortly after that it became a habit. He was small for his size, quick and agile too. It made it easier for him to maneuver around without getting caught.
If Jeongguk were to try, Yoongi has a feeling he would be caught almost immediately.
The younger was quite a bit taller in height and though he was a quick runner he happened to be a bit clumsy.
Yoongi doesn’t remember exactly when he first started stealing. Maybe it was around the time he reached seventeen or eighteen because he gave up on jobs. He gave up on constantly failing and being sent home because he couldn’t do what was asked of him. He tried, believe it or not he tried a lot. He was always trying to better himself and keep a job for a long time but always ended up failing.
Maybe the first time he stole something was the day he was working at one of the bakeries. In town, there are a couple different bakeries that make a lot of different things. Some specialize in muffins and breads. Some in desserts like cakes and cookies.
He was working in a bakery for muffins and breads. He remembers spilling flour all over the floor which angered the shopkeeper because it was the third time that day. She had made him leave abruptly after that and dared to not even pay him.
Yoongi remembers starving after that. He remembers being extremely upset because that money he was to receive was supposed to be for their dinner. He remembers stealing two loaves of bread when the shopkeeper wasn’t looking and bringing one to Jeongguk that night because of it.
Maybe that’s when it all began.
Yoongi knows that stealing will never satisfy them completely. He knows that it’s not even a good thing but it’s the only thing he’s good at. It puts food on the table at night and if he’s lucky enough to snatch something of value then they have a little extra money come the next day.
It’s not the best lifestyle, and Yoongi knows that Jeongguk wants nothing to do with it. But it works.
It has for the last couple of years, and it will until Yoongi can pull himself together and get a real job that he’ll keep.
He has faith in himself that one day the perfect job will come along. He knows it will.
For now he just has to continue living this life and hope no one will catch him.
—
“ Hyung,” Jeongguk calls, as he enters their house. It’s nearly five in the afternoon already and Yoongi finds himself on their torn-up couch staring at the ceiling. “I have food.”
Yoongi perks his head up, peering over the couch to see Jeongguk. As if his stomach understood what was said it growls and Yoongi places a hand over it. He hasn’t eaten yet today but that’s because he never went near any of the bakeries or markets to pick up food.
“Food?” Yoongi questions. He swings his feet off the couch and pushes himself to stand up so he can go over to their small dining room. It’s not the best nor the prettiest. All the furniture in their house remains the same from when they were little kids. Years and years of memories on everything but they still work. Beat up or not they do their job.
The dining room has a tiny round table in the center with two chairs on both sides for Jeongguk and Yoongi to sit. They try their best to keep the house clean, try to limit the trash and everything. Even though the furniture is a hot mess doesn’t mean the entire house has to match.
“Where did you get food from?” Yoongi asks. He takes a seat in one of the chairs, waiting patiently for Jeongguk to pull whatever is in the bag out for them to eat. Or maybe just him if Jeongguk already ate before arriving.
“Namjoon’s place.” Jeongguk answers. He pulls a container out from the bag and sets it in front of Yoongi. He takes the lid off and smiles. Rice and meat. Yoongi’s favourite. But then again, he’ll basically eat anything that he’s given. He’s learned not to be picky. “I was with him all day and we cooked so I thought I’d bring you some back.”
Namjoon was definitely their biggest helper in life. Nowadays he had a nice paying job and could afford a lot of delicious foods that he always ended up sharing with the two of them. Was it because Namjoon was his best friend and Jeongguk’s boyfriend? Or because he was just doing it from the kindness in his heart?
Either way, Yoongi was forever grateful towards the younger for helping out whenever he had the chance to. He doesn’t know how life would be, how they would be, without him.
“Tell him I say thank you when you see him again,” Yoongi says taking the chopsticks from Jeongguk so he could begin eating. He’s always been a huge fan of Namjoon’s cooking. Maybe it’s because it tastes a lot like Namjoon’s mother’s does from when they used to visit her house a lot. Or maybe it’s because it’s a home cooked meal and they never have the chance to make that here.
He wishes they could.
He wishes they could do a lot of things that they can’t.
He sighs. “Can I ask you something, Guk?”
Jeongguk blinks and nods his head. He takes the seat opposite of Yoongi and leans his arms against the table. “What’s up, Hyung?”
“Are you…” Yoongi inhales a deep breath. His eyes never leave the container of food in front of him. He doesn’t know if he could meet Jeongguk’s eyes right now. He doesn’t know what look he would give. “Are you ever disappointed in me?”
He can hear the sharp inhale of breath from Jeongguk and for a moment he’s tempted to look up at him. Tempted but he doesn’t. He can’t.
It’s silent for a few moments as if Jeongguk is trying to find the right words. Yoongi busies himself with his dinner. Maybe that will calm his rapidly beating heart.
“No,” Jeongguk answers after a dead beat of silence. Yoongi feels his heart jump in his chest at the word. “I’ve never been disappointed in you, Hyung. I know it must have been hard for you. Trying to juggle everything in life, trying to get us food everyday and your school and my school.” He falls silent for a moment and Yoongi dares to look up at him. “I know you struggle with finding a good job. I understand that. It’s hard. I just...I wish you wouldn’t steal as often. Or at all truthfully. It’s not good.”
“But it helps,” Yoongi replies, “And it’s the only thing I’m good at. I can’t help it.”
“You’re good at more than just stealing, Hyung.” Jeongguk shakes his head, crossing his arms over the table. “You’ll find something better eventually, but stealing isn’t the way to live. Yes, it’s helping us a bit but I don’t want to live off stolen things.”
“Then what?” Yoongi asks, annoyance pricking at his skin. He knows Jeongguk doesn’t like it. He’s always known that from the beginning so why is he suddenly telling him all this now? “Do you want me to stop stealing? What do we do then, Guk? I can’t provide for us if I don’t do this.”
“Then let me. ” Yoongi looks at him with wide eyes. “Let me take care of you. Namjoon offered me a job with him and I’ll make a decent amount. Nothing compared to him but more than what you get for stealing.”
He always knew Jeongguk had a more promising future than him. Knew that one day Jeongguk would succeed in getting himself a job that would pay well. Of course he would. Jeongguk was talented and skilled in almost everything. Where Yoongi lacks, Jeongguk makes up for twice as well. Maybe it all skipped over Yoongi and went to Jeongguk instead.
Though it doesn’t help the small annoyance that still settles inside of him.
“You want me to stop stealing and let you do all the work?” Yoongi shakes his head. “I’m not doing that. I can’t just live off your work, Guk. I won’t. I can make my fair share even if it’s not the best.”
“But Hyung!” Jeongguk cries, standing up. The chair falls behind him as he slams his hands down on the table, “What if you get caught? What if...if you get taken away from me? I can’t bail you out. I’ll never make that much.” His lips pull into a frown, “Please. Stop stealing. I know you’ll find a better job here in town. A place you absolutely love. Just please...I can’t lose you like we lost mom and dad. I don’t want to be alone. So don’t get taken away from me.”
Yoongi feels like his heart clenches then. Feels like he can’t say no to Jeongguk because that would break him. And the last thing he wants is to see Jeongguk cry. He’s never wanted to witness that again. It’s one of the most devastating sights ever.
Yet, at the same time. How does Yoongi tell Jeongguk that he can’t just stop what he’s doing. That every job he gets he fails at and the only thing he’s good at happens to be stealing. How does he tell Jeongguk that he’ll never actually be good at anything so this may be his only choice?
He bites at his cheek. Bites so hard that he’s sure he’s bleeding and lets out another sigh. He hates that he has to lie right now. Hates that he knows if Jeongguk learns about this he’ll be angry and upset. Hates that this is the only option that he can think of.
So he nods his head. He lowers his chopsticks, forces a smile on his face and nods again. “I’ll stop.” He whispers, hoping that Jeongguk believes it. That’s what he needs right now. For Jeongguk to believe.
It seems he does though because Jeongguk visibly relaxes, picks up the fallen chair and retreats to his bedroom quietly. Neither say another word to each other as the door to Jeongguk’s bedroom clicks shut.
Yoongi eats the rest of his dinner alone.
—
Technically, it wasn’t a lie.
Well, not really anyways.
For two days, Yoongi doesn’t steal anything. He doesn’t go out hunting and scoping out what next he’d like to get his hands on. He doesn’t even attempt to pickpocket someone though the very thought is tempting. He doesn’t try anything.
It doesn’t mean he’s stopped though. No. He still plans to get back to his everyday life of stealing and pickpocketing eventually. For now though, he’s adding distance between his last time he stole and his next so Jeongguk believes him some more.
He knows what he’s doing is wrong. Knows that he shouldn’t be lying to his younger brother and should instead tell him that he plans to keep stealing. But he had a feeling in his gut saying if he says that then Jeongguk will be disappointed in him.
And truthfully, Yoongi doesn’t know if he can handle that.
He’s already disappointed in himself enough as it is for never being able to keep a job longer than a week. He’s a sad excuse for a parent. A guardian.
Currently, Yoongi is walking around town. It’s not the biggest place in the world he could imagine, but it is quite a big place. It would take a few hours at least to walk from one side of the town to the other. More times than not though, many of them choose not to go to the left side of the town. That’s where people who have more money live. They’re not necessarily welcomed there.
Yet, Yoongi loves going over there because that’s where he gets his more expensive stolen goods from.
No.
Yoongi shakes his head and slaps his cheeks. He can’t think about that right now. He shouldn’t. He knows Jeongguk wouldn’t like it. He needs to think about something else.
He’s not sure why he’s out walking to begin with. He doesn’t have any money to spend nor is he out here to steal anything. He’s just out spending energy where energy doesn’t need to be spread. He could just stay at home and relax on the couch until Jeongguk comes home later tonight.
He wonders how Jeongguk’s first day is going. Wonders if this is a job that he’ll like and want to keep. He’ll be more successful, right? He’ll make money for them unlike Yoongi will. And one day he’ll be able to completely provide for himself and with Namjoon’s aid they’ll be able to live together.
Yoongi needs to get his act together before that happens or he’ll truly be on his own.
Maybe he’d be better off in a prison cell at that point.
No no no.
He can’t think like that. That’s horrible. He’ll find something. He had a small hint of faith inside of him that he’ll find the perfect job eventually. He knows he will.
“Did you hear the rumor going around?” Someone says, catching Yoongi’s attention. He stops in his footsteps and looks around trying to identify that voice. It sounds familiar but he doesn’t know where from. It’s not Jeongguk’s nor Namjoon’s so who’s?
He peers towards his right and spots Hoseok and Seokjin — their neighbours two doors down — standing outside of a restaurant. They must be waiting for a chance to go inside to eat.
Yoongi has only spoken to them a few times. Mainly when he was working at one of the bakeries here in town because Seokjin happens to own one. But like all the others the job didn’t last that long. At least now, the two of them are still friends. Well, sort of.
He knows the conversation doesn’t include him so he doesn’t make a move to get closer. He doesn’t make it look like he’s interested in their conversation. Instead, he focuses on the people that pass them by. No one pays attention to him, but it doesn’t surprise him. They hardly ever did to begin with. Nothing has changed since he became an adult.
“What rumor?” Hoseok’s voice is laced with curiosity. Yoongi crosses his arms over his chest, kicking at a rock beneath his shoe.
“I’ve been hearing a rumor that there’s a house out in the forest with extremely rare flowers.” Seokjin beams. He tries to keep his voice down, quiet, so others don’t hear him. But he’s still loud enough that Yoongi can eavesdrop without them noticing. “I heard someone came back with one and got a lot for it, but when they asked him about it, he was too scared to mention anything.”
A house in the forest? Rare flowers? Getting a lot of money for them? Yoongi perks up at that. That sounds like something he would love to get his hands on. But why was this person scared? Surely nothing too serious could have happened, right?
He continues to listen.
“Why was he afraid?” Hoseok questions. Yoongi is a bit grateful that they share the same questions. He’ll get the answers he’s curious about.
“The man said the owner of the house is a witch,” Seokjin whispers. Yoongi can hear footsteps and takes a timid glance back. They’re getting closer to the entrance. Hopefully Seokjin finishes before they go inside. He wants to hear everything he can. “You know how the town is with witches. They hate them. It’s best if we leave them alone. Who knows what they’ll do to us.”
“I wonder what those flowers look like though.”
“As do I.” Seokjin agreed, letting out a hum. “I wasn’t able to get a glimpse at the one that was brought back. But I’d also rather not go out into the forest and anger a witch. We’ll have to leave it up to our imagination.”
Yoongi turns around abruptly then, deciding that he’s heard enough and looks towards both of them. “Which way in the forest?” He questions, watching as Hoseok and Seokjin both stare at him in shock and confusion.
“Yoongi.” Seokjin greets, a smile pulling at his lips. “You were listening then I take it. I shouldn’t be surprised though. You would love to get your hands on something as rare as this wouldn't you?”
The smile Yoongi gives in return is answer enough. Seokjin lets out a small sigh. “If Jeongguk learns I told you this information I’ll never hear the end of it.”
“Then we don’t tell Jeongguk. I’ll just say I wandered into it.” Yoongi suggests with a shrug of his shoulders. He takes a step closer to them as they take a step closer towards the restaurant. He doesn’t want to follow them in there, especially since he’s not dining in. He has other business to attend to now. “So, where’s this house located?”
“I get the feeling you won’t leave until Hyung tells you, right?” Hoseok asks, taking Seokjin’s hand into his own. It’s not often that Yoongi sees the two of them being somewhat affectionate with one another. Maybe today is their date night. He feels a bit bad for intruding now but his curiosity won’t be calmed until he has an answer.
Yoongi nods his head slowly, moving out of the way as a wave of people pass by. He lets out a small grunt in annoyance. Why can’t they go around? “The faster you tell me, the faster I can be on my way.” Yoongi says, crossing his arms over his chest again.
He’s not sure why he’s so curious. Maybe it’s the fact that they’re rare and he could make a good amount of money off of them. Maybe that way he won’t have to steal anymore if he makes a fortune. He could stop just like Jeongguk wants him to. That would be nice, Yoongi likes to think.
Maybe it’s not even the fact that he gets to steal something. Maybe he’s just excited to go on a trip and venture somewhere that most people are afraid of. He isn’t afraid of some witch. He doubts they could do any serious harm to him anyways. Plus, he’s quick and agile. He won’t get caught.
Seokjin sighs. “It’s to the East of here. Just enter the forest through the entrance by the blacksmith’s. There’s a small trail on the left that’s pretty well covered so you’ll have to look around for it once you get there, okay? Just follow it and it will lead you where you want to go.” He explains as the line reaches the end and they’re getting ready to go inside. Yoongi opens his mouth to thank the elder, but before he can, they’re being escorted to their table.
Well, so much for thanking them. At least he got the information that he wanted.
Yoongi turns on his heels and heads in the direction that he was told. It’s probably in his best bet to go now seeing as it’s getting late. He works better within the darkness anyways. He just hopes Jeongguk stays at Namjoon’s tonight so he doesn’t question his absence. He’s not sure what type of lie he could make up for returning so late.
Would Jeongguk be mad about this? Would he be angry knowing he stole again? Or would he be glad if these flowers sell for a decent price? They wouldn’t have to stress and worry so much. Maybe this is a good thing. It could help them the way they want.
That feeling is what urges Yoongi to rush towards the blacksmiths. It’s what tells him going into the forest is a good idea. Because if this goes well then they won’t have to struggle much longer. They may finally be able to truly live and afford the things that they want.
Yoongi inhales a sharp breath.
Time to go steal one more time.
—
If Yoongi is being honest, he’s never once ventured into the forest. It never peaked his interest to do so since he was too busy concentrating on taking care of Jeongguk and himself. Yet, now as he stands in front of the entrance, the sun slowly setting behind the trees, Yoongi wonders if maybe he should have gone sooner.
From where he stands it’s easy for Yoongi to realize that this forest is pretty. The bright and dark green trees standing tall and proud swaying in the light breeze that has picked up during his walk over here. It didn’t take too long to get here. Thirty minutes maximum maybe, but it was enough for the sun to set faster.
He’s definitely going to need to hurry or else he won’t be able to find his way back. He didn’t even stop back at home to pick up a flashlight or anything to see where he was going.
Maybe he should have.
Part of Yoongi feels like he should have mentioned to Jeongguk that he was going off somewhere for a while. He’s not sure how long it will actually take him to get to this house and he’s not a hundred percent sure he’ll end up going in the right direction. What if he ends up passing the trail and never finds it?
That could very well happen.
But honestly, if it does then Yoongi will just turn around and come right back home to try again tomorrow.
He doesn’t like the idea of failing though. He’s going to find it tonight.
Inhaling a deep breath, Yoongi spares one last glance towards the town watching as lights turn on as the sky grows darker before he’s heading into the forest.
It’s extremely quiet in the forest besides the owls that Yoongi can hear as he walks around. There’s sticks and grass that he steps on as he delves deeper echoing behind him. He wonders if there’s any animals here besides the owls. Is there anything here that could pose a threat?
Truthfully, Yoongi hopes not. He doesn’t think he’ll be able to put up a good fight nor would he be able to at all. The thought of hurting something — someone — didn’t sit right with him.
Maybe it’s dumb to be so fascinated by the forest, but Yoongi can’t help but look around as he walks. The trees are so high that he’s not even sure where they end. There’s logs everywhere that he has to be careful of, rocks covered with green stuff that Yoongi has no clue what it’s called.
It’s calm and peaceful here. Yoongi could understand why someone would want to live here. There’s no one nearby. No one to interrupt your day, or tell you want to do. It’s like someone’s own paradise to live in here. Yoongi definitely wouldn’t mind living in a forest. He wonders if it gets a lot of light in here. Does the sun shine brightly still? Or do the trees block the majority of it off? That’s one thing Yoongi would be wary about. He quite likes the sun even though it beats down on them and makes everything hot.
Part of Yoongi wonders how they’re only now discovering about this house in the forest. How come throughout his twenty-two years of living in this town he’s never heard about it. Was the path that hard to find? Or did they townsfolk prefer not to head into the forest?
How did that one person even figure out it was here to begin with?
Yoongi looks around for the path. Seokjin had mentioned it was on the left from the entrance so he stays by that side, eyes looking from the ground to the sky amazed by the sights that he witnesses. It’s nearly dark now so Yoongi can’t help but wonder how this looks during the day. He’ll have to come back eventually to check it out.
It takes him a bit of time, but eventually he comes across the path covered by two rocks and some bushes. Yoongi would have passed it if it weren’t for his confusion on why those two rocks seemed perfectly lined up together. It would be a lie to say he wasn’t surprised to see a path leading off in a different direction.
He lets out a happy hum, pushing the bushes out of the way so he could get through and head up the path towards his destination. He hopes it won’t take too long. Hopes that wherever this witch is isn’t too far from the starting point. He’s trying to memorize where he’s going in his head and though the path is very clearly carved in front of him, there’s still a chance he’ll go off of it.
The path leading towards the house is much like the rest of the forest with its trees, rocks and sticks that Yoongi occasionally steps on. He still hears the owls in the distance followed by some birds. So there’s definitely animal life in this forest. He should have expected as much. It’s the perfect place for animals to live after all.
He wonders how much time has currently passed since he left. Wonders if maybe Seokjin and Hoseok would go to their house and inform Jeongguk that Yoongi has gone off to find the house. They wouldn’t do that though, would they? Besides, who knows if Jeongguk is even home. He could be with Namjoon celebrating his first couple days of work. That’s what Yoongi hopes is going on anyways.
If Jeongguk doesn’t know that he stayed out right now then that works in his favour.
Eventually, there’s a clearing. And along with that clearing comes lights and flowers. Yoongi lets out a small gasp looking around as he hurries his pace up to look around. He’s not sure what types of flowers there are. He’s never studied them, never really cared for them beyond thinking they’re pretty. But there’s flowers of red, yellow, white, blue and more wherever Yoongi ends up looking.
Whoever lives here must surely like their flowers.
There’s a small feeling of guilt lingering inside of Yoongi as he thinks about what he’s come here to do. Whoever this is lives in a forest probably to prevent these things from happening and now he’s about to steal some flowers for profit. It makes him feel bad. Horrible . Why was he even doing this?
He told Jeongguk that he would stop. Granted, it was a lie but he did stop for two days. And now here he was, getting ready to steal once again and he feels bad for even letting the idea cross his mind.
But part of Yoongi knows that he needs to do this. How else is he going to make any money? How else will he be able to provide them with breakfast or dinner tomorrow or the days to come?
Maybe it’s not necessarily the best idea but he’s doing it for good intentions. That’s something at least, right?
Yoongi glances towards the windows of the house. It’s a small brown house with a darker trim and roof. There’s two lights hung up on each side of the door illuminating it. Flowers and bushes of different sizes, colours, and proportions lay around the house surrounding it. Yoongi can hear the sound of water in the distance. Maybe there’s a pond or something nearby.
The light coming from the window is faint. It’s not too bright but it’s also not dim enough to mean whoever lives inside is asleep. He will definitely need to be quiet then. He doesn’t want to take the risk of getting caught. That would be the worst type of thing. Especially because in all of his years, he’s never once been caught before. He won’t let that happen now.
Crouching down, Yoongi rushes over to a bed of flowers. He’s not sure which flowers are the super rare ones. He didn’t think there would be more than one kind here so now he’s at a loss. Was it the pink flowers? Or the red? Maybe it was the white flowers. Those seemed kind of rare to Yoongi, but then again so did the majority of these since he’s never seen any of them before.
He might love the sight of flowers but he never went towards the floristry. He never had any business in that area.
In the end, Yoongi decides to pick some of the white flowers. Even if they aren’t the rare ones, he’s sure they could sell for a semi-decent price. He has a feeling flowers in general tend to sell well. He might not make a fortune with them but it’s better than nothing, right?
He ends up picking a handful of flowers. He could probably use his shirt to carry them so he could pick more, but something tells him that the bundle he carries in his hand is enough for the time being. He shouldn’t get too greedy with what he’s taking. As it is now, whoever lives here is bound to realize they were robbed come tomorrow morning. Hopefully they don’t figure out who it is who did the deed.
Yoongi stands up then and turns around towards where the path is. With flowers in hand, he begins making his way back so he could return home. He won’t be able to sell them tonight. He knows that much, but he could at least put them in some sort of container with water so they don’t die overnight.
Though he doesn’t make it that far before something is stopping him. Or rather, someone.
A second before he’s able to put his foot on the path, thick green veins are popping out of the ground to block his way. Yoongi freezes immediately. Whoever did that isn’t human.
One of the flowers falls from his hands.
“I caught you!” A voice says, chuckling from behind Yoongi. He inhales a sharp breath and slowly turns around coming face to face with a blonde haired male whose hands are down on the ground. “I won’t let you steal from me a second time!”
A second time . Yoongi tilts his head in confusion until it dawns on him. The person from last time. Whoever this witch is must assume he’s the same person. Well that’s not fun.
“L-look…” Yoongi says, voice threatening to fail him. He hates that. He isn’t scared. He shouldn’t be scared. This is just a witch. Someone who looks human but has power in them.
Okay, maybe he’s a little scared.
“I-I haven’t stolen from you twice. This is my first time.” Yoongi continues quickly. He’s never gotten caught before, but he’s always stolen from humans. Witches were bound to be different. He didn’t even think about their magic. Maybe that helped him figure it out. Or maybe…
Maybe he never was in the house to begin with. Maybe he was waiting for Yoongi to arrive.
“Why are you here? What do you want with my flowers?” The witch continues. His voice isn’t laced with anger but more so confusion, curiosity and hurt . Why was the witch hurting over this?
Yoongi blinks and inhales a breath, tightening his grip on the flowers. He can’t be scared. Well, he can. But he needs to act strong right now. Show no fear. “I want to sell them. They might sell for a good price and it would help me and my brother out.”
“Why didn’t you just ask? Why doesn’t anyone ask?” The witch grumbles. He stands up from where he was crouched close to the ground. Behind Yoongi, he can hear the sound of the veins retreating. Retracting.
This was his chance.
He takes a step back, eyes never wavering from the witch who’s now staring at the empty spots in the flower bed where Yoongi harvested them.
Why does he look so sad? So upset? Why isn’t he raging with anger right now?
Why does he look like someone hurt his pride?
Yoongi turns away and runs off before he can find out.
He can hear the witch call out for him as he departs. “Wait! Come back!” He hears him cry.
He doesn’t go back though.
—
It’s darker now that the sun has completely set and Yoongi is left with nothing but his memory to try and find his way back. The path isn’t exactly the easiest to see either but he tries his best, running along the stomped grass and sticks.
He’s still shocked and surprised that he was caught in the midst of stealing those flowers. In all of his years stealing he never once got caught. His heart is still racing from the whole thing. Though truthfully, part of Yoongi is a bit glad it was the witch and not the townsfolk. He’d be thrown into a jail cell for such a crime whereas he could possibly outrun a witch.
That is, if he remembers how exactly to get back to the village from where he currently is.
The birds and the owls are louder now. Chirping and making noise as he runs through the darkened forest. The grass rustles as he brushes through it, leaning wet marks on Yoongi’s pants. He can’t see them but he can feel them and inside he internally groans because grass stains aren’t exactly easy to clean out. Maybe he’ll be able to ask Namjoon to clean it at his place. There’s a better chance it will come out there.
The trees aren’t helping Yoongi any. All of them y’all, sturdy and truthfully, intimidating. They all look the same, none of them too different so Yoongi can’t use them to help identify where he is.
He glances back in curiosity to see if the witch is following after him but he hears no one and sees nothing. Maybe the witch isn’t hot on his heels. Maybe he decided to let Yoongi go. That would definitely be nice.
What was his deal anyways ? He wasn’t too angry that Yoongi was there stealing. More so, he was upset. He feels like if he were in the witches shoes he would have been seething with anger over the thought of someone stealing from him. And yet, the witch wasn’t even hostile towards him. He wasn’t violent.
Sure, he technically did block off Yoongi’s path at the beginning. But he never laid a hand on him or hurt him. And as soon as the wall went down, Yoongi was off in a hurry.
Hopefully he never has to run into the witch again. Maybe he’ll finish his business then.
Yoongi will just try his best to avoid that at all costs.
He turns back around to look at the path laid out in front of him. He’s not sure if he’s anywhere close to the entrance or not. Honestly he’s not even sure if he’s still going the correct way. Did the path split into two? Or was it just a one way path? Would he eventually find his way out or was he going to get lost in this forest?
Maybe he should have stayed at home. Maybe he should have kept his promise with Jeongguk — even if it was technically a lie — and stayed home to prevent himself from stealing. But no, he heard about this because he was eavesdropping on Seokjin and Hoseok and his curiosity got the better of him.
He seriously should have stayed home.
Yoongi finds himself looking at the flowers in his hands. Were they even worth anything? Or was he just wasting his time right now? He has a feeling in his gut telling him that this definitely isn’t that rare flower that Seokjin had mentioned earlier in the day, but he’s not going to turn back around to find it. He just wants to get home, put these flowers in a vase and head to bed.
He wants to forget any of this ever happened tonight.
Don’t get him wrong. He’s not scared of the witch. Okay, maybe he is just a little bit. But he’s more scared of the fact he got caught . That’s why he’s trying to leave so much; so fast. Because he got caught and he doesn’t necessarily like the idea of that.
It’s definitely not fun.
He inhales a shaky breath trying to regain himself. He feels his lungs burning — begging him to slow down and instead walk but he doesn’t want to. He can’t. He wants to get out of the forest and back into town in case the witch actually is following him and he just can’t see him. After all, he never saw the witch when they initially met briefly. He might be hiding here too.
The sound of wolves howling sends shivers down Yoongi’s spine and clutches the flowers tighter.
Scared of witches? No.
Scared of wolves. Yes.
He really needs to get out there.
Even with his lungs burning, pleading with him to stop, Yoongi doesn’t. He continues to go as fast as he can pushing himself more. He’s not sure how close the wolves are. He’s not even sure if they’re anywhere nearby and yet he doesn’t wish to find out. He doesn’t have a chance against wolves and right now he can’t afford getting injuries or anything.
He has Jeongguk to look after even if the younger is already eighteen.
With his mind so focused on getting out of the area, Yoongi doesn’t pay attention to the sticks and the rocks that stand out. He doesn’t pay attention to the things that he needs to avoid, and because of that he ends up tripping on one of the rocks. He falls face first into the grass and lets out a groan of pain.
So much for not getting injured.
The wolves howl again and this time it sounds closer. Either he’s getting closer to them or they’re getting closer to him. Either way, Yoongi is not comfortable with how they sound like they’ll be there any second now.
He heaves in a breath, placing a hand over his heart to feel his rapid heartbeat. He needs to try and calm down, he knows that. But it’s definitely easier said than done. The flowers that he had stolen have fallen onto the grass and Yoongi doesn’t make a move to pick them up. Maybe this forest is something evil. Maybe that’s why all this is happening. If he lets go of the flowers maybe it will get better?
It doesn’t.
The grass and bushes rustle beside Yoongi and slowly dark and light grey wolves are peeking through. Yoongi scoots back trying to put distance between him and the wolves until his back is pressed up against a tree.
He can’t believe this is happening.
He has nothing to defend himself with. He has no way to call for help or even shine a light on the wolves.
He’s all alone.
And now he’s scared.
He’s never experienced a wolf attack before. He’s never gone into the forest before today. How was he supposed to know that wolves would linger here? He knew some animals were here but he didn’t expect those.
His hands are shaking by his sides and he cups them together. Could they smell his fear? Would they track him down that way? Surely, they had better sight than Yoongi did right now so that didn’t make anything better.
He tries not to look at wolves. Tries to look up at the sky instead, maybe he’ll see the stars and that will calm him down some. But his efforts are futile once he realizes that the trees cover the sky so he can hardly see anything. He frowns deeply and slowly his gaze is falling towards the wolves.
And slowly they’re getting closer, lowering their body into a stance to attack.
“Oh my god,” Yoongi breathes, biting harshly on his lips. He knows he draws blood at that because he can feel it and the small wounds that he got from his fall burn and sting but he pays no mind to them.
He can’t believe this is how he’s going to die. By wolves because he can’t keep his hands to himself.
But he was doing it to provide for him and Jeongguk.
Why couldn’t the good outweigh the bad?
One of the wolves snarls and Yoongi brings his hands over his head to cover himself. He hears the footsteps of the wolf getting close; ready to attack, but he never feels anything. There’s no injury, no pain. There’s nothing.
What?
Slowly, hesitantly, Yoongi opens his eyes to see what’s going on. He lets out a small gasp as he witnesses the sight before him.
The witch from earlier is crouched in front of him, hands on the ground and the same vine wall from before is covering the two of them.
The witch is... protecting him?
But why?
“W-what…?” Yoongi begins, shocked. He doesn’t know what to say or what to do. But his heart swells at the thought of the witch protecting him. He doesn’t know why he’s doing it, doesn’t know what the witch will want in return but right now he’s grateful. He can’t help but be because without him here he would probably be in a lot of pain.
“Are you okay?” The witch questions. He glances back towards Yoongi. His eyes are a vibrant bright green and Yoongi wonders how he didn’t notice them earlier. They’re pretty. Captivating. It matches the magic he uses. “You’re not hurt, are you?”
Yoongi is at a loss of words. The witch...is concerned about him? He’s worried? Yoongi doesn’t know how to feel about that. They only just met after all and it wasn’t that intriguing. He blinks nonetheless, inhales a breath and nods. “Just a few scratches. I fell before the wolves arrived, but it’s nothing too serious.”
The witch nods slowly. He inhales a breath as well, and turns back to look towards the vines. “They’ll leave soon then we’ll go back to my place.” He says.
At first, Yoongi nods. He doesn’t necessarily care where he’s going right now as long as it’s out of danger. Those wolves caused too much of a stir in him. Then he realizes exactly what the witch said and looks at him with wide eyes, “We’re what?! Going to your place? W-why?”
He can hear the witch laugh lightheartedly at that, and a second later he’s turning to his head to face him once again. “To talk.” He answers with a small smile, “Don't worry. I’m not going to hurt you. Not all witches hurt people you know.”
Yoongi grunts, “How am I supposed to know? You’re the first witch I’ve ever met.” He retorts. By now, his breathing has gone back to normal and his heart isn’t racing inside of his chest like it had been previously. He’s calmed down for the most part and he’s surprised he isn’t too worked up in the presence of the witch anymore. But something inside of him screams that he can trust this witch. That his words speak true and he won’t hurt him.
He lets himself believe it for the time being.
“Well you’re lucky then.” The witch replies. Slowly he begins to stand up and as he does the vines retreat into the ground like they had previously. Yoongi won’t lie, it’s fascinating to look at it. To watch as they disappear into the ground like they were never there but Yoongi knows they were there.
He’s a bit curious about what else the witch can do.
With the vines completely gone, Yoongi can see that the wolves are nowhere in sight anymore. Whether the witch used his magic to do something or they left on their own is a mystery to Yoongi. And one that he would prefer to keep that way.
The witch turns around completely then and extends a hand out to help Yoongi up from the ground. “Had you met another witch I could probably tell you they wouldn’t be as nice as I am.” He continues. Yoongi hesitates for a second, debating whether to take his hand when he decides that he should. After all, this witch did save him.
Yoongi hums in response, placing his hand in the witches he’s brought up to his feet. He watches as the witch leans over and picks up the flowers that fell from his hand and passes them over. “They’re yours. You dropped them.”
“They’re technically yours.” Yoongi laughs awkwardly, “I just stole them from you.”
“That’s a good point and they’re spoiled by now.” He huffs out. “I’ll give you some more tomorrow. For now, let’s go back to my place so we can talk.” The witch begins walking off without giving Yoongi a chance to reply yes or no. Though truthfully, Yoongi was going to say yes anyways.
“W-wait!” He calls out and the witch stops. “Tell me your name first. I’ll feel more comfortable that way and I’ll know who to properly thank.”
The witch turns around then. The breeze picks up and brushes his blonde hair out of his face. It’s then that Yoongi realizes his eyes are no longer vibrant green but a dark brown. It must be related to his magic but he doesn’t question it.
“I’m Jimin.”
Jimin.
It has a nice ring to it.
“Well, Jimin. Thank you...for saving me.”
Jimin smiles then, a bright warm smile on his face that makes him look utterly cute and adorable. Yoongi doesn’t know how he could be scared of this witch when he looks like that.
A small smile forms on his lips in return as they walk back towards Jimin’s home.
Whatever their talk is about, Yoongi hopes it’s good.
—
Jimin’s house is cozy. Warm and bright. It’s filled completely with different colours of furniture, with walls of yellow and blue and on the walls contain photos.
Lots of photos.
Yoongi finds himself staring at the pictures. Wondering who the other person in the photos could be. He’s in the majority of them, if not all so Yoongi can only guess that whoever this person is must be Jimin’s close friend.
It’s quiet here in the forest, here in the house surrounded by nothing but the fireplace cracking as the wood burns and the sound of their soft breathing. The fireplace keeps him warm from the breeze that grows harsh outside. There’s a mixture of the fire and lavender surfacing the house making it smell nice.
It’s relatively easy for Yoongi to relax here. He’s not sure whether that’s a good or bad thing, but he knows he’s comfortable to say the least.
Besides, even now as he sits in Jimin’s house. In his territory where he knows the witch could successfully hurt him, he doesn’t think Jimin is a threat. He doesn’t think the witch will harm him at all.
If anything, he thinks the exact opposite.
But that’s probably because Jimin was insistent on cleaning his wounds as soon as they arrived even though Yoongi told him multiple times that he was fine. It didn’t stop the witch though and ten minutes later all his injuries were cleaned and bandaged up.
If he doesn’t get questions for why he stayed out all night, he’ll definitely get questions on why his face has bandages on it.
He’s sitting on one of Jimin’s yellow couches. There’s two opposite of each other with a while coffee table in between them. On the coffee table is a pile of more photos that Yoongi assumes he still has to put up, a few bottles containing who knows what, a vase with some yellow flowers in it to match the room, and then a small mug of hot tea. Something Jimin had prepared for him when they arrived a little bit earlier.
He spares a glance towards the clock that hangs on the wall, stares at its green frame and grimaces. It doesn’t necessarily match the whole idea Jimin has going on but he doesn’t mention it. If the witch is happy how everything is then he’ll let him be happy. There’s no need to say anything when he wasn’t asked for his opinion.
It’s nearly nine o’clock right now, which meant he’s been here at least thirty minutes if not more. He doesn’t remember exactly when he got here but he does remember it was around eight. He needs to head back soon. Go home and sleep in his own bed. He’s already caused too many problems for Jimin in one night and he’s slowly starting to feel more guilty and ashamed.
Yet, would he be able to find his way home? He got lost once and was almost attacked by the wolves. Just because they left after Jimin saved him doesn’t mean they’re not still waiting for another chance to strike. And what if Jimin decides not to follow him this time? He’s not sure if he wants to risk it truthfully.
But would Jimin allow him to stay here tonight? Would that be too much trouble to ask of him? He was pretty persistent in bringing Yoongi back to begin with but that was so they could talk, which they still haven’t done.
Where is Jimin anyways?
He delivered the tea and then disappeared after that. Yoongi hasn’t seen him in at least ten minutes now. Should he be worried? It’s not like this is his place so he can’t get up and walk around. That would be rude. He’ll just wait on the couch then. Jimin is bound to come out eventually, right?
Yoongi extends his hand out and picks up the mug. It’s orange, blue, and yellow with flowers painted onto it. He can’t help but crack a smile at that. It seems Jimin really does like flowers. Though he doesn’t blame him, they’re beautiful after all.
The mug is warm in his hands. He didn’t realize just how cold his hands were until the warmth from the cup was heating them up. He lets out a small sigh and brings it up to his lips to take a small drink. It burns his tongue, but in a good way. Just got enough to drink but also burn.
Yoongi likes it.
“Sorry, did I keep you waiting?” Jimin says from behind Yoongi. He startles then and almost spills his tea all over him but manages not to at the last second. Setting the mug down on the coaster once again he whips his head around to say something back to Jimin but freezes.
Jimin is no longer in his outfit from earlier. Instead he’s clad in grey sweats and a black t-shirt. His hair is soaking wet, dripping down the sides of his face and onto the ground. Yoongi clicks his tongue at that. He could have at least dried it a bit before coming out.
“You...showered?” Yoongi feigns confusion as Jimin walks around and sits on the opposite yellow couch.
He nods his head slowly. “Didn’t you hear me telling you that?” Jimin questions, “When I cleaned your wounds I said I was going to shower afterwards. Did you not hear me say that?”
Yoongi shakes his head, “I guess I was too focused on the pain that came from my face as you took care of me.” He replies with a huff. He crosses his arms over his chest as he slouches on the couch, “Thank you though, for cleaning my wounds. And...again for saving me.”
Jimin waves his hand in the air as if dismissing the whole topic, “You don’t need to keep thanking me. I just didn’t want anything to happen to you.”
“But you barely know me?” Yoongi tilts his head in confusion, “Why would you save someone you barely know?”
It grows silent after that question is spoken into existence. Jimin lets out a small sigh, and bites at his lower lip for a few moments before finally answering, “Something in me said I would regret it if I didn’t. Something told me that you’re someone I can trust, that you and I are supposed to be friends.”
“You want to be friends with a thief? Someone who constantly steals everyday and could one day end up being locked away if he’s caught?”
“That’s why I wanted to talk to you. But you ran off before I could.” Jimin huffs. He crosses his own arms over his chest.
Yoongi blinks. He stares at Jimin, curious and intrigued. It had something to do with the fact he was a thief? Jimin wasn’t turning him in was he?! That would be so unfair! Or not really, he did technically steal from him. But still! He just said he wanted to be friends and then he’ll turn him in? That’s cruel.
“Go on.” Yoongi urges, watching Jimin cautiously. If there’s even a chance that Jimin has ill intentions he’ll run out of the house. And even though he doesn’t know how to get back home he’ll figure it out if he needs to. He’s not getting locked away in a cell. Not now. Not ever. He needs to watch Jeongguk. Protect him.
“You said my flowers sell for a good price, right?” Jimin begins, repeating what Yoongi said earlier in the night. Yoongi nods slowly. “Why do you need them?”
Yoongi sighs. He’s not a huge fan of explaining his situation. He feels that others will pity him and make him feel like a charity case when he’s not. He can get by on his own. It’s not the best way that he does, but it works. That’s what mattered, right?
“To care for my younger brother. It’s just been us for the last eight years, and I struggle a lot with getting a job. I can get one but I never keep it longer than a week,” he begins. He doesn’t look at Jimin as he speaks, instead focuses on the green clock that he’s growing to hate more and more as he stares at it. It really just doesn’t fit. “So I started stealing. It’s the only thing I’m good at and it works. I’ve managed to take care of us both with it. Then my neighbour’s said something about your flowers and I...I knew I needed my hands on them because they would be great to sell.”
Hesitantly, and almost reluctantly, Yoongi lowers his head to look in the witch’s direction. He has a look of sadness on his face and Yoongi frowns. “I don’t need you to pity me.” He says quickly, shaking his head as Jimin opens his mouth to speak. “I don’t want you to pity me. I’ve been doing quite fine on my own really.”
Jimin shuts his mouth then and hums before adding, “Do you like stealing? Do you like having to live like that? Constantly fearing that you’ll get caught and taken? Because from what I’m hearing if you get caught you won’t be able to bail yourself out. And your younger brother will be alone.”
Yoongi grunts. Of course he doesn’t like the fact that he has to steal. He absolutely hates it. It’s not fun and he feels bad afterwards because he’s unaware of the person he stole from is in his own shoes. What if they suffer as well? He’ll never know that and he doesn’t memorize the faces of those he’s stolen from so he can’t return anything.
He shakes his head.
“I don’t. I never have. It makes me feel guilty and horrible but what else can I do, Jimin? I’m his elder brother I’m supposed to take care of him and i-if I don’t do this then how will I-“
“Hey.” Jimin says. He’s on the edge of his seat now, eyebrows knitted together as he shakes his head. “There’s other things you can do. You just haven’t found the right one. Stealing won’t be your life forever. Neither will having jobs only for one week.”
“Other things like what?” Yoongi says dejectedly. He flops over on the couch, letting his torso lay across the cushions while his legs dangle. He looks dumb right now and he knows that, but he’s tired of hearing those words. If there’s truly other things why is he still stealing after four years? Why can’t he find anything else.
“I have an idea.” Jimin tangles his hands together, places his hands on his knees and looks at Yoongi with a small smile pulling at his lips.
“What is it?” What kind of idea could Jimin possibly have? And why was he offering to help him?
“It’s not a job per say, but we can add things into it to make it a job.” Jimin starts, “But how about I let you take my flowers in return for you being my friend. In return for showing me the beauty in the world.”
Yoongi pushes himself up on the couch then. Sits up straight and holds his hands together tightly as he processes Jimin’s words. “W-what?”
“Like I said it’s not exactly a job. But I can always make you help me with the garden and other stuff to make it like you’re working. And in return your payment will be the flowers so you can sell them.” Jimin explains. “That should help you out, right? You won’t need to steal that way and you won’t need to worry about one day getting caught.”
Yoongi can’t believe what he’s hearing right now. He can’t believe that he technically has a job offer even if it’s not exactly a job. It’s still something and he’ll make profit from doing it. Just being Jimin’s friend? Part of him feels like that should be done without payment but then he remembers that Jimin mentioned they could actually do things that consist of work to make up for that.
Could he actually do this though? His only friend in life was Namjoon unless he counted Hoseok and Seokjin as well. But the three of them were never close. They’re more like acquaintances that were on the line to friendship but never made it past.
Would he be able to be someone else’s friend. And why him? Why did Jimin want to help him? What was he getting in return?
“Why?” Yoongi finds himself questioning without even thinking about it. “Why do you want to help me? What do you get?”
Jimin smiles fondly, “Because if our roles were reversed I would hope you would help me. And what do I get in return? I get a friend.”
Well.
Maybe Yoongi will accept his offer then.