Chapter Text
''With a performance like that, how could our treasure, Kim Namjoon ever retire and retreat from his throne?!'' The reporter roared from his excitement, once the one and only, Kim Namjoon, had finished his performance for today's finals.
It was the grand finals of this year's figure skating championship.
And as always, Namjoon came in first place and enchanted everyone with his mesmerizing performance.
But lately, there were many rumors spreading about him. That Kim Namjoon had enough of skating and was going to abandon the ice rink.
But why? Many gossip articles and reporters tried to question Namjoon's current agency to find more information, but his agency of course didn't blurt out a single word.
Yes, Kim Namjoon was currently the most popular male figure skater in South Korea, and he was 27 years old. He had been performing on the ice for many years, going back to his childhood days.
Namjoon had always loved skating.
So why such rumors were spreading? No one knew.
Not even Namjoon himself, knew why.
Why he was so desperate to run away from everything..
**
Fourth place.
Jimin was in fourth place again.
The results of the figure skating championship were out, and Jimin was close to tears again. He kept looking at his phone screen, seeing his name in fourth place, his whole body trembling out of fear.
And then, a few tears started to fall, dropping on his phone screen.
Jimin sniffled and put his phone away in his pocket, as he saw his coach approach his side.
''Jimin-ah.'' The older man said in a calm voice, ''Don't worry. You can do better next time, i'm sure with a little more practice you can-'' His coach was only trying to comfort him, but Jimin just sobbed harder.
''Coach-nim. You don't understand! My brother is going to enter the senior championship soon and is going to surpass me again! He came in first place at his junior championship! I'm a disgrace to my family, don't you think?''
Jimin was too scared to return home and face his parents. He was so sure they were going to give him a harsh slap on the cheek and disown him, get rid of him for good.
Jimin never came in first place, while his younger brother, Jungkook, always came in first place, even though he had just turned 18 a week ago.
In other words, Jungkook was the perfect son.
While Jimin, he was treated and viewed as a piece of trash by his family.
''Jimin-ah. It's not the end of the world. You're still young yourself. You're only 4 years older than Jungkook--'' His coach insisted, trying to comfort him with his words again, but Jimin just got up from his seat and ran away, bawling his eyes out, heading to the bathrooms.
The old man just sighed, as he watched Jimin rush to the bathrooms..
While Jimin, he had found an empty bathroom stall and was currently crying his eyes out. He was as miserable as ever. He had many spiralling thoughts in his mind.
What would his parents think? Would they be disappointed in him again? That he was unable to surpass his brother again? That he remained stable in fourth place?
As his thoughts continued growing in his mind, his tears followed too..
Then, he could feel his phone buzz. His mother was calling him.
But of course, Jimin shut his phone off right away. He wasn't mentally prepared to face his parents just yet..
Now, he just wanted to be alone..
**
Thirty minutes later, Jimin was still locked up in the bathroom stall. His eyes were puffy and red from all his crying. He just sniffled and unlocked the door..
He figured he had to finally leave and head back home.
He wasn't so sure where his younger brother was..
Really, Jimin wanted to find him and congratulate him for coming in first place again.
Despite his strict parents piting them against each other all the time, they had a pretty healthy and loving relationship. They tried to look after each other and barely fought.
So, when he exited the bathrooms, he was shocked to see his younger brother talking with the one and only, Kim Namjoon, also known as his beloved idol!
Jungkook had his usual bunny smile plastered on his face, while talking to South Korea's most popular figure skater.
''Ah, yes. I think your performance was impressive, Jungkook-ssi!'' Namjoon's deep voice could be heard from afar.
''Ah, such an honor to receive such a compliment from you, thanks a lot, Namjoon-ssi!''
Of course, Jungkook was also Namjoon's fan and was ecstatic to be talking with him.
But Jimin..he practically worshipped Kim Namjoon. Jimin had posters of Namjoon all over to his room and watched his performances on a daily basis.
Jimin had been a fan of Kim Namjoon since his debut.
So when he was met with Namjoon from so up-close, he was frozen from his shock, that he didn't realize that both Namjoon and Jungkook were glancing at him at that moment.
''Oh--hello?'' Namjoon had spotted Jimin while he was talking with Jungkook.
And Jimin was still frozen from his shock.
But when he saw Namjoon turn around, making eye contact with him, he was brought back to reality.
That Kim Namjoon, his beloved idol, was actually in front of him, talking to him, smiling at him!
''I-i-'' Jimin started to stutter, immediately looking away from Namjoon's very warm gaze.
His idol, Kim Namjoon, was right there in front of him! Jimin couldn't help but look away from his shyness.
Namjoon currently had grey hair that was slowly fading away and was wearing an oversized coat, since it was getting colder and colder everyday. Jimin thought he looked handsome as always, of course.
''Do you want to take a picture--together?'' Namjoon spoke to Jimin again, wondering if Jimin was his fan, and wanted to take a selfie with him.
Jungkook laughed softly, hearing Namjoon ask his brother such a question.
When Jungkook was about to interfere and announce that Jimin was actually his brother and was also a figure skater like them, Jimin was already gone. Both Namjoon and Jungkook could see Jimin shyly run away from them, exiting the venue.
''Ah..Namjoon-ssi. I'm so sorry, that was..my hyung.'' Jungkook finally said to him, shocking Namjoon, ''Your hyung? I didn't know you had a brother, Jungkook-ssi.''
Namjoon felt quite awkward.
''Y-yeah, sorry. My hyung..he's quite shy, especially when it comes to you--i mean--he is your fan too of course!''
Namjoon smiled a little, remembering Jungkook's older brother. How cute his reaction was when their eyes met. ''I see. He is my fan too..''
Namjoon hoped they could meet and speak properly next time.
He would love to meet Jungkook's older brother.
***
Of course Namjoon was going to choose Jungkook. He is better than i am.
Jimin had such thoughts in his mind, as he finally reached home. He took a deep breath and wiped all his dry tears away, now entering the mansion that he lived in.
''M-mother?'' Jimin called for his mother, his voice echoing through the endless halls.
And there she was.
Jimin's mother was a tiny, but very elegant looking lady. She had medium length black hair and had such fair skin, that she looked like a porcelain doll.
His mother always told him that he took after her good looks, and nothing else.
Yes, Jimin's looks were the only thing that his mother boasted about. About the doll-like face he had, or his plump lips, his perfect body..
But his mother never praised him about anything else. And it made Jimin feel sick. He was sick and tired of everything.
''...Why didn't you reply to my calls, child?'' His mother said, approaching Jimin angrily, having a glum expression on her face. ''You think i didn't see the results? That you came in fourth place again?''
Jimin remained silent, trying so hard to hold back his tears and not have a breakdown again.
''So many years you've been practicing and you bring such results? Why? Why can't you be like him? Jungkook, my son is always so perfect, even though he's 4 years younger--''
''I'm s-sorry i can't be like my dongsaeng, M-mother, i will do better next time and--'' Jimin tried to speak, only to enrage his mother even more, ''You've been saying this for years now! But have you actually improved? No!''
Jimin felt like his mother was stabbing him repeatedly with a knife, hearing her harsh words.
At that moment, he wanted to run upstairs to his room and hide. He wanted to cry alone, for many hours..
''I'll just give up then! So i won't bother you anymore! You'd like that, wouldn't you!?'' Jimin screamed back to his mother, taking her aback.
It was one of those rare times where Jimin talked back to her.
This time, Jimin didn't give her the chance to reply and ran upstairs, heading to his room.
His mother was still downstairs, with crossed arms, shocked that her child was acting like this.
While Jimin, he was currently under the covers of his bed, scrolling through articles online.
But he regret opening them, because while reading them, he stumbled across a very mean gossip article.
Just by reading the headline, he was close to tears again.
Eldest son of the Park family comes in fourth place again, while Maknae comes in first place at his junior championship!
Reading the article made Jimin want to throw his phone away and scream.
Was he ever going to be in first place for once? Make his parents proud? Feel confident in his skills for once?
Jimin felt so frustrated..
And at that moment, he had made his choice.
He was going to take a break from skating. He was not at his best at the moment.
He desperately needed a break.
''Do whatever you want, child. Just don't burden your brother, will you?'' Was what his mother told him, while Jimin announced the news to her.
Of course, Jimin wasn't expecting her to reply any differently. His mother only cared about Jungkook. Just Jungkook.
''Our Jungkookie. My golden son, golden maknae. He is just a brilliant, golden child, don't you think?'' His mother was happily boasting about her youngest child again, Jimin's father nodding to her words, agreeing with her.
Jimin gloomily sighed and headed upstairs to his room again.
This time, he didn't bother checking his phone.
Social media was very toxic, especially after the grand final results came out.
Now, he had to think about his future.
If he took a break from what he loved the most, what was he supposed to do now?
Jimin..was lost.
''HYUNG! WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'RE TAKING A BREAK?!'' And then, thirty minutes later, Jungkook had returned to the mansion, barging into Jimin's room, screaming at him from his shock. ''You can't do this to me, hyung! Now that i'm 18 i can join the senior championship~~aren't we supposed to enter and compete together? How mean~hyung~''
Jungkook started whining, while Jimin was hiding under the covers of his bed, feeling as grumpy as ever.
''Just leave me alone! Didn't you hear me?! I don't feel like doing this anymore. Y-you're old enough to compete on your own. What do you want? Me to hold your hand while you perform?''
Jungkook pouted, hearing Jimin's pessimistic words, ''Hyungie~please? Why did you even make such a decision anyway~?''
And then, Jimin came out from his bed, Jungkook could see his small head peeking from the bed cover, ''Isn't it obvious why?'' Jungkook could see many tears rising in Jimin's eyes, ''You're so much better! I shouldn't continue. I'm just embarrassing our family with my pathetic results !!..''
''Hyung! No! I feel so happy everytime we arrive together and we-''
''Just leave me alone! Don't you get it?! I feel so bad. I can't embarrass myself like that anymore. Okay?!'' Jimin was now practically screaming out of his frustration, leaving Jungkook speechless.
''F-fine...'' Jungkook sighed, still having a pout on his lips, ''I'll leave you alone, hyungie..''
Jungkook sadly walked away and exited Jimin's room, realizing that Jimin was..a lost, hopeless case..
Would he ever get back to figure skating?
Jungkook hoped he would.
***
A few months passed.
Jimin was still not feeling well enough to return to the skating world.
He was locked up in his room all day. He barely ate or slept. He had become very fragile and tiny.
Jungkook was very worried about him, while his parents were in their own little world, only paying attention to their golden son. They didn't even care about Jimin. They didn't care that he was both physically and mentally unwell..
''There he is again..'' Jimin was watching the sports news and his brother was on TV again. Now that he was officially an adult, Jungkook had joined the senior championship, and was already taking over.
A few people were even comparing Jungkook to Namjoon, irrritating Jimin.
Of course his younger brother was very talented, but no one could ever compare to his beloved Namjoon! Namjoon would always be the one in his heart.
The best male figure skater was Kim Namjoon for him.
And while having thoughts about Namjoon, he felt a little nostalgic. He hadn't seen him on the news lately. Was Namjoon doing okay? When was his latest perfomance? Jimin realized that he hadn't heard any news of him lately..
So, he deciced to look up his name to find out.
The first article that came up while searching Namjoon's name, shocked Jimin.
It was a press conference, after Namjoon was done with his program. He was telling all the reporters that he was going to take a break from figure skating.
Jimin was left frozen, watching the clip.
Namjoon..taking a break?
Why?
Jimin couldn't believe this. It felt like his whole world was falling apart..
Namjoon was one of the main reasons why he was inspired to enter the figure skating world..
If it wasn't for him, Jimin probably wouldn't have been a figure skater.
Then, Jimin put his phone away, changed out of his oversized pajamas and decided to head to the ice rink downstairs.
Yes, at the very luxurious mansion they lived in, they also had their own personal ice skating rink, so they could practice anytime they wanted.
Jimin felt like skating today, after hearing the sad news about Namjoon.
And when he reached the skating rink at the basement, he quickly put on his white skates on and jumped on the ice rink. Some classical music was already playing all over the spacious room, so, like that, Jimin started performing Namjoon's latest skating program.
Of course, Jimin had memorized every step of his skating program.
Jimin kept spinning and jumping around the ice rink comfortably, thinking he was alone.
But he wasn't.
Sometimes, Taehyung, Jimin's childhood friend hung out at the ice rink with Jungkook, admiring his rehearsals.
But this time, he was so amazed by Jimin's performance, that he started filming him, as he hid behind the white counter.
And when Jimin was done, Taehyung finally announced himself.
''Dear Park Jimin. What the hell was that?!'' He said, taking Jimin aback. ''Yah! What are you doing here? You scared me!'' Jimin shouted at his friend, frightened by his sudden presence.
Taehyung chuckled, ''You know..Jungkook was practicing here an hour ago and i was with him. But i ended up dozing off on the bench here while waiting for him to return. Guess he forgot about me?''
Jimin laughed at how ridiculous his friend was. ''So..d-did you watch the whole thing?'' Jimin asked shyly, heat starting to rise in his chubby cheeks.
He felt very shy knowing that Taehyung had seen him perform Namjoon's latest skating program.
''Duuuh? I was so amazed by it that i didn't bother announce myself to you! I was enchanted by your performance, Mr Park Jimin-!''
Jimin just laughed and smacked him on the chest weakly, ''Yah. You're teasing me, aren't you? I--just..felt like coming here today, so..''
''Silly. You belong here. You should come here more often, yeah?'' Taehyung said, patting his friend on the shoulder, ''You can make your return, slowly, what do you say?''
Taehyung just wanted for his friend to be happy again. Similar with Jungkook, Taehyung hated seeing Jimin like this.
It was obvious that Jimin loved being on the ice.
But Jimin was sabotaging his own self with his silly thoughts.
Or maybe, someone else was the problem..
''A-anyway, i'll get going now. See you around?''
''Yep! I'll text you later, Jiminie. Maybe we can watch a movie or something together?''
''Okay!'' Jimin replied, smiling at his friend softly.
He, too, had missed spending time with his friend..
Nowadays, he was all by himself in his room..
***
The next few days were the same for Jimin.
He remained locked inside his room all day, barely ate, and gloomily stared at his phone screen every now and then, watching Namjoon's old performances.
Taehyung, however, made a very rash decision, and decided to upload the video he had taken of Jimin on the ice rink the previous day. He wanted to spark something and bring Jimin into the skating world again..
So, he uploaded the video on youtube.
He added Kim Namjoon's name in the title of the video, so already, the video had gained lots of views.
''Park Jimin tries to cover Kim Namjoon's skating program!'' Was the title of the video, that made all skating enthusiasts click on it.
And of course, many loved it.
Jimin's cover was absolutely flawless, that even Kim Namjoon himself had seen it.
He was amazed by Jimin's cover, that he wanted to pay the Park family a visit and find him.
And while Namjoon was on his way to the Park mansion, Jimin was in his room, currently screaming at his friend for recording his cover and posting it online.
''It's for your own good, Jiminie! Can't you see all the comments below? Everyone is praising you!'' Taehyung insisted, defending himself.
Jimin just sighed again. He couldn't believe that Taehyung did such a thing without telling him.
''Just leave, idiot! I'm too angry with you that i can't even be at the same room with you!'' Jimin screamed at his friend again, making Taehyung roll his eyes, ''Yah! I'm telling you it's for your own good--i did the right thing--''
Then, Jimin had started pushing Taehyung out of his room.
He was very angry with him.
But most importantly, he felt embarrassed.
What if Namjoon had seen the video cover too? What would he think of Jimin?
**
Jungkook was currently rehearsing at the ice rink, when he saw the news. His older brother was all over social media. Just then, he realized why.
He clicked on the video and watched Jimin's cover.
He was..quite shocked too.
What would happen now? Would Jimin get all the attention now?
He couldn't lie..
He felt a little jealous, seeing everyone so enthusiased over him.
Maybe, it was just him being competitive..
Jungkook was comfortable the past few months, having all the attention solely on him.
**
It was evening when Namjoon arrived to the mansion. It took him a few hours to find the neighborhood, but he was finally there. He cursed at his GPS device for making him follow the wrong path, making sure that he would get rid of the device next time..
So, like that, he stepped out of his car and started walking towards the mansion.
Really, the Park mansion looked more like a majestic castle out of a fairytale. It was so enormous and elegant looking, Namjoon felt like he was a protagonist of a fairytale.
And then, after walking along the gardens that were filled with roses and other blossoming flowers, he reached the main door, and gave it a knock.
One minute later, a maid opened the door and greeted him.
''Ah, hello. I'm..Kim Namjoon. This is..the Park Mansion, Park Family, correct?'' Namjoon figured to ask from his nervousness.
He was hoping he hadn't come all this way for nothing.
''Y-yes, please come in, sir. I will tell Mr Park and Mrs Park that you're here.'' The petite maid said as she let Namjoon in, bowing to him slightly as she ran to the next room, shouting for her masters.
Namjoon awkwardly waited for Jimin's family to arrive, sitting down on one of the spacious sofas, resting his back on a very soft cushion.
And finally, two minutes later, they entered the living room.
''Oh my! If it isn't the legendary Kim Namjoon!'' Jimin's mother voice squeaked as she was met with Namjoon's presence. Namjoon shyly got up from the couch and bowed to them, greeting them with a smile, ''Yes, hello, Ms Park, Mr Park. I am here because--''
''Please, have a seat, Namjoon-ssi. Me and my wife already know why you're here. We've been expecting your visit for a while now, ever since you announced the news of retirement..'' Jimin's father spoke, making a motion towards the sofa, all of them heading there to sit together.
''..You have? Um, sir,'' Namjoon shifted in his position, his brows furrowing slightly, not feeling so sure if they were talking about the same thing, ''I'm here to see your eldest son, Park Jimin.''
When Namjoon blurted out Jimin's name, both of them frowned. ''Jimin..?'' They said in unison, sounding utterly shocked.
''Ah, yes. I--i watched his cover of my skating program lately--and i--i really enjoyed it and i thought it would be good for me to pay a visit and have a word with him--'' Namjoon explained, laughing nervously.
Now, he realized that his parents weren't referring to their eldest son, Park Jimin, before..
''..Cover?'' He also realized that Jimin's parents probably hadn't even seen the cover.
''A video was posted online just yesterday, a-around midnight? Jimin has covered my recent skating program and i--i believe it was very good, so i came here to..talk with him?'' Namjoon explained again, hoping this time his parents would understand.
Then, Jimin's mother laughed softly, clapping her tiny hands together, ''What are you talking about, Namjoon-ssi? All this time, i thought you were here to meet with my golden child, Jungkookie. Isn't this the real reason? You guys have met before, haven't you? A few months ago? I remember Jungkookie telling me about your meeting--you even praised him, Namjoon-ssi and-''
Namjoon sighed softly, feeling a little too overwhelmed by Jimin's mother and her non-stop talking about her youngest son.
''Ms Park. I'm very sorry, but i am not here for Jungkook-ssi. Yes, it's true. We met a few months ago. I do believe he is very talented and has lots of potential, but i'm not here for him. I'm here..for Jimin.'' Namjoon gave emphasis to Jimin's name, starting to feel very frustrated with Jimin's parents.
How cruel could they be, that they kept boasting about their youngest child while ignoring their eldest, like he wasn't part of their family..
''So, please, could you tell me where Jimin is?'' Namjoon got up from the sofa, not wanting to interact with them anymore. He had had enough of their idiocy.
''I-i think he's downstairs at the ice rink..'' Jimin's mother replied in a tiny voice, having a pout on her lips.
She couldn't believe that the one and only, Kim Namjoon, had come all the way to their home, so he could meet with their failure-of-a-son, Park Jimin.
Both her and her husband glared at each other, as Namjoon left, heading downstairs to find Jimin.
And after walking around many endless halls, Namjoon finally found the ice rink. It was at the end of the basement.
And from afar, he could see Jimin. He was currently taking off his skates, taking a break. Namjoon figured Jimin was practicing all by himself.
''Jimin-ssi.'' Namjoon announced himself as he entered, Jimin slightly slipping on the ice as he heard his sudden voice. ''..W-what--why are you--?''
Namjoon could see Jimin slightly squinting his eyes, making him chuckle.
''A-are you here---for my brother? H-he's not here--he's with his coach practicing for the whole evening s-so-'' Jimin didn't panic so much this time. He tried to remain calm and not act like a crazy fan-boy in front of Namjoon.
Because, on the inside, he was freaking out.
Why was Kim Namjoon downstairs on his own personal ice rink? Was he here for Jungkook? Probably.
Yes, Kim Namjoon is definitely here to coach my brother. There is no way he's here for me. Oh, but maybe he is here to tell me how much i sucked at covering his skating program--definitely-- Jimin's thoughts were out of place in his mind, while..
Namjoon walked towards Jimin and was now a step away from the ice rink, standing one meter afar from Jimin.
''Jimin-ssi. I'm here for you. Not your dongsaeng. I would like to become your coach.''
AN: I've been meaning to write a Minjoon yuri on ice fic for a long time now but i feel started with it!
This fic will be heavily inspired by yuri on ice but obviously it won't be the same >.<
Any comments/feedback would be cool hehe
Hope you guys will like this :)
Sorry this chapter was a little angsty..
Next chapters will be softer and will include more skating moments too ~