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Chapter Text

It had been a while since Jimin felt peaceful. He was lying in the middle of a meadow on a blanket, surrounded by gorgeous flowers, the grass glimmering and green. The sun was high above, it's warmth heating Jimin's skin. He pinched himself so many times, but he didn't wake up. This was real. This couldn't be a dream. Everything felt so real. The clouds moved lazily in the air, and Jimin wanted to go and join them, let the wind take him away. He reached his hand out, hoping to catch some clouds but a hand suddenly shot out and grabbed his. He paused, realizing that there was someone lying next to him. He turned to face them and his breath caught.

Jungkook.

His step-brother who had made it his mission to make Jimin's life a living hell. Jungkook was a year younger than him but there had been many times when people had mistaken him for the elder of the two. He was tall, and handsome, and charming, and popular, everything Jimin wasn't. He had grown out of his childish face, a face Jimin had thought cute when they first met, but he was still a big brat who pushed Jimin around. 

But as he laid in the grass next to Jimin, his unruly dark hair falling in front of his eyes, wearing nothing but a white tank top and jeans, for a second Jimin forgot how much of an ass he was. Jimin wanted to say something, but didn't know what to say. He let out a gasp of surprise when Jungkook suddenly rolled on top of him, still holding Jimin's hand. While on normal circumstances, Jimin cowered under Jungkook's gaze, he didn't feel scared right now. In fact, he felt a little...safe. 

"Jimin ssi," Jungkook breathed. It was a nickname he often used condescendingly, but the way he was using it now felt different. So different. Jimin wondered what was going on, and why he was starting to feel so weird and...tingly. "Wake up."

Almost immediately after Jungkook gave that breathless command, Jimin felt a wave of cold water being splashed on him. His eyes shot open and he immediately sat up in bed, eyes wide and shocked. He looked up to see Jungkook standing over his bed holding a now half-empty bucket. Jimin began shivering, holding his elbows as he continued to look up at Jungkook incredulously. 

"W-what d-did I d-do?" Jimin demanded. 

"You overslept, dumbass," Jungkook scolded. "You missed your bus now I have to take you to school."

You could have left me here. Jimin thought angrily. You have before. Then I could clean the house and we wouldn't have to deal with each other at school today. These were of course thoughts he would never voice aloud. He wouldn't risk Jungkook's wrath.

He then noticed that Jungkook was staring down at his pants and he looked down to whatever Jungkook was staring at, to see a bulge in his pants. Oh God. Oh no. It must've been the dream he had. He felt his cheeks flush and he wanted so desperately in that moment to die. "I-I'll g-get dr-dressed. T-Thank you."

"What were you dreaming about?" Jungkook asked suddenly. "Or better yet...who were you dreaming about?"

"No one," Jimin said a little too quickly, and a little too defensively. 

Jungkook cocked his head to the side, "Was it me?"

"No!" Jimin yelled, immediately regretting it. "Please let me get dressed."

"Mm-mm," Jungkook gave Jimin a smirk that was nothing short of sinister. "You're already dressed."

Jimin cocked his head to the side, "W-what?"

"You should've woken up sooner, Jimin ssi. Now everyone is gonna see you for the freak you are," Jungkook advanced on him menacingly. Jimin began to scramble to the other side of the bed but he was stopped in place by the death glare Jungkook gave him. "Try it. I dare you."

Jungkook had beat him up plenty of times for any signs of defiance. As he had gotten stronger it seems that Jimin had gotten weaker. He took a deep breath and stood up, shivering and embarrassed.

"Please," He whimpered. "Please don't make me go to school in my pajamas."

Jungkook glared at him for a minute before he laughed, "Fine, but only because it's your birthday."

Jimin hadn't even realized it was his birthday. The days just seemed to mesh together because each day was the same. He would wake up and immediately be put to work, whether it was cooking breakfast, feeding the cat or do whatever stupid task Jungkook could make up, he would be forced to work. He used to have dreams of running away, and came close to actually doing it years ago, but knew that he had nowhere to go. Besides, this was his father's house, and he wouldn't be chased from it. 

"Don't say I don't ever do anything nice for you," Jungkook lifted the bucket and poured the rest of the water on Jimin's head. "There. You don't have to worry about showering now."

Jimin tried to ignore the new wave of cold it brought upon him, "T-thank you."

"You have five minutes, then I leave without you," Jungkook threatened.

"I u-understand," Jimin replied.

Then Jungkook left him alone in the room and he quickly got ready. He didn't cry, not anymore. It didn't help anything.

Nothing did.

Chapter Text

When they got to school Jimin hurried out of Jungkook's car, or he tried to, but Jungkook grabbed his wrist. 

"Where are you going?" Jungkook asked nonchalantly, not even looking at Jimin as he shifted the gear into park. 

To school. Where the fuck else? Jimin thought. "I don't want to be late for class," He said, trying to put a taste of pleading into his voice. Maybe Jungkook would go easy on him because it was his birthday. 

"You shouldn't have overslept then," Jungkook said. "Besides, you know the morning ritual."

Oh God. Jimin looked away, trying to steel his nerves. It wasn't so much as a morning ritual as it was whenever Jungkook remembered. Which was pretty often. Despite wanting to run as far away as he could, Jimin obediently let Jungkook and his friends lead him to the dumpster. He closed his eyes as they picked him up and tossed him into it, his backpack coming after and hitting him on the head.

"Sorry Jimin ssi," Jungkook shouted. "Can't let you think I'm going easy on you. Even on your birthday."

Jimin didn't respond. Instead he waited for them to walk away. Getting out of the dumpster, he jumped down and stumbled, falling to his knees. He buried his face in his hands but no tears spilled. The pain had gotten easier to deal with having spent years with Jungkook and his awful mother, but it still hurt like a bitch. There was no escape. Not at home. Not at school. He felt so trapped. 

"Hello," He heard a voice say.

He looked up to see a young man staring down at him. He was very handsome and had neatly combed brown hair. He looked to be elder than Jimin. He wore the typical school uniform. He extended a hand down to Jimin, who gaped up at him. This was so unusual. People usually avoided him like the plague in order not to suffer Jungkook's wrath. 

"Hi," Jimin said weakly.

He took the young man's hand and was helped to his feet. The young man's hand was warm and comforting. Jimin almost didn't want to let go but when he realized he was holding on for a second too long, he snatched it back.

"Are you okay?" The young asked. 

"Fine," Jimin responded immediately. It was his go-to for things like this. "Thank you."

"May I ask what you were doing in the dumpster?" The young man asked, sounding amused. 

"I...dropped something," Jimin lied, knowing it sounded stupid.

"You dropped something...in the trash...the dumpster...and jumped in there to get it back?" 

"Exactly," Jimin said. "Thank you again. I'll be off now."

"Jin," said the young man. "In case you were wondering."

Jimin bit back a smirk, "Jimin."

"Have lunch with me?" Jin offered.

Jimin almost immediately accepted, but he held back. Anyone who gave him the time of day were targeted by Jungkook. Jin seemed so nice and was obviously new. He didn't know how things worked around here yet. Jimin wouldn't subject anyone to his torment. People around them were already whispering among themselves. Who was this kid helping out the school's punching bag?

"I can't," Jimin said apologetically. "But it was nice meeting you."

Jin frowned but nodded in understanding. Jimin hurried into the building and made a beeline straight for his classroom, hoping that the day would go by quickly. He almost chuckled to himself as he remembered a time when he actually celebrated his birthday, but those times were long gone. 

Whatever used to be the norm, was replaced by pain and loneliness.

Chapter Text

When lunch time came, instead of making his way to the cafeteria, Jimin found himself making his way to a special place he went. He was never given money for lunch and wasn't allowed to make lunch in the mornings for anyone other than Jungkook. Besides, he didn't like the crowded cafeteria anyways. Not because he didn't like people but because he found it unbearable how they ignored him. They just left him alone in isolation. So he figured that if he was going to be alone during lunch, it would at least be at a place that brought him comfort. 

It was an unused classroom near the gym that always had the lights turned off. Some people snuck in there to do...questionable activities. But during lunch Jimin pretty much had the room to himself. He would either just enjoy the silence, sketch in his notebook, or think of the future when hopefully he could go to college and never have to interact with Jungkook and his step-mother ever again. 

He was almost to the classroom when he heard a voice call "Jimin!" He froze in place, his blood running cold. Usually the only people who called his name at school was Jungkook and it never led to anything good. Running would only anger him. Taking a deep breath, he turned towards the source of the voice to see that it wasn't Jungkook, but was in fact Jin. 

"Jimin, aren't you going to lunch?" Jin asked when he caught up to Jimin.

Jimin shook his head softly, "I'm not hungry."

"Oh," Jin frowned. "Well...where are you going?"

"Somewhere to be alone," Jimin answered. "I'll be off now."

"Please eat lunch with me," Jin said suddenly. "I...I'm new...and I don't really have anyone to sit with."

Jimin couldn't help the pity that ran through his veins. Looking at Jin, he saw a little of himself. A little of the boy who for the past seven years had been subject to pain and loneliness, and who didn't have the strength to fight back. He didn't want Jin to be alone. Besides...it was his birthday. Maybe just this once Jungkook would go easy on him and leave him alone. 

"Okay," Jimin took a deep breath. "Let's go to the cafeteria."

***

"Why aren't you eating?" Jin asked. 

They were sitting at a table in the far corner of the cafeteria. People gave the incredulous gazes and Jimin couldn't blame them. Jimin had found a table and waited for Jin as he got his lunch. He also looked out for Jungkook, but so far Jungkook hadn't come into the cafeteria yet. He wondered if he would make a run for it when Jungkook did, so that Jin wouldn't be seen with him. No matter what he did, Jungkook would torment him, but he didn't want to endanger Jin. 

"Not hungry," Jimin replied.

"So...tell me about yourself," Jin answered.

Jimin smiled despite himself, "There's not much to know."

"I know that's not true."

"Well," Jimin shifted in his seat uncomfortably. "I'm pretty normal. I go to school, go home, eat, sleep. I'm not very interesting."

"Do you have any family?"

Oh God. "I have a brother. Step-brother. His name is Jungkook."

"That bully who terrorizes everyone?"

Jimin flinched, "Yes."

"You have to live with him?"

Jimin nodded, "It's been...difficult."

"I'm sorry," Jin suddenly grabbed Jimin's hand and Jimin felt his cheeks flush.

He then suddenly felt something, like a weight being placed on his shoulders. Jimin turned his head towards the entrance to see Jungkook standing there, giving him a death glare. His hands were shoved in his pockets and he turned his gaze from Jimin to Jin. 

Jimin snatched his hand from Jin's, "I have to go."

"What Why?" Jin asked with a frown.

Jimin stood from the table, "Enjoy the rest of your lunch."

He rushed towards the exit when he heard a voice shout "Jimin ssi!" He turned his head to see Jungkook storming towards him. He stopped in his tracks, wanting to run but knowing that he'd be caught.

"Who is that?" Jungkook asked, stopping in front of Jimin. 

None of your business. "His name is Jin," Jimin answered obediently. 

"Why was he sitting with you?"

"Because..." Jimin struggled to find an answer.

"Because what?" Jungkook snapped. "Maybe I should go ask him myself."

"No!" Jimin objected. "Please! I...asked him to sit with me. I get lonely at lunch. He really didn't want to. It's my fault."

Jungkook let out a breath, "I don't believe you."

"It's the truth," Jimin lied.

Jungkook smirked, "I don't give a fuck who he is. Stay away from him. You're mine."

Jimin's eyes widened, "What?"

"I think you heard me," Jungkook said. "If I see you near him again, both of you will pay."

You have no fucking right! I have nothing! No one! Why can't I have this one thing?! This one friend! I hate you! Jimin wanted to scream. "Understood."

Jungkook smirked contently before walking past Jimin to the table where his friends were. Jimin turned to look back at Jin but Jin was gone. Rushing to the abandoned classroom, it took a lot of more effort than usual for him not to cry. 

Chapter Text

Another time during the day when Jimin got some good time to himself was on the bus rides home. It was only him and maybe two or three other kids and they pretty much left each other alone. Jimin stood at the bus stop, waiting for it to come pick him up when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Jin, and he felt frustrated. Why couldn't this dude just leave him alone? Couldn't he piece together that it was dangerous for them to talk?

"Are you okay?" Jin asked.

"Fine," Jimin said firmly. "Thank you."

"Do you need a ride home?" Jin asked. "I drove here."

"I'm fine," Jimin replied.

"Oh come on---"

"Please leave me alone," Jimin said apologetically. "I appreciate...look, if you hang around me you'll get hurt. And you're really nice. So please...leave me be."

Jin looked offended, "No."

"You don't understand," Jimin snapped. "I don't want him to hurt you. You're nice but I need you to leave me alone."

There was a long pause of silence, and Jimin waited for Jin to walk away and never look back. He waited to return to his life of isolation, but to his surprise Jin continued to stand there and stare at him, looking pissed off almost.

"Look, I really want to be your friend," Jin suddenly said, causing Jimin's eyes to widen. "I'm new here...and frankly...I feel alone a lot of the time. But when I saw you being thrown in that trash can I just...realized that it doesn't have to be the case. For either of us. If you're scared that I'm going to be bullied by your step-ass then don't worry about me. I can handle myself. I'm not going to leave you alone. Not alone with him."

"Jin," Jimin said softly. "I'm not worth it---"

"You are," Jin said firmly. "So stop being stubborn and let me drive you home. Let me be your friend."

If it wasn't Jimin's birthday, he would've stuck to his guns and refused, but then he wondered if this was a sign. It couldn't be a coincidence that he met Jin on his birthday. Maybe this was the universe's gift to him. Maybe...ugh...so many maybes bounced around in his head. He knew he was being selfish by even talking to Jin after Jungkook's threat, but maybe just this once...he could be selfish. 

"Fine," He gave in. "I'd like a ride."

***

Jin led him to his car in the school parking lot, and it was a pretty average red coupe. It seemed professional and neat, a perfect fit for Jin. 

"Straight home please," Jimin said. He of course wanted to hang out with Jin more but he already had a full itinerary of things to do at the hell house he called home.

"Of course," Jin smiled.

As soon as Jimin's hand closed around the handle he heard a voice yell "Jimin ssi!" He turned to see Jungkook standing a few cars down, a girl hanging off him. She was pretty, and was kissing his neck. For some reason the sight made Jimin feel sick to his stomach. He glared at Jin before his eyes landed on Jimin and seemed to harden. "Here. Now."

Jimin stayed where he was, and it surprised him. Usually when he was given an order his body immediately did it with no hesitation, but to his surprise his body didn't move towards Jungkook, whose eyebrows raised incredulously. Jimin knew this was something he hadn't seen in a while. All resistance or defiance he thought he had beaten out of Jimin both physically and mentally, but in this moment...that seemed to not be the case.

"I said come here!" Jungkook shouted. "Or I'll come get you!"

Then Jimin did something he never would've thought he'd do. He shot Jungkook the middle finger and threw the door open, flinging himself into the car. Jin did the same and he saw Jungkook running towards the car. However he was too slow and before Jimin knew it him and Jin were driving out of the school parking lot and down the street. Relief poured through his veins as he leaned back against the seat. What did he just do? He flipped Jungkook off and had openly defied him. Was he nuts?

"Are you okay?" Jin asked. "Are you sure you want to go home?"

Absolutely not. "I have to. I have to do chores and...I might as well get it over with."

"He's not gonna hit you, is he?" Jin asked, his voice filled to the brim with concern.

"No," Jimin lied. "Just be an ass. He doesn't come home immediately so he might forget." It was partly true, Jungkook always came home late but he never forgot one of Jimin's transgressions. Jimin knew he only said it to make Jin feel better.

"For what it's worth, that was pretty badass," Jin said. "If it makes you feel better."

It kinda did.

Chapter Text

To Jimin's shock and horror, when Jin dropped him off, Jungkook's car was in the driveway. He didn't understand. Usually Jungkook was somewhere in town being a delinquent getting his rocks off with some poor girl. He wasn't supposed to be home this early. Jimin thought he'd at least get a few hours before his punishment. After saying his goodbyes to a reluctant Jin, he got out of the car and walked over to the house but snuck to the back door. Fishing his keys out of his pocket, he tried to unlock the door as quietly as possible. Pushing it open, he tried to slink into the dark kitchen, but unfortunately...luck was not on his side.

He was immediately seized by two strong hands who kicked the door shut and threw him against it. He froze up, awaiting the blows but they didn't come. He looked into Jungkook's eyes to see that Jungkook was just glaring at him. For a moment there was only the sound of the two of them breathing heavily, one from rage and the other from terror. 

"You've been bad today," Jungkook mumbled. 

"I'm sorry," Jimin said immediately.

"You think because it's your birthday that I won't hurt you?"

"No."

Jungkook scoffed, "Always so fucking obedient. It drives me nuts. I told you to stay away from him."

"It was just a ride home."

"Well it's not happening again."

"No." For a second Jimin wasn't sure who had said it until he realized from Jungkook's raised eyebrows that it had come from him. He had told Jungkook...no. 

Jungkook began to lean in closer and Jimin tried to shrink farther into the door. He felt Jungkook's breath against his collarbone. His heart began to beat faster and faster. What the hell was this? Couldn't Jungkook just hit him and get it over with? This was new, and the break of routine was driving Jimin nuts.

His mind went haywire when he felt a quick peck to his collar. It was completely different when it was a dream. No consequences, no wondering what the hell this meant. He wouldn't put up with it. He fisted the front of Jungkook's shirt and shoved him back with as much strength as he could muster. Jungkook stumbled back, hitting the kitchen table, his eyes wide and surprised. But Jimin knew that the surprise would soon turn to rage. 

Just stay still. Get it over with. His mind told him, but he decided in that moment to tell his mind to go to hell.

He began sprinting towards the stairs, immediately hearing Jungkook's thundering footsteps behind him. He practically jumped into the steps, trying to run them two steps at a time. However he suddenly felt a hand grab his wrist and yank him back. He shouted in surprise and stumbled back, feeling himself fall backwards when he felt strong strong arms close around him. He was suddenly pushed against the wall, his wrists pinned on either side of his head, his feet settling on mismatched steps.

"Jimin ssi-" Jungkook began.

"Do it then!" Jimin yelled. "Hit me you fucking monster!"

Instead of feeling a slap to the face, Jimin felt Jungkook's mouth latch onto his neck and began to lick and suck at the sensitive skin. Jimin bit his lip to contain any moans and tried with all of his strength to free himself from Jungkook's grip. "Please stop!" He shouted as he struggled, but he knew it was fruitless, Jungkook had been stronger than him for years now. Still, he didn't stop squirming until he ran out of energy, and all he could do was stand there panting, his chest rising and falling fast. 

Jungkook pulled away suddenly, a dark look in his eyes, "Say it."

"S-say what?" Jimin asked breathlessly. 

"Say you're mine," Jungkook ordered. "Or I'll give you another one."

Surprising himself yet again, Jimin threw his neck back, exposing the soft skin to Jungkook, who let out what sounded like a growl. Dark, threatening, possessive. "Give me as many as you please. I will never belong to you."

Jungkook smirked, "Defiant today, are we?"

"Fuck you," Jimin hissed. 

Jungkook dove back in to Jimin's neck, nibbling on his collar bone. Jimin felt a hot flash of tongue as Jungkook licked from his collarbone to the crook of his neck, where Jimin suddenly spazzed out, giving his wrists a forceful tug and even managing to free one of his hands from Jungkook's grip. He used it to push at Jungkook's shoulder but Jungkook didn't seem to care as he felt him chuckle. Jungkook just put his free hand by Jimin's waist, further pinning him to the wall.

"Sensitive here?" Jungkook asked, though the question lacked malice. He sounded as if he were truly curious. He began to suck at the spot that had caused Jimin to spaz, his mouth working at a line between gentle and aggressive.

"Get off of me," Jimin whined, but it came out as more of a moan than actual words.

Jungkook ignored him until he was done marking him, admiring his work. Jimin felt rage began to surge through him as he raised his hand and slapped Jungkook across the face. Jungkook raised his fingers to gingerly touch his cheek which was quickly turning red from the impact of Jimin's hand. 

"Look at you Jimin ssi," Jungkook said with a soft chuckle. "Someone turns eighteen and they don't know how to act."

Instead of responding Jimin tried to free the hand that Jungkook still had pinned to the wall. He heard Jungkook scoff as he grabbed Jimin’s free hand. Jimin twisted and pulled on it in an attempt to free himself.

"Let go of me," Jimin snapped.

Jungkook cocked his head to the side, "No. Not until you say it. And promise to stay away from that boy."

"His name is Jin," Jimin said angrily. "And I refuse to both."

Jungkook's eyes darkened, though Jimin wasn't sure if it was from rage or lust. "Then I guess we'll be here a while."

He leaned back in, though this time his eyes were focused on Jimin's lips. Jimin turned his head, fighting against Jungkook's hold. "That works too," Jungkook said arrogantly, his lips brushing against Jimin's neck as he gripped both of Jimin's wrists in one hand and pinned them above his head.

Jimin was about to give up when suddenly the front door unlocked.

"Jimin, why are the lights off?" Soo-min, his step-mother yelled. "Get your ass down here and make me some tea! I had the worst day!"

Jungkook sighed, "Just when we were getting to the good part."

"Let me go," Jimin whispered. "Before she finds us."

"I'll let you go when you say it," Jungkook cornered.

Jimin felt anxiety build inside of him when he heard her heels approaching the steps. Just say it. His conscience begged him, but something inside of him told him to fight. To stand up for himself this one time. 

"Never," Jimin said stubbornly.

Jungkook's jaw clenched and he stepped back from Jimin, letting him go. Jimin sprinted down the steps, almost running into Soo-min.

"Watch where you're going, you idiot!" She yelled. "Didn't you hear me?"

"Yes," Jimin nodded. "I'll make you some tea right this instant. Please follow me."

"What's wrong with you? Since when does coming down the stairs have you look so out of breath?"

“I...um...” Jimin stammered.

"Never mind that. Is Jungkook home?" She asked as she followed him to the kitchen. 

"Yes, he's in his room," Jimin lied. He had lied more today than he had in the past seven years. 

"No, I'm in the kitchen," said Jungkook, suddenly appearing in the doorway. 

Jimin hated how he looked perfectly fine while Jimin seemed so breathless. His eyes were on Jimin's face until they trailed down to his neck. Jimin suddenly panicked, wondering how long it would take until the hickeys became visible. 

"Hey Jimin, want to hang out after school tomorrow?" Jungkook suddenly asked. 

Jimin froze. He couldn't say no with Soo-min standing there. He couldn't say no, period. And Jungkook knew that, from the way he stood there, smugly anticipating Jimin's compliance. "Of course! Sounds fun."

Jungkook smiled, flashing his perfect teeth, "Sounds like a plan, Jimin ssi. I can't wait to have you all to myself."

Chapter Text

It was the next morning, and Jimin was in the kitchen dressed and making breakfast. He was leaned against the table pouring orange juice in the cups so that everything would be ready by the time Soo-min and Jungkook got downstairs. He had made sure not to oversleep this morning. He had set his alarm on his phone thirty minutes earlier than the average. He was determined not to wake up late so that he wouldn't be stuck in the same car as Jungkook again.

Jungkook. The name almost hurt him to think about. His mind still rang with Jungkook's actions the day before. His body burned from where Jungkook held him as he forcibly marked him with kisses. And the worst part about it was that a part of him had enjoyed it, had enjoyed being at Jungkook's mercy but he knew he had to bury that part inside of him. 

Putting the orange juice back into the fridge, he leaned against it, trying to calm his mind. He closed his eyes, trying to block out yesterday's events though no matter how hard they tried the images just seemed to get more and more vivid. He suddenly felt a warm body pressing against his. His eyes shot open and connected with Jungkook's. He immediately placed his hands on Jungkook's chest and shoved, sending Jungkook stumbling back with a chuckle.

"Morning," Jungkook greeted him with a smug smirk. His eyes trailed down to Jimin's neck, frowning when he saw it covered with a scarf. 

"Why are you acting like this?" Jimin asked. "You hate me."

Jungkook's eyes widened slightly, "I do?"

"Yes," Jimin said.

"Tell me," Jungkook took a step towards Jimin. "Do you hate me?" Something in his eyes turned...vulnerable. "Do you really think I'm a monster?"

Before Jimin could respond Soo-min stormed into the kitchen. "Good. Breakfast is done." She looked at the two boys. "What, are you fags gonna kiss? Jungkook, sit down and eat. Jimin, go catch your bus."

"Yes ma'am," Jimin said, grabbing his backpack off the floor and rushing to the front door. He felt a hand close around his wrist and jerk him back. He turned to look at Jungkook, who was looking at his mother.

"I can give Jimin a ride to school today. We're already hanging out afterwards." 

Jimin had almost forgotten about their after school hang out, and he a felt a mixture of curiosity and anxiety. If Jungkook tried something again could Jimin fight him off? Jungkook was stronger and faster and could overpower him in an instant. Yesterday in the stairwell proved that.

"Whatever, do what you want. I don't give a shit," She said, digging into the waffles Jimin prepared. 

Jungkook pulled Jimin out of the house and towards his car. Jimin glanced towards the path that led to the bus. Jungkook held his car door open for him, and Jimin couldn't help but hesitate.

"Get in," Jungkook ordered. 

"What are you going to do to me?" Jimin asked. 

Jungkook smirked, "What do you want me to do to you?"

"Nothing," Jimin said quickly. "I...I can take the bus. Please."

Jungkook suddenly put his index finger to the inside of Jimin's wrist, feeling the pulse. "Your pulse elevated, Jimin ssi. Tell me, are you scared...or excited?"

"Neither," Jimin began to pull on his wrist but Jungkook's grip was unbreakable. "I'm taking the bus. Let go."

"Jimin ssi," Jungkook said, his voice dark and threatening. "One way or another, you're getting in the car. We can do it the easy way, or my way. Your choice." 

Jimin didn't want to pick a fight, not when Soo-min could come out of the house at any second. "Okay." 

Jungkook didn't let go of his wrist until he had gotten in the car and was strapped in. He shrunk into the door, trying to create as much distance between him and Jungkook as possible. 

"I'm not gonna touch you," Jungkook said after he got in the car. "Not right now anyway."

"Where are we going after school?" Jimin asked. "Please tell me." With one swift motion Jungkook pulled Jimin's scarf from his neck. "Hey!" Jimin protested. 

"I want the school to know," Jungkook said, his eyes transfixed on Jimin's hickeys. "They might not know just who put them there, but you will. I want each and every single gaze to burn you."

Jimin bit his lip, "You asked me earlier if I thought you're a monster. And the answer is yes. You are a monster."

Jungkook's hand shot out and Jimin flinched, but he felt Jungkook's hand brush across his neck. He opened his eyes slowly, to see Jungkook staring at him. 

"Maybe I am, Jimin ssi," Jungkook said lowly in a tone almost soft. "Maybe I'm your monster." 

Jimin grabbed Jungkook's hand, pulling it from his chin. "You're not my anything."

"But you're mine," Jungkook pulled his hand free from Jimin's grip and unbuckled Jimin's seatbelt. 

Jimin immediately began to panic and flung his backpack at Jungkook's face. Jungkook swore and caught it, giving Jimin the opportunity to open the car door and race towards the bus stop. He heard Jungkook's own car door opening but he didn't hear Jungkook running after him. 

Getting on to the bus, he sat in the back and turned to see Jungkook's car pulling out of the driveway and driving in the other direction. Jimin didn't exactly know why he had run, but he wondered what consequences running would hold for him later.

Chapter Text

Upon reaching school, the first thing Jimin did was head straight for his dark classroom. He needed the solitude and the space to think about everything. 

Maybe I'm your monster. 

What the hell was Jungkook talking about? For years he had tormented Jimin and now he was laying claim to him? Did he really think that pinning him to a wall and planting a couple hickeys on him would wash all of that away? Seven years of being bullied, of being isolated at school. Jungkook was a monster. 

"Jimin!" He heard a voice call, turning to see Jin walk up to him. "Are you okay?"

"Fine," Jimin said immediately. "How are you today?"

"Got a test I didn't study for," Jin replied with a smirk.

"Shouldn't you be studying now then?" Jimin asked. "I can help you if you need it. I'm a pretty good student."

"Thanks," Jin said. 

"What's your first class of the day? We can skip that and study."

"I couldn't ask you to do that," Jin said. "Besides, I'd like to hear about those hickeys on your neck."

Jimin felt his cheeks flush, "H-hickeys?"

"One on your collarbone and another in the crook of your neck," Jin said. "Who gave you those? Was it..." Jin jutted out a finger, pointing past Jimin. 

Jimin turned to see Jungkook walking towards them, holding Jimin's backpack. Jimin could feet his heart begin to pound in his chest as Jungkook stopped before them. 

Jungkook looked at Jin, "Get lost."

"Or what?" Jin challenged.

"I'm fine," Jimin said, not wanting Jungkook and Jin to come to blows. Jungkook would most likely win and Jin would get himself hurt, and Jimin couldn't stand the thought of someone getting hurt because of him. "I'll talk to you later." Jungkook's eyes darkened at that. 

"Jimin..." Jin began softly.

"Please," Jimin said. "I promise."

Reluctantly, Jin walked down the hall towards the library. 

"Here," Jungkook shoved Jimin's backpack towards him. "You left it in my car. You know, when you ran like I was trying to murder you."

"Whatever you were trying to do was scaring me," Jimin said, hesitating to take it.

"I already told you I wasn't going to touch you."

"See these?" Jimin pointed a finger to his neck. "You gave me these. So forgive me if I don't exactly believe you."

"Forgive me if I don't exactly believe you didn't like it," Jungkook said.

Jimin's eyes widened, "What?"

"Yesterday, when I woke you up. I know you were dreaming about me. You definitely weren't dreaming about whats-his-name." 

"Jin. His name is Jin." Jimin snatched his backpack from Jungkook. "And he's my friend. You can torture me all you want at home, but at school, I'm allowed to have at least one friend."

Jungkook suddenly grabbed Jimin's chin and tilted his head back, his thumb brushing across Jimin's lower lip. His touch burned Jimin down to his core in all the wrong ways. Why did Jungkook have this affect on him? Why couldn't he just hate him? What was wrong with him? He hated himself for reacting this way to someone who was such an unapologetically bad and controlling person.

"The more you defy me," Jungkook said lowly. "The more it makes me want to dominate you."

"Quit it," Jimin jerked his chin out of Jungkook's grip. "I really don't understand you."

"The same here," Jungkook shoved his hands in his pockets. "You were always so reserved and obedient before. And now you're so...defiant."

"Why did you let me go earlier?" Jimin asked suddenly. "You could've caught me and dragged me into the car if you wanted to."

"I could've," Jungkook took a step towards Jimin, who froze in place, not moving a muscle. "Everything in me wanted to catch you and drag you into the car kicking and screaming. But if I did...I'd be the monster you think I am."

"You are a monster," Jimin snapped. "You make my skin crawl."

"There are so many other things I could do to your skin," Jungkook suddenly seized Jimin's wrist. "Meet me at my car after school. Don't make me come looking for you, Jimin ssi."

Jimin glared at him as he strutted down the hallway, hating that a part of him was curious to what exactly Jungkook had in store.

***

It was lunchtime, and Jimin was sitting with Jin. It was the first time in a long time that Jimin didn't feel so alone. At first all of the chattering got to him as he was used to the solitude of sitting alone in the dark classroom. 

"So why did you move here?" Jimin asked him.

Jin thought to himself for a minute, "My parents got divorced. And I decided to move here with my dad in order to give my mom some space to herself to make her new marriage work."

"That's very selfless of you," Jimin said, reaching out to grab Jin's hand. "I'm sorry about your parents."

"It's fine," Jin said. "They've been going well. Doing well."

"Are you...going to move back?" Jimin asked. 

Jin smiled at him, "Why? You've grown attached to me already?"

"So what if I have?" Jimin challenged playfully. 

"Jungkook didn't give you much trouble in the hallway today, did he?" 

"Not as much as I thought he would," Jimin admitted. "Hey, you don't have to worry about my step-brother. I'll make sure he stays away from you."

"And what about yourself?" Jin asked. 

"I've handled him for seven years," Jimin said. "I'm okay. Trust me."

Half-way true. He had handled the old Jungkook, but Jungkook had seemed to go into a metamorphosis where he wanted to control Jimin body and soul. This new Jungkook was unpredictable with a dark attraction to Jimin. To handle this new Jungkook it seemed that he would have to give his body over to him and let Jungkook have him, but Jimin refused.

He was preparing for a fight, and he couldn't afford to lose. Losing would bring unpredictability, and Jimin couldn't think of anything more terrifying.

Chapter Text

The end of the school day inevitably came, and Jimin found himself taking shaky steps towards the parking lot. He threw glances at the bus stop where other students waited patiently for the bus. He considered defying Jungkook and riding the bus home but he didn't know what consequences that would bring. In the past Jungkook would just hit him, but now something about him seemed more...dangerous. 

Jimin, who was too deep in thought to look where he was going, suddenly bumped into a chest. He stumbled back, eyes wide. He looked up to the face of who he had bumped into to apologize, but he froze. Who he was looking at now was Kim Taehyung, one of Jungkook's many sidekicks who enjoyed tormenting him. Taehyung gave Jimin a venomous smile before gripping his wrist and shoving him hard against the wall. 

"I heard yesterday was your birthday," Taehyung said, voice full of malice. "But I didn't get an invitation to your party."

Jimin glared at him, "Even if there was a party, you wouldn't be invited."

Taehyung placed a hand to his heart, "I'm hurt. Let me return the favor."

"Taehyung!" A voice called out.

They both turned their heads to see Jungkook walking briskly over to them. "Not today," Jungkook said, grabbing Jimin's hand and jerking him towards him. Taehyung looked at their interlocked hands incredulously. 

"Why not?" Taehyung challenged.

"Because I said so," Jungkook snapped.

"Since when do you protect your step shit?" Taehyung pushed, not backing down. 

"Taehyung," Jungkook's voice dark and threatening. "Back off."

Taehyung continued to stare at them, surprised by what happened as Jungkook pulled Jimin towards his car. Jimin didn't know what had just happened but he felt...relieved, almost. 

"Why did you do that?" Jimin asked. "Why didn't you join in?"

When they got to Jungkook's car he pushed Jimin against the passenger side door, placing his hands on either side of the smaller male. 

"Why do you always assume the worst of me?" Jungkook demanded. 

"Because that's all you've ever shown me," Jimin replied.

Jungkook's jaw clenched, "Get in."

Jimin didn't fight him. 

***

The drive was quiet. Jungkook looked pissed off, like he was taking the drive to calm himself down. Jimin didn't want to push him by saying anything. All he could do was look out the window and watch the scenery pass by. He began to feel anxiety build in his stomach when they started driving into a patch of woods. Did Jungkook finally snap? Was he taking him out here to kill or rape him? Or both? Jimin wasn't even sure which one would come first. 

Then he recognized where they were. It was a park that Jimin's father had taken them to when they were young. Jimin had loved this park, as his father had identified it as the place where he had first met Jimin's mother. Ever since his father passed, he hadn't been able to come to this park. He felt tears building in his eyes at the happy memories it brought. 

When Jungkook parked the car, Jimin wasted no time opening the car door and sprinting towards it. He heard Jungkook call his name but he didn't care. He just wanted to run as free as he did when he was younger, before he was forced into indentured servitude. Before he had to deal with Jungkook's confusing behavior towards him. 

"Jimin ssi!" He heard Jungkook's voice shout, closer than he had imagined. 

He spun around and held his hands out. "Stop! Don't come near me!"

Unfortunately Jungkook was closer than he had calculated, and the two collided into each other. Falling on to the ground, Jimin felt Jungkook's arms wrap around him as Jungkook positioned them so Jimin fell on top of Jungkook. Jungkook was warm and comfortable, and everything about this, lying in the grass in Jungkook's arms reminded him of the dream he had. But this was reality, and this niceness wouldn't last. It wasn't in Jungkook's nature to be this nice. 

He tried to get up but Jungkook firmly held him. 

"Just stay still," Jungkook grumbled. "I'm just holding you."

Instead of continuing to squirm, Jimin went still in Jungkook's arms, burying his face in the crook of Jungkook's neck. He heard Jungkook exhale, like he wasn't expecting Jimin to comply, and was relieved he didn't have to bully him. 

"Why did you want to come here?" Jimin asked.

"I wanted to bring you here," Jungkook said softly. "I know it's been a while since you have."

"But why do you care?" Jimin clarified. "You've never cared as long as I wash your clothes and cook your food."

"You don't know me as well as you think you do," Jungkook said. 

Jimin sighed, "Why...why do you hate me? What did I ever do to you?"

"I don't hate you."

"Then are you always so awful to me?" Jimin asked. 

Suddenly Jungkook flipped them so he was on top of him, "I saved you from Taehyung earlier, didn't I?"

"He only bullies me because you do," Jimin said, getting angry. "You started it!"

"Don't raise your voice to me," Jungkook snapped.

"Or what?" Jimin challenged. "You're gonna beat me black and blue? Go ahead. What's changed? You didn't save me earlier, you just tried to claim me for yourself."

"Tried?" Jungkook echoed. "Make no mistake, Jimin ssi. You belong to me."

"No!" Jimin yelled, pushing at Jungkook's chest in an effort to move him. "Get off me! I'll clean your room, do your homework, wash your underwear or whatever else shit your mother has me do but I will never belong to you! Never!"

"Jimin, you're starting to piss me off," Jungkook warned. "Be still and be quiet."

Despite himself, Jimin went still, breathing heavily, his chest rising and falling quickly. Jungkook was glaring down at him and he returned the glare with as much resentment as he could muster. 

Suddenly Jungkook leaned down, his eyes focused on Jimin's lips and Jimin began to squirm again, shoving against Jungkook's chest. "Quit it!" Jungkook grabbed his wrists and pinned them on either side of his head. "Jungkook, please!"

Jungkook seemed not to be listening, his eyes far away. "Jungkook!" Jimin yelled again, putting every ounce of pleading into his voice. Suddenly Jungkook stopped, his lips brushing across Jimin's, his eyes trailing from Jimin's lips up to his eyes. 

"I shouldn't have brought you here," Jungkook whispered. 

Jimin took a deep, shaky breath, "Why did you?"

Instead of answering, Jungkook stood, pulling Jimin up with him. He still held Jimin's wrists in a tight grip, his eyes still trained on Jimin's face, seeming to study every inch of the smaller male's features. 

"Get in," Jungkook said, letting go of Jimin's wrists and taking a step back. "I'll take you home."

Chapter Text

The next morning, Jimin made his way towards the kitchen to start breakfast. However, as he walked down the steps, he saw that the kitchen light was already on. Poking his head inside, he had to pinch himself multiple times to make sure he wasn't dreaming. 

Jungkook was standing at the stove boiling something. With one hand on the pot's handle in his other he held his phone, scrolling through it, his eyebrows furrowed in concentration. Jimin had never seen Jungkook cook something before. For as long as he had known him it was Jimin's responsibility to cook Jungkook's meals. He had never lifted a finger to cook for himself.

Jimin cautiously stepped into the kitchen, and Jungkook looked up from his phone at him. He almost looked embarrassed, like Jimin had caught him doing something he wasn't supposed to. 

"What are you doing?" Jimin asked. 

"I was...well...trying to cook porridge," Jungkook admitted.

"Why?" Jimin asked.

Jungkook rubbed the back of his neck, "Because...I...I don't have to explain anything to you. I can cook if I want to."

"Why porridge?" 

"Why did you make waffles yesterday?" Jungkook demanded defensively. Jimin shrugged in response. "Just sit down or something. It's almost ready."

"I'm usually the one who cooks around here," Jimin approached the pot carefully. He lifted the lid to see the porridge boiling inside. "You were just going to serve porridge raw? No fruits?"

"Would fruit make it taste better?" Jungkook asked. 

"It would add some flavor," Jimin suggested. "I'll get some from the fridge."

He started towards the refridgerator when he felt Jungkook hook a finger through one of his belt loops and pull him back. Jimin's back pressed against Jungkook's chest, feeling the larger male's heartbeat fluttering against his back. To Jimin's surprise, it was elevated and quick, like Jungkook was excited. "You should go back to bed," Jungkook said softly. 

"I'm already dressed and up," Jimin protested.

"Just relax then," Jungkook said. Jimin frowned at that and Jungkook chuckled. "Okay then. If you absolutely have to be at work, set the table."

"On it," Jimin said, pulling away from Jungkook.

He grabbed the kitchen utensils from the drawers and laid them out in two spots directly across from each other, just like Jungkook and Soo-min liked it. He turned back to Jungkook who had cut the stove off and was pouring the porridge into bowls. Grabbing some fruit from the fridge, Jimin grabbed a knife to cut them up. Slicing them into perfect pieces, he felt eyes on him and looked over to Jungkook, who was staring at him, leaning against the counter.

Jimin couldn't deny that Jungkook was good looking. Tall and muscular, with a sexy, domineering presence. He was wearing a white t-shirt and black leather pants, the ultimate bad boy look. Jimin couldn't deny that despite wanting to bury it deep inside himself, a part of him was attracted.

Jimin suddenly felt a flash of pain in his finger. "Ouch!"

He looked down at his hand to see that he had nicked himself with the knife. Jungkook was on top of him in an instant, grabbing his wrist and pulling his hand towards him. He inspected the cut, and began to pull Jimin to the bathroom. Jimin tried to say that he was fine and dig his heels in but these protests fell on deaf ears as Jungkook continued to pull him down the hall. 

In the restroom, still gripping Jimin's wrist, Jungkook opened the medicine cabinet and pulled out a box of band aids. Jimin reached for it, "I can do it." But Jungkook held the box over Jimin's head, and Jimin got on his tip toes to reach for it. Jungkook suddenly leaned down and kissed Jimin on the cheek. Jimin froze, his body pressed to Jungkook's, his hand outstretched and still reaching for the box of bandages. 

"Stay still," Jungkook ordered, but the command was gentle as opposed to threatening. 

Jimin complied as Jungkook wrapped his cut in a band aid around his finger. Pulling the finger to his mouth, Jungkook laid a kiss on it. This gentle affection was driving Jimin crazy. He didn't know whether or not to enjoy it or run from it. He definitely enjoyed it better than Jungkook being awful to him but now he couldn't help but wonder what Jungkook truly thought of him. Was this all an act? 

Jimin had to get out of here before things would escalate. "We should go and finish breakfast."

"We should," Jungkook said slowly, though his voice sounded like the last thing he wanted to do was leave the bathroom. "Or..." He leaned his head down.

"Jimin!" Soo-min's voice rang throughout the house. "Where are you?"

Jimin immediately ran out of the bathroom and towards the kitchen, ignoring Jungkook cursing under his breath. Hurrying into the kitchen, he saw Soo-min sitting down holding an empty glass cup. "Where were you? What were you doing?"

"I was in the bathroom. I cut myself." Jimin said, holding up his bandaged finger. 

"Why is breakfast unfinished? And why is this cup empty? What the hell is your problem lately? Do you forget that if you don't provide top service then you're not going to college?" She said cruelly. 

"I'm sorry," He said, hurrying to finish the breakfast Jungkook started. 

Jungkook entered the kitchen and sat across from Soo-min. 

"I need you two to fuck off tonight, I'm having company and I don't need Dumb & Dumber there to fuck it up," Soo-min said. "You can...do whatever it is you did yesterday." She paused. "What did you guys do yesterday anyway?"

Jimin waited for Jungkook to answer. "Do you even care?" Jungkook asked.

"You're right. I don't. Just don't be here tonight." Soo-min said. "Still starving over here, retard."

Jimin put the finishing touches on the porridge and handed the bowls to Soo-min and Jungkook. Soo-min immediately dug in, her face souring. "What the fuck is this? It tastes horrible." Taking the bowl, she flung it towards Jimin who ducked, the bowl shattering against the wall. "You are such a fuckup! I do everything for you and all I ask is that you cook a decent meal every now and then and clean up this shithole you call a house! And you thank me by cooking this shit in a plate? I can't even look at you! Get the fuck out of my house!" She screamed, jutting a finger towards the door. 

Not even bothering to grab his backpack from his room, he hurried out the door and towards the bus stop. He was actually glad in the moment that he had been kicked out, and that he didn't have to immediately come home after school. Instead of getting on the bus he ran past it, running through the streets, pushing himself despite exhaustion starting to claim his muscles. 

He just wanted to feel free for once, so he just kept running. And it was a while before he stopped. 

Chapter Text

School was ten miles away, and even though he knew it would take him hours, Jimin decided to walk there. His mind was still buzzing from what had happened back at home with Jungkook and his step-mother. He was standing at a stop light, waiting to cross the road when a familiar car pulled up to him. He paused in surprise as the driver's side window rolled down, and Jin poked his head out.

"Jimin, where are you going?" Jin asked. Jimin didn't know what to say, his body was burning for having ran non stop for the past ten minutes or so. "Are you on the way to school?"

Jimin nodded slowly, "Yes." 

"You...you look awful," Jin said. "Are you sure you want to go to school?" 

Jimin immediately shook his head, and before he could stop them, tears began to run down his face. His chest hurt as he tried to force them back, but suddenly all of these emotions he had kept under lock and key bust free. 

"Get in," Jin said.

Jimin complied, getting in the passenger's side. He buried his face in his hands, trying to stop the flow of tears but failing miserably. He felt the car continue to move and Jin's supportive hand on his shoulder. After about twenty minutes Jimin felt the car stop. He looked up from his hands to see themselves in a rich neighborhood, in front of a big white house.

"Where are we?" Jimin asked.

"My house," Jin said. "We can't go in though. Nor do I think you really want to. Now tell me what's wrong."

Jimin didn't even know where to start. "I just...I can't handle living in that house anymore. I can't handle Soo-min...I can't handle Jungkook. I just...I don't know what to do anymore. Jungkook is making me more and more uncomfortable and...I'm so tired."

"Why do you stay there?" Jin asked.

"I need the money for college and I don't have anyone else. They're my only family and I don't want to be thrown into a foster home," Jimin admitted. 

"But you deserve better," Jin pushed. "You know you do."

"It doesn't matter," Jimin said stubbornly. "I just have to survive until college. I can do that. I have no choice. But..." He turned to look at Jin. "Talking to you...like this...away from everything...makes me feel better." 

Suddenly Jimin's pants vibrated and he reached into his pocket, pulling out his phone. He was getting a call from...Jungkook? Jungkook had never called him before for anything. 

Reluctantly, he answered it, "Hello?"

"Where are you?" Jungkook demanded. "Why aren't you at school?"

"I...I'll see you later at home," Jimin said.

"Don't you dare fucking hang up on---"

Jimin hung up. "That was your step brother?" Jin asked. Jimin nodded silently. "Why didn't he give you a ride?"

"I got kicked out of the house," Jimin answered. "And I probably won't be let back in until late at night."

Suddenly Jin's eyes lightened, "Let's do something fun then. I was gonna be alone at the house tonight anyway."

"Why?" Jimin asked.

"My dad's got a date with some lady," Jin said with a frown. "He's been out a lot lately."

"I'm sorry," Jimin said honestly. "We should do something fun."

"Is Jungkook gonna bother you?"

Jimin thought to himself, "He can't if he doesn't know where we are. What did you have in mind?"

"Let's see a movie," Jin suggested. "Then later tonight there's a party I was invited to. Go with me."

"A party?" Jimin echoed incredulously. He hadn't been invited to a party in at least a decade. His social life significantly decreased after his dad married Soo-min. "I...let's do it. Maybe we can make each other feel better. It's a date."

He said it before he could stop himself, and to his surprise, Jin smiled. 

"It's a date," Jin agreed. "But first...we need to find something to wear."

Chapter Text

Jimin couldn't help the butterflies in his stomach as he and Jin pulled up to a mansion. Multicolored lights strobed from the windows and from inside Jin's car Jimin could hear the music pulsing. He and Jin had spent the better part of the day just hanging out. They saw a movie and went shopping. It was the most fun Jimin had had in years. 

It had been the first time Jimin had ever skipped school. He couldn't help but feel some apprehension but whatever anxiety he had about it was swallowed by the sense of control he felt, and the happiness he felt spending time with Jin. Jungkook also lingered in his mind. Was Jungkook even worried about him or did he just not like that Jimin wasn't there earlier for him to pick on? Jimin decided not to worry about it and just live in the moment with his new friend. 

"Are you ready for this?" Jin asked.

Jimin nodded, "Yes. It's just a party."

"We don't have to go in if you don't want to."

"Jin, I'm fine," Jimin said. "You invited me and we're gonna go to this party. We look hot."

Jin laughed, "Alright. You've convinced me."

Entering the party, they slipped in pretty unnoticed. People were dancing and laughing and enjoying themselves. Jimin subconsciously looked around the crowded living room for Jungkook, but didn't see him. He didn't even know why he did. This seemed like Jungkook's scene where he could get high and kiss a bunch of pretty girls. Even if he did run into Jungkook, he'd probably be too wasted to notice him. 

Who he did happen to lock eyes with was Taehyung, who looked surprised and almost offended by Jimin’s presence. A girl had her arms locked around his neck and he whispered something to her. She looked around before her own eyes fell on Jimin and she let out what looked like a gasp. 

"You wanna dance?" Jin asked, jerking Jimin’s attention away from Taehyung.

"Of course," Jimin said. "It's been a while since I've danced."

Jin grabbed his hand and the touch was electric. Jin led him into the dance floor and put his hands on Jimin's waist. Jimin could feel his heartbeat accelerating to a dangerous pace. He and Jin began to sway to the beat and deciding to just go out on a limb, Jimin buried his face into Jin's chest, taking in Jin's warmth and his scent. 

They held each other close and in that moment Jimin felt safe. Like his life wasn’t a complete mess, and that if anything tried to tear them apart, he and Jin could protect each other. Which he honestly did. 

He wanted to keep Jin safe. 

***

An hour or so later, Jimin was sure he was drunk. What started out as one drink turned into multiple, and he was leaning against Jin for support. So far Taehyung hadn’t bothered him and Jungkook wasn’t around. He didn’t know why he was a little disappointed by the latter. Maybe a part of him wanted Jungkook here to see him having fun, being loose, on a date with Jin.

Suddenly Taehyung approached them, “Follow me.”

“Why would we follow you?” Jin asked, his arms tightening around Jimin protectively.

“Because we’re gonna play a game and I think you should be there,” Taehyung said nonchalantly. 

“Why us?” Jimin asked, his own words sounding slurred. 

“I think it’s time we buried the hatchet,” Taehyung admitted. “I mean Jungkook seems to have given you a pardon so I should do the same.”

“Right,” Jimin said before he could stop himself. “Because you’re his bitch.”

For a second Taehyung’s face turned murderous, but it was so brief that Jimin could have imagined it, as it was quickly covered up with Taehyung’s usual face of indifference.

“You in?” Taehyung pushed.

“If he is,” Jin said, turning his gaze to Jimin.

“I’m in,” Jimin said. “Why not?”

They followed Taehyung upstairs to a bedroom where a group of people were sitting on the floor in a circle. Among them was Jungkook. As soon as Jimin entered the room Jungkook’s head snapped towards them. His eyes widened as they landed on Jimin then narrowed when they took in Jin’s arm around him.

“What are you doing here?” Jungkook demanded. He stood up and stomped over to them before Jimin could answer, grabbing Jimin’s wrist. “We’re leaving.”

“I just got here,” Jimin objected, twisting on his wrist. 

“I don’t care. We’re leaving.”

“He said no,” Jin cut in. “Let go of him.”

Jungkook glared at Jin, “Stand down. This is none of your fucking business.”

Jin grabbed Jungkook’s wrist on the hand that he held Jimin with, “I said...let go of him.”

“I’m not leaving,” Jimin said stubbornly. “Not with you.”

Jungkook looked at him, jaw clenched and eyes dark. Then he let out a sigh and let go of Jimin, returning to where he was sitting on the ground.

“Alright, if you’re done,” Taehyung said as the three newcomers took their seats. “Let’s get started. Truth or dare...Eun-sang!”

A girl with pink highlights smirked, “Hmm...truth.”

“How many people have you slept with?” Taehyung asked.

Jimin found that to be an invasive question and expected the girl to snap at him that it was none of his business, but instead she said, “Two. Looks like I’m not the super slut you all think I am.”

Jimin felt bad for her and said, “I don’t think you’re a super slut.”

She frowned at him, “Well no one was asking you, were we?”

“Next,” Taehyung said. “Eun-sang, you got it.”

“Hmmm,” She thought to herself. “Taehyung, truth or dare.”

“Dare,” He said almost immediately.

She grinned, “I dare you to kiss me.”

He rolled his eyes and leaned towards her, giving her a slow and hot kiss. Jimin looked away, and found himself locking eyes with Jungkook. Jungkook still looked pissed that Jimin had defied him earlier, and for some reason that satisfied him.

“Alright, it’s my turn again,” Taehyung said. His eyes landed on Jin, and Jimin began to worry. “You, truth or dare?”

“Dare?” Jin said reluctantly.

“Alright,” Taehyung’s smile was wicked. “I dare you to kiss Jimin.”

Jimin immediately looked at Jungkook, who was glaring daggers at Taehyung, but if Taehyung noticed, he was actively ignoring him. He then looked at Jin, who was looking at him, eyes unsure and his hands fidgeting.

"Hey Jimin?" Jin asked suddenly. "Would it be okay...if I kissed you?"

Taehyung let out a malicious laugh, “Are you fucking kidding me?”

Jimin was very conscious of Jungkook staring at them. I want you to see this. He thought. I want you to see this and be jealous. It’s what you deserve. He nodded, “It’s okay.”

Jin smiled and began to lean towards him, cupping Jimin's delicate face in his hands. Jimin puckered his lips slightly, waiting to feel the soft touch of Jin's lips on his, but it never came as they were suddenly torn away. Jimin let out a gasp of surprise as he looked at whoever pushed them apart. 

"Jungkook," He breathed.

Jungkook stood before them, looking incredibly pissed. He gave Jimin a brief death glare before turning to look at Jin, who looked equally pissed off. Advancing on Jin, he grabbed him by his shoulders and yanked him off his knees, shoving him against the wall.

"You got a death wish?" Jungkook yelled. 

Jin shoved Jungkook away from him, "Do you?"

"Stop it!" Jimin yelled, rushing to put himself between them, but Jungkook spun on him with wild eyes and grabbed his wrist so tightly it made Jimin cry out. 

"Let him go you bully!" Jin yelled, grabbing Jungkook by his collar and punching him in the face. 

Jungkook stumbled back, hand flying to his nose which Jin had struck. Blood began to drip from the rapidly bruising area, and when Jungkook looked back at Jin, his eyes were dark with murderous fury. Jimin threw himself in front of Jin, arms spread wide. 

The party had stopped as everyone turned to look at what was happening. No one had ever dared to hit Jungkook before, fearing his wrath. Jungkook set his dark eyes on Jimin, looking almost hurt by Jimin's gesture to protect his friend. 

"If you touch me again, I'll kill you," He said, still looking at Jimin but obviously talking to Jin. "The only reason I don't kill you now is because of who stands in front of you." He held his hand out to Jimin. "Let's go. We're leaving."

"You can't boss him around!" Jin objected. "Who do you think you are?"

"I don't want you here," Jungkook said, ignoring Jin. "And I will not repeat myself. If you don't grab my hand right now, he'll suffer the consequences."

Jimin glared at him, but knew that Jungkook wasn’t bluffing. He didn’t even know how Jungkook had held himself back from punching Jin into next week. It couldn’t be...he didn’t want to hurt him in front of Jimin? Or was he actually capable of controlling his temper now?

“I’m sorry, Jin,” Jimin said. 

“Jimin, don’t take his hand,” Jin pleaded. “Please. Come with me.”

Instead of answering, Jimin took Jungkook’s hand. Jungkook’s hand tightened around him as he pulled Jimin out of the room and down the stairs. Outside, Jimin wordlessly got into Jungkook’s car. Jungkook didn’t say a word during their drive, and Jimin could tell he was using the quiet to calm himself down. 

After about a half hour Jimin recognized the road and realized they were on their way back to the park Jungkook had taken him to the other day. 

The car parked in the lot, and Jimin felt his anxiety building. For a minute and so Jungkook said nothing, gripping the steering wheel so hard his knuckles turned white. 

“What are you going to do to me?” Jimin whispered.

Jungkook let out a bark of laughter, “Why Jimin ssi, I’m going to kill you.”

Chapter Text

Jungkook reached for Jimin who immediately opened the car door. He got one foot out of the vehicle before he felt a hand grip his wrist and yank him back. Jungkook's arms gripped his waist and pulled him onto his lap, positioning him so that the smaller male was on top of him, his knees on Jungkook's thighs. Jungkook's hands gripped Jimin's upper arms as he pulled him closer and closer.

Jimin desperately squirmed, not wanting to feel trapped but before he could move much he felt Jungkook's lips on his. He froze, trying to process what was happening. Jungkook's lips moved softly against his but he was too dazed to respond or punch Jungkook like he should have. After a minute Jungkook pulled back, his eyes fixed on Jimin's face.

"C'mon," Jungkook breathed. "You should've known this was gonna happen."

"How dare you kiss me?" Jimin said, the anger finally catching up to his brain. "If you do that again---"

Jungkook kissed him again, and this time Jimin fisted the front of Jungkook's shirt and shoved, trying to free himself from Jungkook's iron grip but he should have known better. He let his body go limp, Jungkook unrelenting in his kiss. Jimin kept his lips firmly shut despite Jungkook's tongue dragging across them, trying to push inside for entrance. 

Jungkook pulled away again, "This is what you get. For almost kissing that boy."

"Who I kiss is none of your business," Jimin snapped. "You've never cared before. What's different no---"

Jungkook slammed his lips against Jimin's mid sentence, their teeth clacking together as he shoved his tongue down Jimin's throat. Jimin tried to struggle again, but found himself responding, sucking on Jungkook's lips in return. He could hear his mouth making strange noises, though he wasn't sure if it was grunts of effort from him struggling to get free or moans of pleasure from Jungkook's rough kiss. 

He felt Jungkook's wet and hot tongue explore every inch of his mouth, and Jimin couldn't do much but allow himself to be dominated and be lost in this moment. A moment he didn't want to admit he had secretly lusted for, in his dreams, in the darkest recesses of his mind. If he couldn't get free, he might as well enjoy it as much as he could, before reality set in. 

"God, you're so sexy," Jungkook moaned, nibbling on Jimin's bottom lip. The words exhilarated Jimin and he deepened the kiss, losing himself to it further.

After ten minutes of non stop kissing Jimin tried to pull away but Jungkook's lips chased his, capturing them in another hot embrace. "Jungkook," Jimin whimpered. "Haven't you had enough now?"

"I'll have had enough when you say it," Jungkook pushed, and Jimin felt a hot flash of anger course through his veins.

"Go to hell," He hissed, trying to shove himself away but he felt Jungkook grip his hair and hold his head in place, never breaking the kiss once. Jimin couldn't help but sigh into it, his body going limp again but his mouth responding to Jungkook's tender mouth.

Jungkook suddenly pulled away and Jimin felt his mouth brush against Jimin's neck. "Wait," Jimin protested weakly, but he felt Jungkook sucking at his skin, his hands moving from Jimin's arms to his waist. Jimin could hear himself panting, gripping Jungkook's shoulders and letting out a pleased hum. The hickeys stung but he enjoyed having Jungkook close, smelling his hair and feeling his warmth.

He had to stop this before he got sucked in, but he feared that submitting would only suck him into the void faster. Could he truly survive this push and pull until he graduated? Or would giving in make things easier for himself? There was only one way to find out.

"Fine," He whimpered. "I'm yours."

Jungkook stopped suddenly and pulled away to look Jimin in the eyes. The only noise in the car was the two breathing heavily, their chests rising and falling fast, staring at each other as they waited for the other to make a move. 

"What now?" Jimin gave in. "I said it. Satisfied?"

Jungkook smirked smugly, "Not even close."

"What more could you possibly want?" He felt Jungkook's hands lingering at the button of his jeans, and he glared at Jungkook defiantly. "Don't even think about it."

"Hmm," Jungkook frowned, but he dropped his hands. "Fine."

"You still haven't answered my question," Jimin pressed. "What are you going to do with me now that...you're done with me?"

"Done with you?" Jungkook echoed incredulously. 

"What does this mean? Why did you kiss me?" Jimin asked. "What am I to you? Your punching bag? Your servant? I'm sure as shit not your step brother."

"What do you want to be...to me?" Jungkook asked, cocking his head to the side. "Every part of me wants to devour you whole."

"That's lust," Jimin said, his cheeks reddening. "That's all this is. Lust. You just want to own me. Every part of me. You've lusted after others. You'll lust after others again. I'm not special to you."

"Stop telling me how I feel," Jungkook snapped. "I...don't want to be a monster anymore. I want you to see me for who I am. I want to be better. Like you."

"And how does forcing a kiss on me reach that goal?"

Jungkook scoffed, "You enjoyed it. When you weren't thrashing around like a fish out of water."

"That should've been a sign I wasn't enjoying it," Jimin objected. 

Jungkook's expression turned serious, "You asked what happens now that you gave in. The truth is that everything changes. No one will mess with you, not me, my friends, my mother. I'll protect you."

"Like you did earlier today with the porridge?" Jimin asked bitterly.

Jungkook's jaw clenched, "About that Jin prick..."

"He's my friend," Jimin said stubbornly. He wasn't going to budge on this. He enjoyed having Jin for a friend and he wasn't going to let Jungkook take that away from him. "And that's not gonna change."

"Since when were you so stubborn?" Jungkook rolled his eyes with an exasperated sigh. "As long as he keeps his hands to himself, it's fine."

"And if he doesn't?" Jimin pushed, feeling a fresh wave of objection wash over him despite the fact that Jungkook's possessiveness made him tingle inside. "If he wants to kiss me and I want that too?"

Jungkook's eyes darkened and he let out a low chuckle, "Don't push me, Jimin ssi. I do dangerous things when I'm provoked."

Jimin frowned, his fingers gingerly touching the bruise on Jungkook's nose. His hand was shaking slightly. He had never tried something like this with Jungkook before, fearing the younger's rage. "Doesn't it hurt?"

Jungkook seemed to tense under Jimin's touch, like he wasn't expecting the gesture. "Yes." 

"You can't hurt him," Jimin said softly. "Please don't."

Jungkook grabbed his hand, enveloping in its warmth before bringing it to his lips, planting a gentle kiss on it. "I'll do whatever you want, Jimin ssi. No one is gonna hurt you. From now on, we'll belong to each other."

Chapter Text

When they had gotten back to the house, all the lights were off, and Soo-min wasn't there. She wasn't even in her bedroom snoring obnoxiously. Instead of questioning it, Jimin decided to head to bed, but Jungkook suddenly hooked a finger in one of Jimin's belt loops, yanking him back so that Jimin felt Jungkook's warmth on his back. Jungkook's arms closed around his front, trapping him in his arms. 

"Come sleep with me in my room," Jungkook said.

"And if your mother comes home and sees?" Jimin questioned, turning to face Jungkook in his arms with a grunt of effort. 

"What can she really do about it?"

"Not pay my college tuition," Jimin reminded him. 

Jungkook frowned, "Hey, remember what I said? No one is gonna mess with you."

"And you...are not gonna mess with Jin," Jimin said sternly.

Jungkook scoffed, "Fine. Whatever." 

"So...are we like...a couple now?" Jimin asked. 

Jungkook smirked, "You're mine, aren't you?"

"It scares me when you say that," Jimin said. "Makes me feel like...you see me as a thing. Not a person."

Instead of replying Jungkook held Jimin still while he planted a tender kiss on him. "Relax, Jimin ssi," He mumbled as he nibbled on Jimin's bottom lip. "From now on you're gonna be safe with me."

Jimin pulled his head away, turning it when Jungkook chased his lips, only for Jungkook to start sucking on his neck. "Ugh," Jimin flinched, biting his lip to contain any sounds of pleasure he might release as he tried to wriggle out of Jungkook's arms. "I'm tired. I want to go to bed. You should too."

"Fine," Jungkook smirked. "I'll see you in the morning then."

The second Jungkook's arms dropped from around him Jimin hurried to the steps. Before going up them he paused to look back at Jungkook, "Promise me you won't tell your mother about tonight. Until I'm ready."

Jungkook's jaw clenched, "Why? You embarrassed?"

"I'm serious," Jimin pushed. "You know how she is. If you truly care about me, you won't tell her." Jungkook stayed silent. "You said you'd do whatever I wanted you to. Was that all talk?"

After getting no response from Jungkook, he rolled his eyes and hurried to his room and closed the door, locking it in case Jungkook got any ideas. 

His mind was still buzzing from everything that had happened. He had skipped school for the first time in years, and then he had spent he day with Jin. Then he had gone to a high school party and almost kissed Jin. Then he had actually kissed...Jungkook. If Soo-min found out she would be furious, and Jimin could kiss going to college goodbye. 

What would even happen when Jimin went to college? Would he and Jungkook still be...sorta dating? What would happen when they went to school tomorrow? Did Jungkook's silence mean that he would tell Soo-min about their kiss the first chance he got? 

Instead of dwelling on these thoughts Jimin decided to just sleep and just push through whatever life brought to him. He'd managed to survive so far. 

***

When Jimin woke up the next morning he yawned and sat up, swinging his legs off the side of the bed. Then he noticed something on his usually barren nightstand. A piece of paper with his name scribbled on it in Jungkook's blocky handwriting. Turning it over, he saw a message written on it, and he didn't know how to feel about it. Whether or not to feel relieved or scared at the power he now held over his brother.

Jimin ssi, I promise. 

Chapter Text

A week had passed, and so far Jungkook had kept his promise. Bullies at school began to back off after Jungkook made it clear that Jimin was no longer to be bullied. Taehyung was the most resistant, but he knew better than to challenge Jungkook. At home, Jimin was surprised when Jungkook began helping him with everything. Cooking, cleaning...even homework. Though some of those "study sessions" would turn into makeout sessions despite Jimin's protests. But he would quickly give in the second he felt Jungkook's warmth on top of him, holding him tight and close. 

The only downside was that seemingly, Jimin had lost Jin. Who he thought was his friend now actively avoided him. Whenever Jimin saw him down the hall he would try to hurry over to him but Jin would quickly turn and walk away. After a few days of trying Jimin gave up. He knew when he wasn't wanted. He wanted to catch Jin and explain. Explain why he had left him that night, explain exactly what was going on between himself and Jungkook...but Jin didn't want to hear it. 

Jimin had been leaning against his locker, deep in his thoughts when suddenly he felt someone grab his collar. His eyes widened and he tried to pull away from whoever had grabbed him, but their grip was tight. 

"Hiya fag," Taehyung said venomously. "How's it going?"

"Let go of me," Jimin snapped, still trying to pull free.

"Do you seriously think it's gonna last?" Taehyung asked, eyes dark with anger. "Your little "relationship" with Jungkook?"

Jimin stopped his movements, shocked. He had made sure to make Jungkook promise not to tell anyone, especially Taehyung. "What are you talking about?" He asked, deciding to play dumb.

"You know exactly what the fuck I'm talking about," Taehyung said. "When I expose you two for the freaks you are, I wonder who it'll affect worse. You. Or him?"

"What do you want?" Jimin asked. "You want something, don't you?"

Taehyung smilled evilly, "Maybe I want a taste."

Jimin could've gagged, "When Jungkook finds out that you even touched me---"

"He might be too busy trying to pick up the pieces of his life when I tell everyone that he's fucking his step shit."

"He's your friend," Jimin objected angrily.

"He's always been my competition," Taehyung shook his head softly. "I've been waiting for dirt like this. Now...you will do what I say or I will fuck up your lives."

Jimin hated this. He hated being pushed around and that he couldn't push back. If Taehyung told the school that him and Jungkook were currently having a fling he knew it would eventually get back to Soo-min, and she would be furious. And if she didn't kick him out of the house right then and there, she would surely cut him off from going to college, his only escape from her.

"What do you want me to do?" Jimin whispered.

"Your number, for right now," Taehyung slid his hand into Jimin's pocket and pulled out his phone. "Unlock it."

"What for?" Jimin demanded. 

"Do it. Now."

Jimin complied and Taehyung entered his phone number, sending a text to his own phone.

"Satisfied?" Jimin asked bitterly.

Taehyung suddenly leaned forward and gave Jimin a short and sharp kiss on the lips before shoving Jimin back against the lockers. "I'll be in touch, fag."

Jimin wiped his mouth resentfully as Taehyung strolled away, people clearing out of his way to avoid his wrath. After Jungkook, he was the most feared in the school, and for good reason. He was a psycopath. Jimin held back murderous thoughts as he heard the bell ring and he rushed to class. He turned a corner when he bumped into someone and nearly fell, but the person he bumped into grabbed his waist. 

"I'm sorry," Jimin began, pausing when he locked eyes with the person. "Jin."

Jin looked as clean and neat and handsome as ever. But there seemed something off about him. Something not as warm as when he usually talked to Jimin. He seemed cold and closed off. "I was looking for you," Jin said.

"I...I've been looking for you," Jimin said, shoving himself away from Jin. "Look, I get you're mad at me but...couldn't you at least---"

"I don't owe you any explanations," Jin said coldly. "We weren't dating."

Jimin couldn't deny that this hurt. Jin had practically chased him down to be friends when they first met and now he could so easily throw him away? Like he was nothing? He didn't even want to try and salvage their friendship? "So we're not friends anymore?" Jimin asked incredulously. "Just like that? I had to leave with Jungkook or else---"

"I don't care," Jin said in the same chill tone. "It's none of my business. I just...I wanted to tell you that I'm disappointed in you. And I need you to leave me alone. We're not friends anymore. Just like that."

Jimin held back a thousand curses and tears as Jin turned and walked down the hallway. It wasn't until he was sure Jin was gone that he let the tears burst out and he sank to his knees. Leaning against the wall he buried his face in his hands. He stayed that way for about ten minutes before he felt a hand slide under his back and another under his knees as he was lifted up. He lowered his hands with a cry of surprise. 

"Jungkook!" He scolded at the younger male who was currently carrying him down the hallway. "Put me down please."

"We're skipping so you can cheer up," Jungkook said. 

"Absolutely not," Jimin objected.

Jungkook chuckled, "Not asking."

"Great, because my answer would still be no even if you were."

"You were crying," Jungkook said, tone ringing with finality. "Even if I have to drag you into the car, you're coming with me." Jimin pouted, crossing his arms. "Now why were you crying?"

"Jin broke up with me."

Jungkook stopped abruptly, his eyes going wide. "What?!"

"He doesn't want to be my friend anymore," Jimin clarified, sniffling as a fresh wave of tears began to spill from his eyes. "He hates me."

"You want me to kick his ass?"

"How kind," Jimin said sarcastically. "But no...I just...it's my fault. I just left him alone at the party. I...he has every right to hate me."

"Hey," Jungkook said softly. "I...what if I talked to him?"

"No way," Jimin objected. "I'm pretty sure he hates you more than me."

"Then what can I do to make you feel better?"

"Put me down and let me go to class?"

"Ice cream, you said?" Jungkook mused, ignoring Jimin. "You want ice cream? Sounds perfect."

"You're impossibly stubborn," Jimin said with an exasperated sigh. 

"Be nice to me," Jungkook said, kissing Jimin on the cheek and causing his heart beat to accelerate. "Or you won't get any ice cream." 

Chapter Text

The sun was warm and a perfect day for ice cream. Jimin had whined and protested the entire way to the parlor, but as soon as the delicious strawberry delicacy reached his tastebuds, all complaints died down. It had actually been a while since had had ice cream. Soo-min only ever let Jungkook eat it, but that was mainly because she let Jungkook get away with everything, and was mostly strict on Jimin. Probably because she didn't want her indentured servant getting fat. 

"What are you thinking about?" Jungkook asked as he licked at his own chocolate ice cream cone. His other hand was shoved into his jacket pocket, but Jimin didn't know whether or not it was because he was holding something or because his hand was cold. The weather was so nice and warm he decided it couldn't be the latter.

"It's been a while since I've had ice cream," Jimin admitted almost sheepishly. "It tastes so delicious."

"Well they say absence makes the heart grow fonder," Jungkook replied. "Did...um...did your dad ever take you here?"

"This place wasn't open before," Jimin said. "It's new. How did you find this place?"

"I come here sometimes...you know...when living with the Wicked Witch gets too much," Jungkook shrugged. 

"Is it really that hard to live with her?" Jimin questioned. "She lets you do whatever you want."

"She can't stand me," Jungkook said. "She didn't want to have me. She just got knocked up and was too chicken shit to get an abortion."

Jimin didn't know what to say to that, other than, "For what it's worth, I'm glad she was too chicken shit."

There was nothing but silence for the next few minutes until Jungkook suddenly said, "I'm sorry. For everything I've ever done to you. I'm so sorry."

Jimin began to feel anxious for some reason, "I...I can't forgive you right away. That'll take time. But...I'm willing to try."

He heard Jungkook let out a sigh of relief, "There's something I have to give you." The hand he had in his pocket he pulled out, revealing a silver chain. "I got this for you yesterday."

Jimin felt like the air was thinning around him, "You...you're not serious."

"As a heart attack," Jungkook said. "Let me put it on you."

Jimin complied, turning so Jungkook could hook the silver chain around his neck. It was cool to the touch and Jimin lifted a hand to his collarbone to feel it. He felt tears building in his eyes though he forced them back. Suddenly his pocket buzzed and he pulled out his phone. 

It was from Taehyung. 

Kiss him. The text said. 

He immediately closed his phone and slid it back into his pocket, looking around the plaza, but he didn't see Taehyung anywhere. He felt Jungkook grab his arm and turn him back towards him. 

"What's wrong?" Jungkook asked, cupping Jimin's face in his large hands. 

"Are you really going to keep me safe?" Jimin asked cautiously.

Jungkook nodded, "Of course. What's wrong?"

"Kiss me," Jimin commanded softly. 

Jungkook smiled and leaned down, capturing Jimin's lips in his. As much as Jimin wanted to enjoy the sweet sensation, he couldn't help but feel like doing this was betraying Jungkook, and would contribute to whatever sick plan Taehyung was concocting. 

But he figured that it didn't really matter whether or not whatever this relationship was went down in flames, they were never meant to last anyway. 

Chapter Text

Jimin was awake and in the kitchen cooking breakfast. For the past week Jungkook had joined him, but this particular morning Jungkook was too busy standing in the living room in a screaming match with his mother.

"You can't fucking make me!" Jungkook yelled.

"Grow the fuck up!" She yelled back. "It's one dinner and you and Jimin are gonna be there and you are going to behave yourself and not act like a fucking screw up!"

"That's your job," Jungkook threw back.

Jimin heard a sharp slap ringing through the house and knew that Soo-min had struck her son. It wasn't the first time, and each time Jimin felt bad about it. He knew a part of him probably should've enjoyed Jungkook getting hurt the way he always hurt Jimin, but he knew it was tragic. Soo-min didn't have a maternal bone in her body, nor did she have the ability to love anyone or anything other than herself.

"My new boyfriend is coming over tonight," Soo-min said quietly. "He wants to meet you and your brother, God knows why. You are going to be there, you are going to dress up, and you are going to respect him. I'm your mother. You owe me."

Jungkook didn't say anything, and Soo-min walked into the kitchen triumphantly. Jimin quietly served her the omelette he had prepared and she dug into it. He avoided eye contact with her like she preferred, but out of the corner of his eye he noticed there was a difference in her movements. She usually walked around smugly and arrogantly, knowing she was the one in charge, but sitting down at the table, she looked almost tired. 

"Get out," She said, without looking at Jimin. 

Jimin immediately obeyed and went into the other room where Jungkook was still standing there, glaring at the floor, his cheek reddening from Soo-min's slap. Jimin took a step towards him and placed his hand on Jungkook's shoulder. 

"I hate her," Jungkook grumbled. "I hate her so fucking much."

"Don't," Jimin said softly, gingerly touching Jungkook's rapidly forming cheek bruise. "Don't do that. You'll regret it. Forever."

"Jimin," Jungkook said suddenly. "There's...well..." There was something he was trying to say, but he looked lost. Confused. Like he didn't know how to say it. He looked in the direction of the kitchen where his mother was eating. Did it have something to do with her? Jungkook looked like he wanted to protect her but knew that it was something Jimin needed to hear. 

"Take your time," Jimin said. "You can tell me later. Right now we need to go to school."

Jungkook cocked his head to the side, suddenly grabbing Jimin by the waist and pulling him to his chest, "What if I kidnapped you again? Took you to get pizza instead of ice cream?"

Jimin scoffed, "What if I kidnapped you?"

"Interesting," Jungkook mused. "Where are we going?"

"School," Jimin said. "A place we both need to go to for college. I've already missed enough school for a lifetime."

"You're no fun," Jungkook's arms from around Jimin dropped. "But fine...we can go to boring school."

"Thank you," Jimin smiled. "You'll thank me later."

Jungkook's eyes brightened, "Maybe I will. I have lots of ideas on how I could."

"Stay away," Jimin giggled, hurrying towards the door and laughing as Jungkook followed him in fake menace, his arms outstretched as he made grabbing motions towards the smaller male. Jimin pressed himself against the door, his breath hitching as Jungkook put his arms on either side of him, leaning in. Their bodies weren't touching but Jimin could feel the warmth radiating off Jungkook's toned body. "Whatever happens tonight, we'll get through it together. Okay?"

Jungkook nodded, but his attention seemed elsewhere, his eyes focused on tracing every inch of Jimin's face. He began to lean in, his dark hair falling in front of his eyes, and Jimin was so tempted to close his eyes and let Jungkook take him. But he placed his hands on Jungkook's firm chest just as Jungkook's lips brushed against his, parting slightly as they prepared to lock with Jimin's soft mouth. 

"We can't," Jimin whispered. "Not here. Not right now."

Jungkook looked disappointed, but he nodded. "Whatever you want."

"Thanks," Jimin felt his body tingling with desire. Desire for Jungkook, who had turned from his brat and bully of a step brother to this undeniably sexy and dominating young man who seemed to be closing in on Jimin in every single way.

He was in trouble.

Big trouble. 

Chapter Text

Jimin and Jungkook stood next to each other in the living room, both wearing suits and preparing to meet Soo-min's new boyfriend. She usually dated around and none of her boyfriends lasted more than two months. When they inevitably dumped her she would fall into a two week depression where she drowned her sorrows in alcohol and hardly left her room. Jimin would have to bring breakfast to her. Jimin usually hated these episodes because it meant he was practically left alone with Jungkook, but since there was now a shift in their relationship, Jimin didn't see that as such a bad thing. 

There was the sound of a car pulling up to the driveway and two car doors opening and closing. Soo-min checked her hair and teeth in a mirror on the wall before hurrying the door and opening it. "Hi!" She said, putting on a happy and energetic voice that in all of her short lived affairs she had perfected. 

"Hey there sweetheart," Said a handsome man who embraced her. His eyes fell on Jimin and Jungkook. "Hi. Nice to meet you. My name is Su-ho. I'm sure you two have met my son, Seok-jin."

Into the house stepped Jin, and Jimin felt his mouth drop. What was going on? What was Jin doing here? Of all the crap luck a guy could have. He was suddenly hit with the memory of Jin telling him his dad had a new girlfriend on the day he went to the party. Jimin was hit with a pang of pain in his heart as he remembered leaving Jin there to go with Jungkook.

As usual, Jin's hair was neatly combed and every part of him looked well put together. He wore a white suit and in his hands he held a rice cake. When he saw Jimin and Jungkook, he didn't look surprised. In fact, he appeared to look nervous, but being able to keep it inside. Jimin looked at Jungkook, and was surprised to see that Jungkook himself didn't look surprised. 

"Introduce yourselves," Soo-min said tightly, still putting on the kind voice but with an underlying tone of annoyance. 

Jimin bowed to Su-ho and Jin, "Nice to meet you. My name is Jimin." He felt the butterflies fluttering mercilessly in his stomach. 

Jungkook bowed stiffly, "My name is Jungkook."

"Nice to meet you," Su-ho smiled kindly, and Jimin felt sorry for him. It would probably only be a week or two before he got hit with the harsh realization of how terrible Soo-min was.

"Let's eat," Soo-min said. 

***

Dinner went awkwardly. Soo-min and Su-ho talked and flirted and to get the boys to talk to each other, and Jimin desperately tried to reach out to Jin but Jin would only give him dry answers. Jungkook would say nothing, and just silently ate whilst looking at his phone. Soo-min had snapped at him to put it up but he ignored her, his fingers twitching, and Jimin could tell he had subdued the urge to flip her off. 

"So, do you boys have any classes with Seok-jin?" Su-ho asked. "He's a great student."

"I don't have any classes with Jin," Jimin said. "But I know he's very smart."

"And handsome," Soo-min chimed in. "Like his father." Jungkook scoffed, and Soo-min shot him a death glare but ignored him. 

"Actually, I've seen Jungkook around school," Jin said. "He has quite the reputation."

"Troublemaker?" Su-ho said with a chuckle.

"I would've gone with dictator," said Jin.

"Jin, can I show you to my room?" Jimin cut in before anything could escalate. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Jungkook stiffen and look at him with wide eyes. He made a mental note to explain later.

"I don't---" Jin began.

"Seok-jin," Su-ho said sternly. "Be polite."

Jin's jaw clenched and he glared at his father, but didn't argue further. Standing from his chair at the dining table, he begrudingly followed Jimin up the steps to his room. Jin was quiet the entire time and Jimin hated it. He wanted to talk and hang around with him like they did so comfortably just a short week ago. Holding the door open, Jin entered his room wordlessly and Jimin turned on the light and closed the door softly behind them. 

"I know you didn't want to show me your room," said Jin. "What do you want?"

"To apologize," said Jimin. 

"For what?" Jin snapped, his anger jumping out and making Jimin flinch. "For leaving me to go with some guy whose made your life a living hell?"

"It's not as simple as you think," Jimin said.

"I don't want to hear it!" Jin yelled, his the octave of his voice raising with every word. "I used to think you were a little strong for putting up with this bullshit and that maybe i could help you but you're just weak for giving in to it! For giving in to that monster!"

"What do you want me to do then?" Jimin yelled back, his frustration pouring out. "I don't want to lose you so what do you want me to do, Jin?"

Suddenly Jin stepped forward and cupped Jimin's face in his hands, planting a tender kiss on his lips. Jimin froze, not sure on how to respond. He just stood there, not wanting to break away but knowing he probably should when suddenly the door opened and Jungkook rushed in. At first he wore an expression of shock before it melted away into one of rage. 

He advanced on Jin who immediately broke away from Jimin, his fists balling up as he prepared to fight Jungkook but Jimin threw himself between them, his arms outstretched, mimicking his pose from the night of the party. When Jin had punched Jungkook in the nose and Jungkook had turned to Jin with a murderous gaze not unlike the expression he wore right now.

"I'll fucking kill you," Jungkook threatened. "How dare you even touch him?"

"You're one to talk," Jin snapped. "You know, I thought about calling the police."

"You don't need the police right now," Jungkook said darkly. "You're gonna need a fucking ambulance."

"Jungkook, stop!" Jimin pleaded. "Don't hurt him."

"I said I wouldn't hurt him if he could keep his hands to himself," Jungkook clarified. 

"Touch him and I will never talk to you again," Jimin said before he could filter his words.

He could see the pain flash across Jungkook's face, his eyebrows furrowing and his lips parting in surprise. Jimin himself was surprised he said such a thing, but he wanted to make sure Jin was protected.

"Don't do me any favors, Jimin," Jin said. "If he wants to hit me, I'm right here. Actually, you know what, I was just leaving."

Jin stormed out, making sure to bump Jungkook's shoulder. Jungkook's body tensed, but his eyes were still focused on Jimin, probably still processing Jimin's threat seconds earlier. Jimin had meant every word of it, but now he felt a little guilty seeing Jungkook's eyes wide and hurt. He was glad that the threat had worked, but he feared that it had broken something between him and Jungkook. In that moment, he wasn't choosing Jin over Jungkook, he was just trying to subdue the latter's rage. 

From downstairs, Jimin could hear Su-ho and Soo-min saying Jin's name and the door suddenly slam. After a minute or so the door again opened and closed, this time much more softly, and Jimin could tell Su-ho was left. Almost instantly afterwards, Jimin heard Soo-min storming up the steps, heading towards them. He braced himself, trying to think of any excuse. 

"What the fuck happened?" She yelled as she entered the room, her eyes and anger focused on Jimin. "What the fuck did you do?"

"I can explain," Jimin said in the calmest voice he could muster.

"It was me," Jungkook said coolly. "I told him to take his dad and get lost."

"Oh, really?" Soo-min scoffed, not sounding like she believed him for a second. "Is that why he was yelling even before you came up here? I know it was him." She jutted a finger in Jimin's direction. "It's always fucking him!"

"It was me," Jimin said. "I said the wrong thing and made Jin uncomfortable." It was true. He had asked Jin up to his room even though Jin had told him at school that he wanted nothing more to do with him. He should've just left Jin alone, but Jin had been his first school friend in years, and he didn't want to lose him. But he feared his actions only exacerbated his and Jin's separation.

"Be quiet," Jungkook snapped. 

Jimin ignored him, "It's my fault. I take complete responsibility."

"Shut up!" Jungkook yelled, though it sounded more like he was begging rather than commanding. 

Soo-min dragged a hand down her face with a angry sigh, "Get out. Both of you. I can't handle this right now."

"And where exactly are we supposed to go?" Jungkook demanded.

"Away! Out! Come back tomorrow when I've calmed down!" She screamed. 

Jungkook opened his mouth to argue more but Jimin immediately hurried down the steps. He was outside of the house and embracing the cool air in seconds. He fell to his knees, taking deep breaths to calm himself down. He suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up at Jungkook. The door slammed behind them and a few moments later all of the lights in the house shut off. 

"Come on," Jungkook said softly. "We can just sleep in my car."

Jimin nodded silently and followed Jungkook to his vehicle. Inside the car, Jungkook reclined the seats all the way back and suddenly pulled Jimin to his chest. Jungkook's arms were warm and more comfortable than any blanket. 

"You're not mad?" Jimin questioned after trying and failing to fall asleep for the better part of an hour. 

"No," Jungkook whispered. "Not at you."

"At Jin?" Jimin asked. Jungkook had come dangerously close to socking Jin in the face. So far Jin had been able to hold his own, but Jimin knew that every single hit Jin had landed against Jungkook, Jungkook had given him.

"At me," Jungkook answered. "Now go to sleep. Or I'll gag your mouth."

Jimin scoffed slightly, but complied.

It took many hours, but eventually he was able to drift off to the land of dreams.

Chapter Text

Spending the night in Jungkook's car meant that Jungkook refused to let Jimin into the house to cook breakfast for Soo-min. Jimin knew most of his resolve was revenge for being put out of the house, but he didn't want to piss his step-mother off even further. He was already feeling like shit for having driven Jin from the house after their argument, and their...kiss. He didn't know how to feel about that. He was pretty sure he was head over heels for Jungkook, but another part of him longed for Jin's friendship. He didn't want to have to choose between which one he wanted in his life, but with the way both wanted to be with him, he'd definitely have to choose then. 

At school, Jimin walked down the hall, trying to stretch out his spine and neck. Sleeping in Jungkook's car hadn't been the most comfortable arrangment, even if he felt warm and safe in Jungkook's arms. It had still taken him hours to even fall asleep in the first place. Focusing in class was hard, eventually he decided he needed to rest again so he planned to take his free period to his dark classroom and find an empty desk, or maybe even sleep on the floor and use his backpack as a pillow. 

He was a half hour into a nap when his phone buzzed. He blinked the sleep out of his eyes and pulled the phone out of his back pocket. He frowned when he saw this it was from Taehyung, his least favorite person. 

Meet me in the men's bathroom on the first floor. Now. Or I expose you and your faggy brother.

Knowing he didn't have a choice, Jimin snuck through the halls, hoping not to bump into Jungkook, who would sometimes skip class just because. Luckily, he didn't, and he was able to meet up with Taehyung in the bathroom. Taehyung was leaning against the wall by the window, chewing on a piece of gum. 

"Hey Jimin," Taehyung said, looking the smaller male up and down in a way that made Jimin feel vastly uncomfortable.

"How did you know this was my free period?" Jimin asked.

"It would surprise you," Taehyung said, stepping over to Jimin, who had to force himself with every inch of his being not to run away. "The things I know about you, Park Jimin."

"What do you want?"

"I want you to break Jungkook's heart," Taehyung said casually.

"No," Jimin said immediately.

"I think you're forgetting that you don't have a fucking choice," Taehyung seized Jimin by his collar. "Or I expose you to your step-mother. I own you."

"You're fucking despicable," Jimin spat.

"If you don't do it by the end of today, you've brought everything on yourself," said Taehyung. 

He then left the bathroom, and Jimin would stand there, staring at the ground and hating what he would have to do later. Because deep down he knew that Taehyung was right. He didn't have a choice.

***

Jimin usually walked through the hallways quickly and with purpose, but today he walked through them sluggishly. He didn't want to rush what was about to happen, but a part of him also wanted to just get it over with. It wasn't long until Jungkook found him. He was backed against the locker, Jungkook putting a hand by his head with a cocky smirk on his face. 

"Wanna go out for lunch?" Jungkook asked mischeiviously. 

"No," Jimin said quietly. 

Jungkook frowned, "You're always no fun. Don't tell me you want crappy school lunch for---"

"And how would I get crappy school lunch?" Jimin snapped. "I don't have any lunch money."

"Whoa," Jungkook said, noticing that Jimin was upset. "What's wrong?" His hands went to Jimin's face to cup it in his hands but Jimin smacked them away.

"Don't touch me," Jimin looked away.

Jungkook would have none of that though, and grabbed his chin to force Jimin to look him in the eyes. "Spill. What's wrong?"

"I woke up," Jimin said, fighting back tears. "I don't know why I ever let you kiss me. I don't know why i ever let you touch me. It'll never happen again. Whatever it is we have. It's over."

Jungkook looked absolutely destroyed, though before Jimin's resolve could break he pushed forward, grabbing the chain from around his neck and yanking it off. He pressed it against Jungkook's chest, planning to brush past him as he did but Jungkook grabbed his wrist and gently pushed Jimin back against the wall. 

"Let me go," Jimin demanded.

"Don't do this," Jungkook begged. "Whatever is wrong, tell me. We can fix it."

"I don't want you," Jimin lied. "I just gave in because I was scared of what you'd do to me if I didn't."

"I don't believe you," Jungkook said stubbornly. 

"You wouldn't," Jimin prepared himself. "Because you're a fucking monster."

Jungkook immediately let go of him, but didn't take the chain. Jimin again pressed it to the larger male's chest, trying not to care that Jungkook let it fall to the ground. The two never broke eye contact, just glaring at each other, refusing to back down. 

Suddenly something down the hall caught Jungkook's eyes and something in his gaze turned murderous. Jimin followed his line of sight and felt his heart shatter. Turning down the hall was Jin. 

"Don't," Jimin pleaded. "It has nothing to do with him."

"Yeah right," Jungkook whispered. "He's dead."

Jungkook began storming towards Jin, who when he saw him froze, his eyebrows raised. He barely had any time to react before Jungkook stopped in front of him, pulling his fist back, before connecting it with Jin's jaw.

Chapter Text

Jimin felt his body rush forward, terror filling his bones. Jungkook was on top of Jin, repeatedly punching him in the face. People around them gasped and backed up, some even pulling out their phones to record. He grabbed onto Jungkook's arm, trying to pull the larger male off of his friend.

"Jungkook, that's enough!" He shouted. "Stop! Please!"

Jungkook either ignored him or couldn't hear him. Jin was taking the hits like a champ but his face was starting to get more and more bloodied and his movements were starting to slow down. 

"I said stop it!" Jimin jerked on Jungkook's arm again.

Jungkook tried to jerk his arm out of Jimin's grip, but in the process his hand connected with Jimin's cheek. Jimin fell back against the lockers with a loud bang. Jungkook immediately stopped, his eyes wide. Jimin could feel the pain starting to blossom in his face, most likely a bruise forming as well. He knew it was an accident but he was still furious. 

Jungkook reached for him but Jimin slapped his hand away, "Don't you dare fucking touch me!"

At that moment a teacher finally stormed up to them, grabbing Jungkook by the collar and yanking him off of Jin. "The three of you will come with me immediately!"

***

When Soo-min got to school, in front of the staff she pretended to be calm and understand, but of course slightly disappointed. But Jimin could see the rage underlying every movement, every word. She decided to check the boys out, though as soon as they got to the car, Jimin heard a sharp crack and turned to see Jungkook's head turned and his cheek reddening. He barely had time to react before Soo-min slapped him as well on the same cheek that Jungkook had hit him on, reviving the pain that had been dying down. 

"What the fuck is wrong with you two?" Jimin saw tears running down her face and was stunned. He had never seen her cry before. Even when his dad died, she didn't cry. He had thought her incapable of such emotion. "Why are you doing this to me? I know you two hate me but..." She buried her face in her hands.

Jungkook was staring at her with cool indifference, though Jimin could tell that seeing her cry was strange for him too. Though he didn't know if the sight was making Jungkook feel sorry for her, or if he enjoyed every tear and every pained sob that escaped her.

"What happened?" She asked, sounding tired, looking to Jungkook. "Why did you hit Jin, you stupid fucking abortion?"

"He said the wrong thing," Jungkook said. "So I corrected him. That's how it works, right?"

"What did he say?" Soo-min demanded. "Tell me."

"He said that his dad was happy," said Jungkook. "And I knew that if he was with you then that's an impossibility."

"Fuck you," She whispered harshly. "God I should have swallowed you instead of housing you in my vagina for nine months."

"The experience wasn't pleasant for me either," Jungkook shot back. "It smelled like fish in there."

"Can we go home?" Jimin piped in, extremely tired from the day's events.

"Are we boring you?" Soo-min demanded. "No one said you could fucking speak. Say another thing and I'll hit you again."

"Doesn't it ever get tiring?" Jungkook cocked his head to the side. "Being a heartless wench." 

"Doesn't it ever get tiring?" Soo-min echoed. "Hating me even though you're just like me?"

At that, Jungkook said nothing, and Soo-min seemed to be tired, because she just got in the car and left them there. For a long minute the two boys stood there, not looking at each other but feeling the tension between them. 

"I should take you home," Jungkook offered at last.

"No," Jimin said firmly. "I don't want anything from you."

"Jimin---"

"I can take you home," Jimin heard a familiar voice say and he turned to see Jin standing by his car, his face bruised and bandaged. Jin motioned Jimin towards him. 

"Don't go with him," Jungkook begged. "Please."

Jimin couldn't look at Jungkook, much less answer that plea, so instead he walked towards Jin, somehow both relieved and disappointed that Jungkook didn't make a motion to stop him. 

"Thanks," He told Jin as he got in his car. 

"Sure," Jin said. 

"Are you okay?" Jimin asked. "I'm...sorry."

"It's not your fault," Jin said, looking at Jimin. "It's not your fault, Jimin. And I'm sorry for making you feel like it was. You got hurt because of me."

"Stop it," Jimin said softly. "It's not your fault either."

Jin looked away from Jimin, "I wish..." He shook his head, cutting himself off. 

"You wish what?" Jimin pushed. 

"I wish...that I could understand what you liked about him," Jin said quietly. "But I can't. I'm sorry." 

Jimin didn't know how to respond to that, so he chose silence. As Jin drove him home, Jimin wasn't quite sure where they stood, but he figured their relationship was in a much better place then before. 

Chapter Text

The next day Jimin awoke feeling hollow. When Jin had driven him home he was distraught to learn that Jungkook hadn't showed up at home. He wanted to try to call him but wasn't sure what the consequences were. Taehyung had instructed him to break Jungkook's heart, and if he found out that they were secretly still dating behind his back, how would he react? 

Soo-min was unusually silent as Jimin served her breakfast, and despite himself, despite every terrible thing she'd ever done to him, he was worried about her. She seemed to be getting more and more exhausted lately, like all of the hate pouring out of her was draining. He wondered why she couldn't just be nice? Surely that'd be less emotionally taxing than being a horrible bitch 24/7. 

He also wondered if all of this could've been avoided if he had just told Jungkook about Taehyung since the beginning. But he couldn't risk whatever Taehyung knew getting to Soo-min. If she cut off his college funding then he would never be able to successfully escape her. He would either be stuck being her personal slave forever or he would be kicked out to the streets.

He couldn't risk it. He wouldn't. 

As much as he loved having Jungkook hold and kiss him, he couldn't put his future on the line for something that wasn't meant to be. A part of him, a dark self-loathing part wonders if he had been waiting for something, an outside pressure like Taehyung to push them apart. To verify his belief that in the long term, him and Jungkook wouldn't be able to sustain any kind of relationship. 

These were the thoughts that plagued his mind as he rode the bus to school. Jin had offered to give him a ride but he refused. He didn't want any trouble between Jin and Jungkook to start if the latter saw the former's car pulling up in the driveway. He didn't know that Jungkook would skip coming home altogether. He just hoped that he was safe and not doing anything stupid and reckless.

His phone buzzed and he immediately pulled it out, and his heart collapsed when he saw that it was from Taehyung, the one who had instigated this drama. 

Meet me in the men's bathroom on the second floor the minute you get to school. I'll be waiting. 

Of course you will, Jimin thought bitterly. You don't have anything better to do than to torment me, right? And I have no choice but to go to you. 

Jimin never had a choice. 

***

Just as he said he would be, Taehyung was waiting for him in the men's restroom. He was leaning against the wall by the window, his arms crossed. When Jimin entered, the most disgusting satisfied smirk appeared on his face. Jimin wanted nothing more than to slap it off. 

"I'm here," Jimin said, not liking how empty the restroom was. "What now?"

"Come here," said Taehyung, his eyes almost...hungry. 

"Why?" Jimin asked cautiously. For some reason he was beginning to feel more and more uneasy. Like he was in a cage with a ravenous lion.

"Because I said so," Taehyung said darkly.

Fighting back any protests, Jimin slowly made his way over to Taehyung, who suddenly grabbed his arm and pushed him against the wall. 

"What are you doing?!" Jimin demanded, trying to yank his arm free, but Taehyung just tightened his grip to the point of pain. 

"You know," Taehyung cocked his head to the side. "That picture I took of you and Jungkook kissing, I've been looking at it a lot lately. I didn't quite know what I wanted to do with it but now i do. It's not Jungkook I want to ruin anymore. It's you. I want to taste every inch of you. And you're gonna let me."

"No," Jimin said determinedly. "No way in Hell."

"Sorry Jimin, but I wasn't asking." Taehyung leaned in, his eyes locked on Jimin's lips. 

Jimin immediately panicked and kneed Taehyung in the crotch. Taehyung's eyes widened as he doubled over, gasping for breath. Jimin wasted no time in pushing Taehyung to the side and running out of the restroom, tears beginning to fall down his face. Rather than head to class which is probably what he should have done, he headed straight for the school doors. 

He just needed to get out. 

***

Jimin headed straight home, since he had nowhere else to go. The long walk was welcome, as it gave him time to clear his head and try to soothe the panic that his altercation with Taehyung had brought him. He didn't know what consequences his actions would bring, but there was no way in Hell he was letting Taehyung of all people have his way with him. 

When he finally got home, he saw Jungkook's car in the driveway. He felt conflicted about it. On one hand, he was glad Jungkook had finally come home, but on the other hand, he wasn't sure he was ready to confront him. What if because he had broken his heart, the second he walked in, things would go back to normal and Jungkook would bully him again?

Either way, he supposed there was no avoiding it. 

He entered through the back door, trying to make as little sound as possible. The kitchen was dark.

He should've known it wouldn't have worked. 

Jimin had barely walked into the kitchen before he was gripped by his arms and laid onto the kitchen table. He locked eyes with Jungkook's, whose eyes were at first hard but immediately softened when they saw the tears in Jimin's.

"What happened?" Jungkook demanded. 

"Let me go," Jimin said, avoiding the question.

"Answer me."

"No."

Jungkook rolled his eyes, "So stubborn."

"I told you to let go," Jimin pushed.

"And I asked you why you're crying," Jungkook snapped back. 

"It's none of your business," Jimin began to try to twist free, but knew it was fruitless. 

"Stop that," Jungkook said, the softness of his tone catching Jimin off guard. He stopped his squirming, glaring up at Jungkook defiantly. "Why do you always fight me when you know you can't win?" 

"Like you said," Jimin hated how breathless he sounded from his struggling against Jungkook. "I'm stubborn."

Jungkook smirked, his eyes darkening with lust, "Maybe we can fix that."

Before Jimin could stop him their lips were locked, his lips already responding to Jungkook's. He let out a relieved moan. God, he needed this. He needed something to make him feel good. He let his body go limp and Jungkook let go of his arms, putting them on either side of the smaller male to still cage him in. Jimin grabbed Jungkook's shirt and pulled him in closer. 

Jungkook pulled away, his lips brushing against Jimin's, "Tell me what I did wrong. I want to fix it. I can't go a day without this. Without you."

It was like Jimin was hit with a bucket of cold water. He couldn't be doing this. He was only getting Jungkook's hopes up and hurting him. He was hurting himself too. As much as kissing him felt good, he had to stop this. 

"We shouldn't have done that," Jimin said, trying to push Jungkook away. "Let me go. I'm serious."

"You're not going anywhere."

Jungkook leaned down again and Jimin turned his head, only for Jungkook's lips to latch onto his neck. When Jimin tried to shove him his wrists were pinned above his head with one hand, Jungkook relentlessy and mercilessly marking his skin, relishing every moan that escaped Jimin. It reminded him of the first day he had. When he had openly defied him and driven home with Jin. He wondered if he would have done so, if he knew it would've led to all this. 

"Jungkook," Jimin wasn't sure if it was a whine or a moan. "Please." He felt so mixed inside. He wasn't sure if he was begging him to stop or begging him to never stop. There was no clarity in his mind. 

Jungkook pulled away from his neck and returned to his lips, sucking on Jimin's plump ones. Jimin began to lose himself to the feeling, his body going limp as his tongue wrestled with Jungkook's for a while before Jungkook's ultimately claimed dominance. He expected nothing less. Even though it was annoying at times, he enjoyed how dominant Jungkook was. 

Suddenly the back door opened and in stepped Soo-min, who when she saw them, screamed. 

"WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?!"

Chapter Text

At that moment, all kinds of horror struck Jimin at once. 

Standing before them was his step-mother, whose eyes were almost comically bugged out as she absorbed the scene before her. Jungkook holding Jimin to the dining room table and kissing him. Jungkook made no effort to move away, and for some reason Jimin wasn't pushing him away. He figured that it didn't matter anyway. They had been caught and he was sure to be kicked out. 

"I...I...what...you..." Soo-min stammered for words, her eyes never leaving the boys. "I don't even know what I'm looking at."

"We were kissing," Jungkook said, and Jimin snapped his eyes towards the younger boy, stunned. "What did it look like to you?"

"Don't you get smart with me!" She shouted. "You're too stupid to get smart! Why did you kiss him? What the fuck is wrong with you? Since when are you gay?"

"Bisexual, actually," Jungkook retorted. 

"There's no fucking difference!" Soo-min shrieked. "Get off of him! Now!"

"What are you even doing home?" Jungkook asked, not following her instructions. 

"I received a text to come home immediately," She said, holding up her phone. Jimin felt his heart stop when he saw a picture of him and Jungkook kissing. At the ice cream parlor. "It told me that my step-sons were playing hooky but I didn't want to believe it. I thought maybe this picture was photo shopped. I didn't...I could vomit. You guys are doing this to spite me, right?"

"Believe it or not but not everything we do is to spite you," Jungkook rolled his eyes. "I kissed Jimin because I'm in love with him."

Shut up, shut up, shut up. Jimin thought desperately. 

He didn't understand how Jungkook was so calm about the situation. He himself should be freaking out but he was leveling a defiant, confident look at his mother.

"You're gonna wish you hadn't," Soo-min said darkly, jutting a finger towards the door. "Out. Both of you."

"You can't do that," Jungkook said, sounding almost smug. 

Soo-min paused, and Jimin saw a flicker of fear in her eyes. "What are you talking about?"

"You can't do that," Jungkook repeated himself. "You can't kick us out. The house isn't yours anymore."

"What?" Jimin spoke, his voice sounding hushed. 

Jungkook locked eyes with him, "I found a document. Your father left this house to you. Now that you're 18, it's yours. She legally can't kick you out."

"Jungkook," Soo-min said cautiously, like she were talking down a serial killer. "Think about what you're about to say."

"I've had years, mom," Jungkook said, looking back over at her. "We deserve this." Looking back to Jimin, he backed away from him. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I was...scared you'd make me leave. But if that's what you want, I deserve it, and I have no right to try to stop you."

Jimin stared at Jungkook for a minute, before turning his gaze to Soo-min. She had a stone faced expression, but he could see her body shaking slightly. For the first time in forever, she was scared of him, and what he'd do to her. Not the other way around. For the first time in a long time, he held the power in the house. 

"What else?" He asked quietly. "What else did my father leave me that you took from me?" For some reason he wanted to cry, as he felt tears stinging the back of his eyes. 

Soo-min seemed to hesitate, "He left you some money. I've been using that to pay the bills."

"And now that I'm eighteen, it's mine?" He asked. She nodded, almost solemnly. He felt anger burst into his veins as he took a step towards her and slapped her across the face. He heard Jungkook let out a soft gasp but he didn't step forward to intervene. Soo-min stumbled backwards, her fingers rising to her swelling cheek as he looked at Jimin with wild, frightened eyes. "Why? Why do you hate me? Why did you hate my father?"

"I loved your father!" She yelled. "But not as much as my first husband, and he never loved me as much as his first wife. It was a transaction. For financial security for me and my son, and so that you'd grow up with a mom."

"You're a monster!" Jimin yelled back. "You've made my life hell for so long! You don't know how to be a mother because you're so self-absorbed! You abused a child for no reason other than you're a pathetic person who has no power or agency in her own life! So you take it out on the people you're supposed to care for!" He grabbed the doorknob and jerked the door open. "Get out!"

She stared at him for a long moment before rushing out of the house. When Jungkook attempted to follow her Jimin closed the door and leaned against it. Jungkook paused, with a look of confusion on his face. Jimin didn't hesitate to slap him across the face hard as well. Jungkook grunted and stumbled back against a counter. 

"How long did you know?" Jimin demanded.

"About a month now," Jungkook answered. 

"Is that what you wanted to tell me the other day?" Jimin asked.

Jungkook answered with one nod. "I...I didn't want this to be over so soon. I don't deserve to be here. With you. I should go."

"No," Jimin said fiercely. "You don't get to just walk away whenever you feel like it."

Jungkook didn't say anything, and Jimin could feel his anger dying down.

"What do we even do now?" Jimin asked. 

"I'll do whatever you say," Jungkook said.

Jimin didn't know what to do. A part of him wanted to push Jungkook out that door after his mother, but another wanted to argue that Jungkook was a product of his terrible mother, and he wanted to change. He wanted to be better. And whether or not Jimin could fully accept it, he didn't want him to go just yet. 

"Come and lay down with me," Jimin said. 

Jungkook's eyes widened, "Are you serious?"

"But you have to carry me," Jimin said arrogantly. "If you're gonna stay, you're gonna work."

Jungkook walked over to him and lifted him up bridal style, as if he were light as a feather. "Whatever you say."

"You're damn right," Jimin grumbled.

He wasn't sure what was gonna happen next, but he felt like a large pressure had been lifted off of his shoulders, and he felt free. 

Chapter Text

The next day, Jimin knew exactly what he wanted to do, and who he wanted to confront.

Taehyung. 

He hadn't exactly told Jungkook about what had happened, nor did he really want to. This was something he wanted to handle by himself. With Soo-min out of his life and out of his home, he didn't have to worry about whatever Taehyung thought he could do to him. 

At school, he combed the halls with Jungkook right behind him, repeatedly asking him who he was looking for and whether or not he was looking for Jin. Jimin wondered if the question came from genuine curiosity or jealousy, either way his mind was hyper focused on finding Taehyung. 

He saw a familiar flash of messy dark hair and immediately recognized it belonging to Taehyung, who was at his locker, nonchalantly looking at something on his phone. Jimin stormed over to him, his fists curling in rage and anticipation.

Taehyung looked up and smirked when he saw Jimin, then frowned when he saw Jungkook trailing behind him. "What's going o---"

Jimin pulled his fist back and slammed it into Taehyung's jaw. Taehyung stumbled against the locker before falling to the ground, looking up at Jimin incredulously. Jimin's hand stung from the hit but the thrill of actually hitting Taehyung was too great. A crowd began to form around the boys, trying to get their daily fill of drama.

Taehyung had the audacity to laugh, blood gargling inside of his mouth, "Jimin, you're stronger than you look."

"Jimin, what are you doing?" Jungkook demanded, grabbing Jimin's hand.

Jimin squeezed it, "Tell him, Taehyung. Tell him about the other day."

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Taehyung smiled innocently, blood staining his teeth. 

"He's been blackmailing me," Jimin told Jungkook, whose eyes widened. "He's the one who sent the picture to Soo-min yesterday. He made me break up with you, but that's not all." Jimin closed his eyes, having to force the next sentence out. "He...yesterday...he tried to force himself on me."

The look of rage in Jungkook's eyes sent a chill down his spine. He thought he would've gotten accustomed to seeing Jungkook angry by now, but the look in his eyes was murderous. He had never looked at Jimin like that before. 

"Why?" Jungkook asked tightly, looking at Taehyung.

"What's wrong?" Taehyung mocked. "You embarrassed, Jungkook? Not as perfect as you pretend?" He then looked to the crowd. "Hey guys, you wanna hear a secret? It'll blow your mind."

Then there was a strange sound. A dark, smug sound that kept increasing in volume. Jimin looked to Jungkook, who was laughing so hard that he was doubling over. Taehyung started to laugh too, but Jimin could see the anger in his eyes at Jungkook's actions. 

When Jungkook finally stopped, he tugged Jimin towards him and gave him a kiss on the lips. The crowd gasped and Jimin didn't know how to feel. He always felt good when kissing Jungkook but he didn't know how okay he was with everyone knowing like this. Still, it was nice to know that Jungkook wasn't ashamed of his feelings for him.

When Jungkook finally pulled away from Jimin he looked to the crowd, "Anyone got a problem with this? Step forward and get your ass beat now, or forever hold your peace."

No one dared make a sound or any movement. Jimin looked back to Taehyung, who was giving the two a death glare. 

He then sighed, "You two seem mighty fine considering your mom most likely kicked you out."

"But she didn't," said Jimin smugly. "The house is in my name now. We told her to go. We're completely free now. And you can't hurt us anymore. No one can."

Taehyung looked to Jungkook, "Aren't you gonna hurt me? Beat my ass?"

Jungkook smirked, "Oh Taehyung, if only you were worth it."

Suddenly Jimin's pocket buzzed and he dug into it, pulling out his phone. It was Soo-min. She hardly ever called him. She would usually just send him an angry text. He almost ignored it, but something deep inside his mind told him to answer. Something dark and foreboding. 

He pressed answer, "What do you want?"

"I'm sorry," She said, and the words rocked Jimin to his core. "For everything. You're right. You...you won't have to hear from me anymore. After today, no one will."

"What are you talking about?" Jimin felt his blood chill. "Soo-min?"

She hung up, and for some reason Jimin began to panic. "Jungkook, check your mom's location, where is she?"

Jungkook looked surprised that Jimin was asking such a thing but he did as Jimin asked and checked his location. "She's...home. Should we call the cops?"

"Y-yes," Jimin said. "We need to go there immediately. But still call the cops."

"Oh dear," said Taehyung, who was smiling again. "Sounds like a problem."

As Jimin and Jungkook rushed out of the school, his smug, gross laughter followed them, echoing the halls like a phantom.

***

They managed to get there before the cops did, and there Soo-min's car was, in the driveway. The two boys rushed into the house, which was eerily quiet. Jimin could feel the panic inside of him building. 

it wasn't until Jimin entered the kitchen that he saw Soo-min's body hanging from the ceiling, one of her designer scarfs wrapped around her neck. 

Chapter Text

"It's not your fault," Jungkook said as he held Jimin tightly in the ER. 

They had managed to get Soo-min down in time and rush her to the hospital before she could die, and right now they were waiting to hear news on her condition. Jimin didn't know how to feel about it. For years Soo-min had brought him nothing but pain and suffering, but he had never wanted her to die, nor did he ever think she was unhappy enough to decide to commit suicide. 

Jungkook was calm about the entire situation, and seemed to be only interested in making sure Jimin was okay, rubbing comforting circles into his back and telling him again and again that it wasn't his fault. Jimin didn't think it was his fault, but the words were still comforting for him to hear. It was nice to feel the warmth of Jungkook's embrace and know that someone was there for him for what felt like the first time in forever. 

"Are you okay?" Jimin asked Jungkook, realizing that he had been to upset and lost in his own thoughts to ask, and feeling guilty about it. 

"Yes," Jungkook replied immediately. "Is that wrong? That I don't...feel anything?"

"About your mom?" Jimin asked softly. 

"I mean, you're not her actual son and yet here you are feeling sorry for her," Jungkook looked down at Jimin. "And I...I don't feel anything. If she had died today...I don't know if I would grieve. I don't even know if I'm relieved that she didn't die today."

Jimin didn't know what to say to that, because he completely understood. Jungkook's relationship with his mother was nothing but pure animosity. If there was ever any love between the two, it was long gone. 

"Jimin!" Jimin heard a familiar voice calling his name and looked down the hall to see Jin and his father running down the corridor towards him and Jungkook. 

Jimin couldn't help himself, seeing a friend caused him to throw himself into Jin's already open arms. Jin buried his face into Jimin's neck, letting out what sounded like a sigh of relief. He shot a glance back to Jungkook, whose expression was unreadable. He had expected jealousy or annoyance, but his face was plain and indifferent. 

"What happened?" asked Su-ho. 

"She...tried to hang herself," Jimin said, forcing the words out. It sounded so strange to say. "We got there just in time."

"Thank goodness," said Su-ho, and Jimin was surprised with how relieved he sounded. "I...I didn't know..."

"It's okay," Jimin said, placing his hand on Su-ho's shoulder. "It's not your fault."

Su-ho looked like there were tears forming in his eyes. Jimin suddenly felt a hand wrap around his wrist and he looked at Jin with surprised eyes. 

"Can we talk?" Jin asked. 

"Now?" Jungkook interjected, and Jimin heard a mixture of surprise and annoyance in his tone. 

Jimin shot him a look, "We'll be right back."

He let Jin pull him towards the vending machine, his grip on Jimin's wrist not slipping even after they stopped.

"Are you okay?" Jin asked. 

"I'm fine," Jimin said. "I just...I never expected her to do something like this."

"My father broke up with her last night," said Jin. "I...I don't know if that's what pushed her over the edge."

Jimin's eyes widened, "Seriously?"

Jin nodded, "She made quite the scene. Then today I heard at school that something had happened with her...Taehyung was spreading rumors." The sound of Taehyung's name made Jimin's face twist into a glower. "I called my dad and we rushed to your house...where we saw the cops and followed them here."

"The other day...we kicked her out of the house as well," Jimin admitted, and Jin's eyes widened. "I'm guessing she went straight to your dad's place and they had a fight?"

"He was confused," Jin said. "On why she wasn't staying with you guys and...that was a red flag for him. He finally got wise to her."

"Why did you never tell him about her?" Jimin asked. 

"I didn't know if I should have," Jin replied. "I didn't know how it would affect you. I...never wanted to hurt you. I...I really like you. But...your choice is Jungkook, right?"

Soundlessly, Jimin nodded. 

Jin gave him a sad smile, "It's okay. I...I...you seem to be in a better place now. Even if...your step-mom tried to kill herself. I'm really sorry about that. It's...awful to think about."

"Yeah," Jimin agreed. 

"But I'm glad we can still be friends," Jin said. "You and me. We can still be friends, right?"

Jimin gave Jin the warmest smile he could muster. "You and me? Of course not."

Jin smiled back at him and playfully tapped his shoulder. 

"I guess now all we can do right now is wait," Jimin said. 

And that's what they would have to do.

Chapter Text

***A few days later***

Jimin and Jungkook walked hand and hand down the corridor towards Soo-min's hospital room. For the past few days they had waited with bated breath to see how she was doing, despite being told that she was pretty much fine despite the bruise around her throat from where she...you know. Jimin couldn't help feeling sympathy for her. He had always seen her as some horrible monster, somewhere along the line he had forgotten she was human, just like him. Somewhere along the line she had forgotten the same thing about him.

He felt Jungkook squeeze his hand comfortingly as they stopped before her door. He wondered if she would look any different. He wondered if she would be surprised that they came to check on her. Jungkook had mostly come to support Jimin, but Jimin guessed that somewhere deep inside of him, whether he wanted to admit it or not, he was glad that his mother was okay. 

Pushing the door open, the first thing Jimin trained his eyes on was Soo-min. She laid in her bed, her hair loose and messy and her eyes looking peaceful, instead of the usual hateful and cruel. He was pleased to see that she no longer had a bruise on her face from when he had struck her, but he didn't feel any guilt over the action. All things considered, maybe he should've done a bit worse. But now wasn't the time to think about things like that. 

When she saw the two boys to Jimin's surprise, she smiled, "You boys actually came."

"Y-you called for us," Jimin answered, hating how meek he sounded. For the first time the two were talking and were on equal footing. She held no power over him and he had no reason to fear her, but the emotional scars she left on him were still healing, if they would ever.

"What made you come?" Soo-min asked. 

"We...wanted to see how you were doing," Jimin said.

She looked over at Jungkook, raising an eyebrow, "We?"

To Jimin's surprise, Jungkook nodded, "Yeah. We."

"Why did you save me?" She asked softly. "Why didn't you...let me die?"

"Why did you want to die?" Jimin countered. 

"Because you were right," She whispered. "I'm pathetic. I lost my husband, my son hates me, and I poisoned the life of an innocent kid. That's all I am. Poison."

Jimin didn't have it in him to disagree, considering everything she put him through, but he still felt sorry for her. Her life hadn't exactly been a cake walk. That gave her no right to treat him and Jungkook in such a manner, but the fact that she had been so miserable to attempt to commit suicide still rocked him to his core.

"I'm sorry," She said. "You have no reason to forgive me. But...I'm sorry. Truly."

"I can't let you back in the house," Jimin said suddenly, not sure why he did. He just felt like he had to. 

She chuckled, "I know. I hate that damn house."

"It's my father's," Jimin said, suddenly feeling defensive. 

"He was a good man," She said. "You don't look anything like him. He was all tall and tough, and you...you're so small and soft. You must take after your mother." Jimin felt his cheeks reddening and Jungkook's hand on his shoulder. "I thought that you boys would let me die. Never would have dreamed that you'd actually try to save me."

"The days of me hating you are over," said Jimin. "From now on, I want to live peacefully. You should too. However you can."

Soo-min closed her eyes and let out a sigh, "I don't know how."

"Maybe we can all learn," Jungkook interjected. "Teach each other. We all don't have to be alone anymore."

Soo-min opened her eyes and looked at her son almost incredulously, like she was actually seeing him for the first time in his life. "Yes, maybe we don't."

***

After they left the hospital room, they travelled to the park where Jimin frequented a lot in his childhood with his father. They laid on the grass, looking up at the setting sun as the sky mixed into a myriad of beautiful colors. 

"So, what now?" Jungkook asked Jimin.

Jimin let out a breath, "I'm selling the house."

"Really?" Jungkook didn't sound surprised. 

"It'll help me pay for college...and...there's nothing left for me there. Being there just reminds me of a pretty painful time of my life that I think is time to leave behind. I finally have the means to go where I want. You do too."

"I don't even know what it is I want to do with my life," said Jungkook. "Whatever it is, I want to stay with you."

"You could always come with me and figure it out," said Jimin. "We can stick together."

He heard Jungkook's smile in his voice, "That sounds lovely."

"Don't get any ideas," said Jimin. "I think we should cool things down between us until then." Jungkook said nothing, and Jimin could tell he hated it, but he wasn't going to try to force Jimin to do anything he didn't want to. 

"I'll wait," said Jungkook. "Maybe I could learn a thing or two about patience."

"You desperately need it."

"Sit up," Jungkook suddenly said and Jimin obeyed. "Turn around." He said.

Jimin did as Jungkook said, slightly hesitant. He felt something cool around his neck and let out a soft gasp. "My chain!" The one he had flung back at Jungkook after Taehyung had forced them to break up. "I...you're giving it back to me."

"Of course," Jungkook said softly. "I love you."

Jimin turned to look at Jungkook, eyes wide. "You what?"

"I love you, Jimin ssi," Jungkook leaned towards him. "I'm yours for as long as you'll have me. I'll wait for you until the end of time if that's what you want. But please...until things...heat up, I guess. Can I have a kiss?"

Jimin didn't hesitate to lean forward and lock lips with Jungkook, who wrapped his arms around him and brought him closer. He felt Jungkook's warm skin and the rapid beating of his heart against Jimin's chest. He preferred these softer kisses to the rougher ones, despite the fact that the rough ones made his body tingle in ways one would deem inappropriate. 

After a few minutes Jimin tried to pull away but Jungkook cupped his face in his hands and nibbled on his bottom lip. 

"Just a little bit more," Jungkook mumbled. "You got anywhere to be?"

Jimin chuckled softly, letting Jungkook lay him back on the grass and slide on top of him, never breaking the almost euphoric kiss. "Nope. Nothing to do either."