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take my hand, and share this life with me

"and so, when a person meets the half that is his very own, whatever his orientation, whether it is to men or not, then something wonderful happens: the two are struck from their senses by love, by a sense of belonging to one another, and by desire, and they don't want to be seperated from one another, not even for a moment."

9 April 1912

"I can't believe you." Jimin sighed in fond exasperation, looking at his best friend, Taehyung, with twinkling eyes, despite the fact that he was supposed to be scolding Taehyung, he found himself more amused and endeared. 

Taehyung pouted, "Come on, Jimin-ah, he was a cruel brute that wanted to beat you because you fancy men."

Jimin shushed him with a gentle nudge, lest they attract unwanted attention from his best friend's words. "Yes, alright, but did you have to rob him? I thought you were just going to vandalise his home." 

Not that Jimin approved of that, but that was the least Taehyung could settle for after that ignorant baker wanted to beat Jimin, to set him right and cure him of his 'illness', so that Jimin could finally marry his daughter.

"That was the plan," Taehyung nodded in agreement, eyes lighting up by the second. "But then I saw his packed suitcases and on-top of the dining table laid two tickets. Two tickets for the Titanic, Jimin-ah, the Titanic!" Taehyung had this excited look in his eyes that had led Jimin into trouble more than once. 

"And how do you suppose we come back?" Jimin raised a brow, crossing his arms over his chest. 

Taehyung adverted his eyes, suddenly much more subdued than a second ago. Then after a lengthy silence, he said, "I was thinking . . . maybe we don't come back." 

Jimin gasped, eyes stinging with tears. "H-how can you say that?" 

"And what is there for us here, huh?" Taehyung challenged, sounding angry and frustrated. Seeing the look on Jimin's face, he softened, the fight leaving him. "Our families will never accept us, they don't want us with them anyway, so why don't we just leave and start a new life somewhere else? Somewhere we will be happy?"

When Jimin came out to his family and they rejected him, Taehyung was the only one who stood by him. Taehyung's parents tried to get him to abandon Jimin, but he refused. They disowned the both of them and the two boys had to leave their childhood homes and make a life on their own. 

"And what if we are not happy?" Jimin worried his bottom lip, swallowing thickly because he was seriously considering Taehyung's offer.

"That's what we'll have to find out." Taehyung said with a smile, looking so sure, so confident, so hopeful, that Jimin caved like a house of cards.

"Alright." Jimin finally nodded, smile slowly growing on his face. "Let us do it." 

"Great." Taehyung beamed. "Tomorrow we'll leave, and never come back." 

"Yes." Jimin nodded. After a moment he asked, "Do you think we ell be okay?" 

"Yeah." Taehyung nodded before asking cheerily, "What's the worst that can happen?" 

10 April 1912

"Taehyung-ah, slow down!" Jimin called after his friend with a cheerful laugh. He couldn't help it, he was just as excited as his best friend, but didn't bounce around from spot to spot without stopping, looking at anything and everything with childlike excitement, unrestrained and free. 

"Look, look, the ship!" Taehyung exclaimed, pointing to the enourmous ship. Jimin had never seen anything like it in his twenty-one years of life. 

"I can see." Jimin smiled so wide his cheeks hurt. Excitement and happiness was leaking from Taehyung's very pores and it quickly infected Jimin, who laughed with his head thrown back, allowing himself to be swept away by rush of joy and adrenaline that roared through his veins, twirling around and jumping up, letting out a little squeal (that he will deny until his dying day). 

His happiness was short-lived, when he heard Taehyung let out a yelp. Jimin's smile vanished and dread pulled violently at his stomach as he saw Taehyung on his ass, looking up at a man - who's back was turned to him - but looked very rich none the less. Taehyung must have bumped into him while bouncing around, high on happiness.

"Shit." Jimin swore, hurrying over to his best friend. He squatted next to Taehyung, looking at him worriedly. He'll worry about the rich man after he's made sure his best friend is not injured. "You okay?" 

"Yeah, I'm fine." Taehyung nodded, eyes glancing to the man he bumped into hesitantly. Jimin understood, he really did. Commoners like them could get into serious trouble for bumping into someone well off, even if it was by accident. No, it's not fair, but it is the way their world works. He really hopes that they can get away with an apology.

Jimin's eyes turned to the man Taehyung bumped into, eyes trailing up from his expensive shoes, long legs and a pair of muscled thighs, a broad chest, sharp jawline, soft looking lips and finally looking into brown eyes that were already staring straight at him, his heart thumping wildly as that intense gaze never wavered.

Wait.

Muscled thighs, broad chest, soft looking lips.

Ah, fuck. 

Jimin cleared his throat, trying to get his brain working to full function again, because this was absolutely not the man to develop an attraction towards. Their class difference was very obvious. Jimin in his tunic and breeches, with an old, worn in pair of boots. This stranger with his expensively tailored suit. And there was the fact that even if they are about to board the same ship, there was no chance he would see him again. And that he is probably not even interested in men. Or Jimin.

Still, Taehyung did bump into the obviously very rich man and they had to apologize. He bowed, kicking Taehyung in the leg so that his best friend would follow. 

"I'm so very sorry of bumping into you, it wasn't my intention." Taehyung said, and Jimin's could hear the sincerity and slight fear in his voice. 

"I, too, apologize on behalf of my best friend. It was an honest accident." Jimin said. They stood up right again, Jimin's heartbeat thumping faster as he noticed the man's gaze was still on him. 

A girl, not that much younger came from behind the stranger, looking down at Jimin and Taehyung with distaste. "That is what happens when you allow the riffraff on a magnificent ship such as this." 

The words and the look she aimed at them made Jimin's ears burn in embarrassment and he looked down at his worn boots, feeling inferior just like she probably wanted him too.

Jimin could see Taehyung opening his mouth out of the corner of his eyes to say something, definitely something very much not polite. He elbowed his friend harshly and pointedly, not wanting to get them in trouble.

Jimin's eye also caught the girl as she tried to loop her arm through the handsome stranger's arm and Jimin felt a strange sense of satisfaction and was pleased when the handsome man evaded her touch. The handsome man gave her a sharp look, "That's enough, Minji-ssi. It was an honest mistake that was caused by excitement to get to the ship, like I'm sure we all are."

Jimin looked back up, eyes locking onto that intense gaze again, surprised by the man's kindness and understanding. (It certainly didn't help is haywire heartbeat either.)

"How many times have I told you to stop calling me so formally?" The girl giggled, batting her eyes lashes at him and Taehyung's eyes rolled heavenwards. Jimin just adverted his gaze. 

"And how many times have I told you that it is not proper?" The stranger's finally turned to her, his voice hardened, facing growing cold and Jimin wanted to disappear. 

"But we are to be married." The girl, Minji, was saying matter-of-factly. Her words soured Jimin's stomach and he wanted to glare at her, for so openly claiming a man when she does not even have a ring on her finger. But then the handsome stranger looked at Jimin, and his heart lightened. 

It scared Jimin a little. 

"It is exactly as you said." Taehyung saying excitedly, speaking before the stranger could, trying to break the tension, pointing at the handsome man. "I am very excited and I was not watching where I was going. I sincerely apologize again."

The stranger didn't even glance at Taehyung, kept looking at Jimin, who felt his ears burn for a different reason this time around. Jimin bowed again, giving him a gentle smile when he stood up right. "Thank you for your kindness." 

"It is no trouble. After all, no harm was done." The stranger said, sounding a little breathless.

"We will go now." Jimin said, not wanting to take his eyes off the man, not wanting to leave, but knowing that he and Taehyung didn't belong here. The handsome stranger nodded stiffly, something in his eyes flashing but it was gone before Jimin could figure out what it is. "Have a safe journey. I bid you goodbye." 

"The same to you." The stranger said after him.

Jimin turned and walked away, unaware of the eyes that never wavered from his form.

***

"So, what was that?" Taehyung asked, the moment they were out of ear-shot of the handsome man. 

Jimin frowned, not sure what Taehyung meant. "What was what?" 

"Do not play dumb with me." Taehyung scoffed, offended. "I saw the way you two were looking at each other, making heart eyes at one another." 

"We did not look at each other," Jimin denied immediately, completely flustered by Taehyung calling him out. Yes, he thought that the stranger was the most handsome man he has ever laid eyes on, but that's it. He spluttered a little. "T-there was no heart eyes whatsoever." 

Taehyung crossed his arms over his chest, giving Jimin the most skeptical look he could he could muster. "You forget I have known you all our lives, Jimin-ah." 

"I do not know what you're talking about." Jimin brushed him off, trying get his heart under control. It just wouldn't settle down. 

Taehyung gaped at him, disbelief evident on his face. "You can not seriously believe I will fall for it." 

"Taehyung, drop it." Jimin snapped, immediately feeling guilty afterwards. "Sorry, but even if I did have an attraction towards him - which I do not -" Taehyung didn't believe him, and Jimin knew it so he didn't feel bad about lying. As a matter of fact, it made him feel better. "-he is way of my league and most probably not even interested in men. And if he was, he certainly wouldn't be interested in me." 

"Why not?" Taehyung frowned at his friend, not liking his attitude. "There's nothing wrong with you. You are a kind and beautiful soul." He smirked, giving Jimin's body a pointed glance. "And the package isn't bad either." 

Jimin rolled his eyes lightly at his best friend's antics. "Because we come from completely different worlds, Taehyung-ah. Stupid and naive does not make the list of things I am." 

No, but stubborn does, Taehyung thought to himself. 

"You do not know what he feels." Taehyung said softly, feeling the need to remind his friend of that fact. 

"And I do not plan on finding out." There was a finality to Jimin's words that made Taehyung finally drop it. 

Jimin repeated his words to himself until it gave him a headache. 

(It still didn't help him put the handsome man out of his mind.)

***

Taehyung, ever the social butterfly, made friends the moment they stepped into the third-class deck. They had dinner and held an extremely boisterous party that Jimin enjoyed for the most part. He drank two beers, not very fond of getting drunk after his coming of age party at eighteen and he got black out drunk and woke up on the other side of town. 

"I'm going to get some air." Jimin told a giggly and clearly tipsy Taehyung, who was dancing with two girls. Taehyung nodded and Jimin left, snorting when he saw the girl's trying to get closer to his best friend but Taehyung just avoided them carefully. Much like Jimin, Taehyung wanted to wait until he falls in love before he has sex. But that doesn't mean they can't enjoy a good party. 

Jimin used the staircase instead of the lift to get to the outside deck. He sighed in relief when the cool night air hit his warm skin. It was really warm and stuffy down there with all of the excitement, smoke and heavy breathing from the patry. He walked to the railing and looked down at the black abyss beneath them. It looked cold and a little scary. 

Jimin didn't venture far away from the side of the boat, he was planning on exploring the entire upper deck the next day. 

"We meet again." A voice said. It was deep, but not as deep as Taehyung's and comforting. Jimin took a moment to appreciate the softness of it, the way it made his belly flutter pleasantly before his mind registered that he knows that voice. His head whipped to the side. 

It was the handsome stranger, who was wearing a different suit now. The cloth was a deep blue, much like the night sky above them - he was wearing a light grey one that morning, not that Jimin paid much attention or anything - and his hair was styled like it was earlier. Swept back and kept in place with products that Jimin would never put in his unruly hair. It made him look so very handsome that Jimin's heart ached a bit. No one person should be this handsome. 

"Oh, hello." Jimin bowed at him, heart immediately beating faster. 

The stranger frowned a little at his actions, tilting his head at him curiously. "I never got your name." 

"Jimin. Park Jimin." He introduced, palms a little calmy. 

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Park Jimin-ssi." The handsome stranger smiled at him and Jimin's breath hitched at the sight, the bunny like smile made him look even younger than he already was. Jimin was caught between wanting to coo and wanting to swoon. "I'm Jeon Jeongguk." 

"Jeongguk-ssi." Jimin repeated, liking the way it rolled of his tongue. 

Jeongguk did too, goosebumps rising on his flesh. 

Jimin grinned at him and Jeongguk's stomach fluttered, "Nice to meet you, too." 

Remembering the girl from earlier, Jimin's smile faltered a bit and he quickly fixed it, but not before Jeongguk caught it. 

He stepped closer to Jimin, concern evident on his face. "Is everything alright, Jimin-ssi?" 

"Yes, everything is fine." Jimin gave a forced smile, hoping it seemed real enough. "Congratulations on your engagement." 

"What engagement?" Jeongguk asked, looking bewildered.

"To the lovely maiden, the one from when we met." Jimin explained. 

"Ah." Realisation spread on Jeongguk's face and he relaxed. "We are not getting married, Jimin-ssi." 

Confused - but also very much relieved - Jimin spoke, "But she said-" 

"Minji-ssi is a lovely girl, but I am only nineteen. And even if I was older, I have no wish to marry her. My parents as well as her's wishes for me to marry her and she has come to wish it too, but I do not want it." 

"Oh." Jimin said, feeling an inappropriate amount of joy over Jeongguk's words. "My apologies then." 

"No apologies necessary." Jeongguk waved him off.

Jimin hesitated for a few moments, then decided to just ask. "If it is not to bold, may I ask why?" 

Jeongguk looked at him, his gaze still as piercing as it was earlier that day. It made Jimin a little weak in the knees. Finally, he answered. "I want to wait for love. I know it may seem foolish and like madness but I can not embrace the idea of marrying someone who I do not love." 

"I do not think you are foolish." Jimin assured him immediately, then gave him a soft smile. "I would be a hypocrite if I did." 

Jeongguk looked at him, pleasantly surprised and smiling at the other man openly. "So, you wish for the same then? To marry for love and passion, rather than convenience?" 

Jimin hated the way his gaze lingered on Jeongguk for a tad to long before nodding in agreement. "Yes, I do." 

"There is no one special in your life then?" Jeongguk asked, well aware that he was pushing it a bit, but he had this desire, and almost need, to know the answer to the question. 

"No, there is not." Jimin said, then after a moment he ammended, "Not in that manner at least." 

"What do you mean?" Jeongguk frowned at him curiously. 

"My best friend, Taehyung, he is very dear and special to me." Jimin explained.

"Oh." Jeongguk said, not knowing how else to respond to that. 

A pleasant silence enveloped them as they both looked out into the darkness of the night, occasionally looking up that the sky full of stars. It hit Jimin out of nowhere, how comfortable he was with a near stranger. He sucked in a sharp breath of air, feeling more than a little of kilter.  

"I should go and get some rest." Jimin said, turning away from the other man before he had the chance to say anything. 

"Wait!" Jeongguk exclaimed and against his better judgement, Jimin did. It took less than five seconds for Jeongguk to stand infront of Jimin. "Will I see you again, Jimin-ssi?" He asked, sounding pleading and a little desperate all at once, just stopping short of stepping into Jimin's personal space. 

Jimin's eyes flickered around, shrugging lightly as he answered. "I don't know, it is a big ship." 

"Not that big." Jeongguk countered and Jimin met his eyes again. They stared at each other, neither looking away. Something inside of them was tugging them closer to each other, like a magnetic pull. 

Jimin's heart pounded and he took a step back, "I guess we will have to see." 

11 April 1912

"You seem happy this morning." Jeongguk's mother told him the next morning in the dining room while they were eating breakfast. 

Jeongguk ducked his smiling head with a flush staining his cheeks. "I just had a good sleep."

He wasn't about to tell her that he is excited to see Jimin again today, that he thought of him until he fell asleep, that he has been thinking about him ever since he's woken up. That he would look for him, if that's what it took.  

His mother eyed him, but didn't say anything further. Jeongguk was glad. He knew that if she or his father ever found out the truth about why his mood has bloomed so brightly, they would be furious. Apart from the fact that Jimin was a man, he was also not wealthy like they are. Not that has ever mattered to Jeongguk. All people have always been equal to him. They all come into the world the same, they bleed the same, and will go out of it. 

Jeongguk honestly didn't know what it is about this specific man, but from there two times they met, Jeongguk realised that his heart sang around Jimin, leaving him with the desire to know more and more. 

Next to him, Minji tried to talk to him but he kept zoning out, mind drifting back to Jimin's smile, his smaller body that looked like it would fit nicely against his. Jeongguk felt his cheeks heat. 

"Did you have anything planned for today?" Minji asked him.

Try to find Jimin and spend time with him, Jeongguk thought happily to himself but he couldn't say that. 

"I was thinking about exploring the ship." Jeongguk said, which wasn't a complete lie, he was planing on exploring. While looking for Jimin. 

"Maybe you could take Minji-yah with you." His mother suggested. Jeongguk suppressed the urge to sigh. He knew what his mother was doing but his resolve was set. He wasn't lying to Jimin when he told him he would marry for love and nothing less. And lovely as she is, he does not love Minji.

"Maybe another day." Jeongguk said, ignoring the way his mother's face fell along with Minji's. He felt a little bad, but just shook it off, knowing that if it was up to them, he'd be married already. 

***

Taehyung was all over Jimin the next morning, eyes glittering as he demanded to know everything that happened between Jimin and Jeongguk - Jimin had told his best friend the name of the stranger who he bumped into, which led to Taehyung asking how he knew and Jimin admitted how they talked on the deck the previous evening and since then Taehyung has leeched onto Jimin. 

"Give me all of the juicy details." Taehyung pressed with a wiggle of his eyesbrows, tugging on Jimin's arm expectantly. 

Jimin pulled away from Taehyung's hold, cheeks flaming. "There is no juicy details. We just talked a little. That's it." 

Taehyung stared at him, trying to figure out if he was lying to him but finally he saw that Jimin wasn't keeping anything from him. He nodded in satisfaction, then declared, "I want to let the record show that I am completely and totally convinced that you two will fall madly in love." 

"I want to let the record show that I am completely and totally convinced that you are delusional." Jimin mocked with a roll of his eyes, not being able to stop the way his cheeks flushed a bit at the thought of Jeongguk being in love with him, but immediately pushed the thought away.

"You mark my words, Jimin-ah. You'll fall in love with each other." Taehyung said, voice sure and then mused softly to himself. "If it wasn't love at first sight already." 

Jimin heard him and glared at his friend. "Okay, that is it. You are no longer my best friend."

"Do not hate on me because you can not handle the truth." Taehyung smirked smugly.

"It is not true." Jimin hissed, a little annoyed because it was hard enough for him already. He didn't need Taehyung insisting there was anything more to this when there isn't.

"Yes, it is. I can tell." Taehyung said, not a flicker of doubt in his eyes. 

"I do not know if I should be happy that you support me or concerned that you actually believe that." Jimin mused, tilting his head at Taehyung.

"Ah-ha!" Taehyung crowed triumphantly. "So, you do like him." 

Jimin groaned, barely resisting the urge to slap his palm against his forehead. Really, he should have known Taehyung would twist his words like this. "No, I do not. I am expressing my concern for you." 

"Lying is a sin, you know." Taehyung commented with a smug smirk.

"You would know." Jimin retorted with a good natured grin.

"Yah!" His best friend exclaimed, gaping in offense. 

Jimin snickered.

***

"Eligible bachelor, in coming." Taehyung said from where he was leaning with his back against the railing of the boat, leaning closer to Jimin, who was looking out over the ocean, admiring the sky and water during twilight.

Jimin was confused, "What?" 

Taehyung pointed - it was nearing sundown and their was no one else on deck - and Jimin hesitantly turned to look. His stomach flipped when he spotted Jeongguk walking in their direction. Of course. Why did he expect someone else?

Before Jimin could think of making an escape and running away, Jeongguk was infront of them and Jimin almost swore. Damn, he's fast. Jeongguk smiled at them, gaze lingering on Jimin. "Good evening, Jimin-ssi, Taehyung-ssi." 

"Hello again, Jeongguk-ssi." Taehyung waved with an enthusiastic grin. 

Jimin smiled, despite himself, when Jeongguk looked at him expectantly. "Good evening, Jeongguk-ssi." 

"Well, I just remembered that I have to do this really important thing before dinner, so bye!" Taehyung said, barely finishing his sentence before he was speed walking away from them.

"Taehyung-ah!" Jimin calls after him but it was in vein. His best friend just gave him a thumbs up behind Jeongguk's back before slipping out of sight. Jimin really facepalmed this time.

"Nice to see you as it is, Jeongguk-ssi, I should go and check what he is up too. Make sure that he does not get himself into trouble." Jimin rambled, just thinking of getting away from here. He stepped past Jeongguk, nose filling with clean, stong but not overpowering scent that came from Jeongguk. Jimin tripped over thin air, and braced his body and resigned himself to making a fool out of himself infront of Jeongguk. 

Arms wrapped around his middle before he could hit the wooden deck, pulling him back against a muscular chest. That combined with the strong arms around his waist and the scent of Jeongguk that surrounded him like this really, really didn't help his pounding heart.

"Take a walk with me." Jeongguk meant to ask but it came out more like a command. Jimin flinched and the younger realised how his words sounded. He let go of Jimin's waist, waiting until Jimin turned to face him before he spoke again, voice much softer and a tad vulnerable as he asked, "Please?" 

His mind was screaming at him no, that this could lead to nothing but heartache. But his heart? Oh, his heart wanted anything this beautiful man was willing to give. Even if it was just a few words. Jimin nodded slowly, nerves coming to life all of a sudden. He clenched his fists to hide their tremors as he answered, "Alright." 

They walked together, side by side, feeling jittery from nerves and excitement to spend more time with each other. 

"How has your day been?" Jeongguk broke the silence first, a nervous, but happy smile play on his lips. 

"Very peaceful. I like it here, out at sea." Jimin said, inhaling a deep breath of fresh air and smiling gently when he slowly let it out. He looked at Jeongguk, remembering his manners. "How was your day, Jeongguk-ssi?" 

His cheeks coloured a bit and Jimin was curious but decided not to pry. It was one thing to ask under the cover of darkness but quite another to ask something personal in the daylight - granted the sun was almost down, but still, not quite. "Very quiet. I am normally very busy but this is like a vacation for me." 

"I hope you get enough rest then." Jimin said. 

"Would you like to have dinner with me tonight?" Jeongguk blurted, ears burning a second later. He quickly added on, "Your friend is more than welcome to join us." 

Oh, how Jimin wanted to share a meal with Jeongguk, to get to know him in his own world, but he could not. He did not fancy getting dirty looks and nasty sneers from all of the wealthy people on this ship. He shook his head stiffly, "No, thank you. I would rather not." 

"What about going for a swim after dinner in the pool? I went for a swim yesterday evening and the water is lovely. There is not really anyone there, if that's what you're worried about. Most men prefer to smoke while drinking and the ladies prefer to drink tea after dinner." Jeongguk looked at him, biting on his bottom lip, eyes so hopeful, and it tugged on Jimin's very fragile heart strings. 

Jimin nodded, "Alright. I will swim with you. Can Taehyung come?" 

"Of course." 

Jimin pretended he couldn't hear the disappointed note in Jeongguk's voice. 

***

"No." Taehyung said firmly. 

Jimin's brows dipped, sure he was hearing his best friend wrong. "What do you mean no?" 

"I mean, no, I will not go with you." 

"Why not?" 

"Look, he might have said that he is okay with me coming along, and chances are he won't mind me tagging along as long as you come with, but he would obviously like to spend some time with you alone." 

"Tae, I do not trust myself around him. My mind is completely scrambled around him." Jimin whispered, so, so softly, hanging his head so that he wouldn't see this friend's smug look. 

"Oh, Jimin-ah," Taehyung sighed gently. He wrapped his arms around Jimin. The smaller looked up and was surprised to see that he was looking at him sympathetically. "Do not worry, you are stronger than you think." 

"You really believe that?" 

"Of course I do." Taehyung said brightly, placing a kiss on his hair. Jimin laughed lightly. It was silent for all of five seconds. "Also, I did tell you so." 

"Taehyung-ah!"

"The answer is still no, by the way." 

"You are a horrible friend." Jimin grumbled.

Taehyung grinned, "I love you too." 

***

Jimin's nerves were shot. He didn't know what to do with himself as he and Jeongguk walked to the indoor pool. They had met back on the deck, after dinner, and they were now going to swim. Jimin didn't know if they are going to swim in their clothes. Somehow he couldn't imagine Jeongguk swimming in his expensive suit.

He got his answer after Jeongguk got towels for each of them and started taking off his suit jacket. Jimin squeaked, slapping a hand over his eyes as he turned around. "What are you doing?" 

"Getting undressed. Unless you want to swim in your clothes and get it all wet." Jeongguk explained. Jimin slowly turned back around, dropping his hand to his side. He made sure to keep his gaze above Jeongguk's neck. 

Jimin crossed his arms over his chest, lifting his chin determinedly as he informed Jeongguk that, "I am not swimming in the nude." 

Jeongguk let out a strangled sound. His neck, cheeks and ears all flushed a deep red. "Neither am I! I wasn't going any further than underpants." 

"Oh." Jimin said, feeling embarresed, too. He didn't know what to say, so he didn't say anything, he just started undressing until he was left in his underpants. He didn't look at Jeongguk once while undressing and when he finally looked up, Jimin's mouth went dry. 

Jeongguk's naked upper body was something he thought would only exist in dreams. His fingers itched to touch all of that tan skin that was on display so beautifully, run his hands all over it. When his thoughts turned indecent, like how Jeongguk's skin would feel under his tongue, how it would taste, Jimin turns away quickly, jumping into the pool gracelessly, causing a huge splash.

When he surfaced, he sees Jeongguk still standing on the side of the pool. He tilts his head at the very handsome man, who was looking incredibly nervous. "Aren't you getting in?" 

"Yes." Jeongguk nodded immediately. He dived into the pool, with much more grace than Jimin, looking like he does this a lot. He surfaced and uh-oh, Jimin was in so much trouble. 

A dry, half naked Jeongguk is one thing, but a wet, half naked Jeongguk was making his legs tremble and his brain malfunction. Jeongguk ran a hand through his wet hair to push it out of his eyes, which really didn't help Jimin focus and it definitely made Jeongguk look really hot. He saw that the younger male's hair is longer than he thought and that it curls. Jimin wonders what it looks like when it is dry and unstyled, like maybe when he wakes up first thing in the morning.

Jimin was in the middle trying to figure out how to have a conversation with Jeongguk without saying something stupid because his attractiveness was making it hard to think right, when suddenly a large splash of water smacked him in the face. 

A trickle of water comes out of his mouth as he wipes his face, then Jimin turns to a snickering Jeongguk, eyes narrowed. "You think you are funny?" 

"You should have seen your face." Jeongguk wheezes. "It is priceless."

Jimin splashed water at Jeongguk so fast, he doesn't see it coming. The look on his face is hilarious, and Jimin burst out laughing. 

"You are right," Jimin said, tone still full of laughter. "It is priceless." 

"You better be able to finish what you have started, Jimin-ssi." Jeongguk said before he advances on Jimin, something predatory in his gaze.

"But you started it." Jimin shrieks as he fled.

Jeongguk seemed to have turned momentarily deaf because he doesn't listen to anything Jimin has to say as he continues chasing him through the pool. Jimin keeps darting out of his reach just before he could catch him. It should have been frustrating, for someone as competitive as he is, but instead it was thrilling. He liked chasing Jimin around, trying to catch him as if they were playing a game of water tag.

Jeongguk realised with a start that it stopped being about getting back at Jimin for splashing him back (which he fully deserves but there is that competitive streak in him) and it started being fun, being playful. He liked it way too much. 

Finally, he caught Jimin and it was the sweetest victory out of everything he has triumphed throughout his life. 

"Got you." He whispered, low and breathless. Jimin's back was pressed to his chest as he held his arms around Jimin's waist. 

"Yes, you did." Jimin, too, was sounding breathless but that wasn't surprising, considering how they just played. When he looked at Jeongguk, up over his shoulder, Jeongguk's belly fluttered. 

Jimin's heart was trying to beat out of his chest, he was sure. Looking into Jeongguk's dark eyes, it felt like he was melting from the inside out. 

Suddenly, the space between them was too much. Jimin wanted to turn around in Jeongguk's arms, wrap his hands around his shoulders and kiss him until their lips were swollen and their lungs burned. 

Jimin realised what he was thinking, dreaming really, and pulled out of Jeongguk's embrace as fast as he could. 

"I have to go." He said, not looking back at Jeongguk again and swimming to the side of the pool. 

Jeongguk was so confused by the abrupt change of mood that he was disoriented for a few moments and by the time he regained his train of thought, Jimin was out of the pool and halfway dressed, "Did I do something wrong?" 

Jimin squeezed his eyes shut tightly, shaking his head and willing his voice not to break. "No, you did not, Jeongguk-ssi. I just really need to go. I promised Taehyung to have a drink with him before going to sleep." 

As Jimin walked away, he swore to himself that he'll stay as far away from Jeon Jeongguk as he possibly could.

12 April 1912

What happened next, was not one of Jimin's prouder moments in life he just couldn't face Jeongguk after that. 

A crush was one thing, something manageable, something he could get over in time, but this was more. Jimin knows it like he knows his own name. There is something deeper pulling him to Jeongguk, something that scares him because him and Jeongguk are world's apart. And yesterday night, in that pool, he very almost gave into the pull and kissed Jeongguk. 

He hadn't lied to Taehyung when he said that he can't control himself around Jeongguk. What almost happened in the pool, how close he came to doing something extremely stupid, just proves that.

So, he made the decision to avoid Jeongguk.

And it made him miserable from the second he made the choice.

Taehyung picked up on it the second he stepped to the door that night, still waiting up with sparkling, eager eyes, wanting to know how it went and what happened. Jimin couldn't help it, he burst into tears. 

Immediately alarmed, Taehyung wrapped Jimin up in a hug, comforting his best friend, swearing on his Grandma's grave that if Jeongguk hurt him, he'll beat him up, no matter how high and mighty he is. 

"Taehyung-ah, he is twice the size of you." Jimin had laughed wetly. 

"If he doesn't see me coming, I think I could get one good hit in before he knocks me out." Taehyung had said confidently, nodding to himself as he seriously considered it, seeming not to care about getting knocked out, as long as he gets to defend Jimin. 

Jimin assured him that it wouldn't be necessary, that Jeongguk didn't hurt him, he did that all by himself as he got carried away by his stupid heart.

And this morning, Jimin didn't even want to go out of his cabin. Taehyung had to bring his food to the cabin they shared with two others. He just laid in bed, feeling sorry for himself. 

That night when Taehyung came back for good, not just to drop off food but to turn in for the night, he looked at Jimin down in the bottom bunk. He bit his bottom lip, seeming to be contemplating something. 

Finally, he said, "He asked after you today, you know." 

Jimin's traitorous heart skipped a beat and warmth spread through him. Jimin pushed the feelings away, cross with himself, and decided to lie through his teeth. "I do not care." 

Taehyung sighed, knowing the truth anyway because he knows Jimin. "Just talk to him, Jimin-ah." 

"No." Jimin's stubborn mind was set.

"He does not deserve to be treated so coldly when he has done nothing wrong." Taehyung said, just this side of stern with his best friend. 

Jimin's face crumpled and he sat up, eyes shiny as he looked at Taehyung, voice pleading, "Please do not make me feel worse than I already do." 

"Talk to him," Taehyung insisted. "If for nothing else than to tell him you should not see each other again." 

Jimin's voice broke when he said, "I can not."

***

13 April 1912

Taehyung fixed Jimin with a firm look the next morning, hands on his hips. "Okay, that is enough sulking, Jimin-ah. I will not allow this. Get up." 

"I do not want too." Jimin's voice came from underneath his blankets, covered from head to toe.

Taehyung pulled down the blankets, "Too bad. Life is full of things we cannot have." 

Jimin nodded, pulling the blankets back up until it was underneath his chin. "I know. Like Jeongguk." 

Taehyung scoffed at him, looking down at him with a scrunched nose. "This is both ridiculous and sad. Get up, Park Jimin." 

"No."

"Either you get up or I tell Jeongguk why you are sulking." Taehyung threatened. 

Jimin looked at him hesitantly, "You would not." 

Taehyung cocked a challenging brow, "Want to find out?" 

Jimin doesn't think he's ever gotten up so fast in all his life.

In truth, he felt better once he had a shower and got dressed, not that he would tell Taehyung because pride and such. And once he was outside, inhaling the fresh, sea air, he felt even better. 

Jimin walked on the deck, taking in the vast expanse of ocean all around them. It was the only place people in their class was allowed to go, apart from the lower compartments where they sleep, but it was still such a beautiful sight that the rest of the ship couldn't possibly compare in Jimin's mind.

Out of nowhere, a hand grabbed him and he was pulled into the stair case.

He wanted to scream, opened his mouth to do exactly that when his voice died in his throat upon realising who it was. His heart sped up its pace as he looked into those mesmerizing eyes.

"You have been avoiding me." Jeongguk accused, poorly concealed hurt laced in his words.

"I have not." Jimin defended automatically, but it was weak. 

"Yes, you have." There was no doubt in Jeongguk's tone. "I looked for you everywhere yesterday, worried out of my mind when I could not find you, and when I bumped into Taehyung, he would not meet my eyes during the time when we talked and I asked him about you." 

Jimin was quiet for a long while, gathering his thoughts and his courage. He looked up eventually, meeting Jeongguk's eyes. He took a breath and said, "I just think it would be better if we didn't see each other again." 

The words struck Jeongguk silent, heart stopping in his chest because he did not want that. Couldn't imagine not seeing Jimin ever again. Everything inside of him screamed at him with just the mere idea. 

"Why?" Jeongguk asked, hoping that his voice wouldn't betray how much those words bothered him. His aching heart made everything fuzzy.

Jimin swallowed thickly, "Because we come from different worlds." 

"And that should be enough to keep us apart." Jeongguk said, voice flat, emotionless.

"Yes." 

Jeongguk shook his head, breath shaky, "I thought you were different. That you do not care about material things." 

"I do not." Jimin said, voice firm.

"Then prove it." Jeongguk retorted.

"How?" 

"Stop avoiding me." 

Jimin sighed deeply, looking so defeated at it made Jeongguk want to reach out and wrap his arms around him, hold tight and never let go. His eyes were so vulnerable as he gazed at the younger, "What do you want from me, Jeongguk-ssi?" 

"Anything." Jeongguk said out loud, when he really thought: I want everything of you. I want to taste your lips, I want to take you to bed, I want to wake up next to you. But no, Jeongguk couldn't say that to him. "Come on, Jimin-ssi, is it really so bad spending time with me?" He asked when the silence between them stretched on, looking more and more nervous as the seconds ticked by. 

Jimin shook his head. "I- no." 

"Then why can we not spend time together?" Jeongguk pressed. 

"I already told you why." 

"And I do not care about it, so why do you?"

"I . . ." Jimin couldn't get any further. Finally, he admitted, "I am out of excuses." 

Jeongguk smiled warmly down at Jimin, who flushed under his soft gaze, looking down at his feet. A few strands of Jimin's black hair fell into his eyes and before Jeongguk could stop himself, he brushed it away. 

Jimin looked up, eyes widening as Jeongguk ran a finger down his jaw. His throat went dry at the touch, his heart beating wildly. 

"Can I draw you, Jimin-ssi?" Jeongguk asked softly. 

Caught of guard, Jimin blurted the first thing that came to mind. "Why?" 

Jeongguk's response came immediately, without hesitation. "Because you are beautiful and it would be a shame not too." 

Jimin, who's cheeks had just cooled down, flushed down to the roots of his hair all over again. He spluttered, "You cannot go around saying things like that, Jeongguk-ssi." 

"Why not?" Jeongguk wanted to know with a sweet smile. 

"Because you will give me false hope." Jimin whispered, dropping his eyes once more.

Jeongguk's heart lifted, because that means that Jimin likes him too. Right?

"And who says it is false hope?" Jeongguk whispered back, using a finger to tip Jimin's head up to his, eyes glancing down at his lips with obvious intent. 

Jimin's breath caught in his throat, "Jeongguk-ssi-" 

"Jeongguk-ah." The man interrupted.

Jimin frowned, "Huh?" 

"I do not like it when you call me so informally, Jimin-ah." Jeongguk said his name with a hint of a smirk on the corners of his mouth.

The older man narrowed his eyes, "That's Jimin-hyung to you, you brat." 

"Very well, Jimin. . .hyung." Jeongguk nodded with a bright smile. He risked another step closer, hesitatung for a moment before daring to rest his hands on Jimin's waist. Jimin didn't move away from him and Jeongguk's heart soared. 

"Jeongguk-ah." Jimin tested it out. A shiver climbed up Jeongguk's spine and this close to the younger, Jimin could feel it. He smiled at Jeongguk. "I like it." 

"Me too." Jeongguk muttered, eyes hooded as he gazed down at Jimin. "Does this mean I can draw you?" 

"You like art?" Jimin asked curiously.

"Yes, I am actually a very well known artist." Jeongguk told him. "To people with an interest in art, that is." He quickly added on when he saw the way Jimin's face fell, because clearly, Jimin does not know who he is. "I do mostly paintings but I like drawing when it is something special." Jeongguk felt his cheeks flush when he realised what he just said, but met Jimin's eyes nonetheless. "Is that a yes, then?" 

Jimin gave an exaggerated sigh, but there was a smile quirking on his lips. "Yes, Jeongguk-ah, you can draw me." 

Jeongguk beamed, bright and excited, grabbing Jimin's hands, "Let us go." 

Jimin's mouth dropped open. "Right now?"

"Why not?"

Jimin thought about it, then asked, "Where exactly do you plan on drawing me?" 

"I have a studio connected to my room." Jeongguk answered automatically, because he asked for an extra room connected to his bedroom and that was where he planned on spending most of his days on the ship but then he met Jimin and down the drain went those plans. 

Jimin's eyebrows raised heavenward, his eyes bugging, "You have a- of course you do. I forget that you are stinking rich sometimes." 

Jeongguk laughed lightly, "Funny, considering that seems to be the only thing people usually remembers about me, apart from my art, of course."  

"I do not really care about that." Jimin said with a shrug, before realising how that might have sounded. He gave Jeongguk an apologetic smile. "Sorry, I did not mean to offend you." 

Jeongguk waved him off, "Do not be sorry. I like that it does not matter to you." 

"Really?" 

"Yes," Jeongguk nodded earnestly. "It means you spend time with me for no other reason than me." 

Jimin's brows dipped, "Why else would I be spending time with you?" 

"For my money." Jeongguk answered. 

Jimin looked deeply offended by that, "I would never-" 

Jeongguk cut Jimin off by placing his hands on Jimin's shoulders, rubbing gently at the tensed muscles, "I know, Jimin-ssi, uh, hyung. Please calm down. I did not mean it insinuate that you are, I was simply answering your question." 

Jimin thought about it, then nodded, eying Jeongguk, "As long as you know." 

"I know." Jeongguk smiled softly. He realised he was still rubbing Jimin's shoulders and quickly removed his hands, rubbing the nape of his neck shyly. "Come on, my room is this way." 

Jimin couldn't stop staring at the room in amazement. Everything screamed luxury and wealth - the bed, the sheets, even the drawers for clothing. It made Jimin a bit uncomfortable, not used to such things, but Jeongguk's presence was enough to calm him down. 

"Over there." Jeongguk said, pointing to a door that obviously led to the adjoining room. Or studio, as Jeongguk called it.

It was a beautiful room. Sun lit by windows and full of all Jeongguk's paintings standing all over the room. There was two large cases that was on-top of the table in the room, unopened. 

Jimin nodded to the cases, "More paintings?" 

"My painting equipment, actually." Jeongguk's ears turned red for a reason that escaped Jimin's knowledge as he opened one of the suitcases, looking for a drawing pad and pencils. "I have not had the time to unpack them yet." 

Something about that didn't sit right with Jimin because they've been on the ship for three days and what has Jeongguk been doing in all that time? Jimin decided not to ask. 

"Would you like something to drink?" Jeongguk asked.

"A glass of water would be nice." Jimin answered.

Jeongguk for the water from the table with all sorts of alcohol but Jimin thought mixing alcohol with his feelings and the man himself, would be a disaster.

"You can just sit over there." Jeongguk pointed to one of the chairs in the room. Jimin did as told and sighed as he sat down. The chair was so comfortable. Jeongguk chuckled when he heard it, but said nothing. He pulled a chair closer to where Jimin sat, pencils and his drawing book in his hand.

"Do I just sit like this?" Jimin asked.

Jeongguk nodded, "Yes, you can move around if you really have to but please try and stay as still as possible." 

Jeongguk was a quiet artist, complete and utterly captivated in what he does. Rarely speaking, all his focus on drawing. 

Jimin took the time to think about what happened earlier in the staircase and study Jeongguk. He could get away with staring all he wants because where else is he supposed to look? 

Jimin didn't know what to think, in all honesty. He thought about Jeongguk's words 'who says it's false hope?' What is he supposed to do with that? Was Jeongguk serious? If he is, what will happen? If he is not, why would he say it in the first place? Where do they go from here?

Hours later, because Jeongguk is an absolute perfectionist, he stood from his chair with a satisfied look on his face, holding out the book for Jimin hesitantly, a shy look on his face. 

Jimin looked at the very detailed drawing and while he didn't know anything about art he knew that Jeongguk must be seriously talented to draw something like this.

"It's beautiful." He said honestly.

Jeongguk beamed, standing a bit straighter, obviously proud. "Thank you, Jimin-hyung." 

Jimin stared, Jeongguk stared back. The pull that was always been them, always simmering beneath the surface, came to life with an almost overwhelming power. Jimin wanted to be closer again. So much closer. 

But he didn't know what is allowed and what isn't, so he took a step back and said, "It is getting late, I should go."  

Jeongguk looked disappointed, but didn't argue as they bid each other goodbye. Jimin turned around, hand on the door handle of Jeongguk's bedroom when his voice stopped Jimin. 

"I was serious earlier, you know." 

Jimin looked at Jeongguk over his shoulder, nerves fluttering because he had an idea what Jeongguk was talking about but did not want to jump to conclusions and turn out wrong. 

"About what?" He asked. 

"I am not giving you false hope." Jeongguk said, taking a step closer.

Jimin turned away, heart clenching and his hope flaring wildly. "Jeongguk-ah..." 

"I did not think you felt the same. I did not once dare to hope that you might, not until a few hours ago." Jeongguk walked until he was right behind Jimin, wrapped his arms around his waist and rested his chin on Jimin's shoulder, speaking softly. "I fell for you the moment I saw you, Jimin-hyung. It was right before Taehyung-ssi bumped into me. I did not see him coming, because I was busy staring at you. You were laughing, looking so happy and carefree. You took my breath away in that moment. And in every moment after."

The words broke down all of Jimin's limited self control, and he couldn't take it anymore. He turned around and kissed Jeongguk. Jeongguk froze for a second, caught off guard, but then he kissed back eagerly. It was warm and a little messy, both of them unwilling to let go now they've had a taste. 

At some point Jimin found himself pressed against the door, Jeongguk's larger frame covering him, casing him in with a hand on each side of his head, but he didn't mind. He liked it, it made him feel safe and protected, wanted and desired. 

Finally, when the lack of air could no longer be ignored, Jimin's toes curling in his boots, they pulled apart, chests heaving against each other.

"I-i should really go." Jimin said, reluctantly, breathlessly. 

Jeongguk nodded in agreement, just as breathless. "Yes, you should." 

"See you tomorrow?" Jimin asked shyly.

"Yes. Absolutely." 

Neither of them moved. 

Finally, Jimin pressed gently against Jeongguk's sturdy chest with his hands and the younger stepped back. 

"Hold on a second." Jeongguk said to Jimin before disappearing into his studio and returning a minute later. He held up a piece of rolled up paper so it wouldn't crease. "It was always for you, so you will never forget how beautiful you are." 

"Thank you." Jimin took it, cheeks flushed and quickly slipped out the door. He just hoped no one would stop him on his way out of first class. Lucikly no one did and only when he was back in his bunk did he open the drawing and look at it again. 

He squinted his eyes when he saw a note written at the bottom of the page that wasn't there before, flushing bright red all over again.

To Jimin, 

My prettiest muse ever. 

-Jeongguk

Jimin kicked his feet and he pressed his face into his pillow to muffle the squeal that escaped him. 

14 April 1912

The next morning, Taehyung all but shoved Jimin out of third class. He has been insufferable ever since Jimin got back to their cabin the previous evening, gloating and sing-songing since the second he told his best friend about his kiss with Jeongguk. He regretted it immediately. (Okay, so he didn't really regret it, because it felt so good to gush to his best friend about this, but was a close thing.)

Jimin made his way to the deck, leaving behind an eyebrow wiggling Taehyung, who was hollering down the corridor that he wants all the dirty details when Jimin gets back. Needless to say, Jimin's face felt like lava. 

It stayed that way all the way to the upper deck, Jeongguk looking at him with concern. "Hyung, are you okay? Your face is all red." 

Jimin gently swatted the hand headed to his forehead away, "I am perfectly fine, just overcome with the urge to strangle Taehyung." 

"Why?" Jeongguk frowned. 

Jimin cleared his throat, "He, uh, he has been teasing me." 

"About what?" The younger asked, eyes wide and curious. Jimin gave him a flat look, waiting and watching as he connected the dots. Jimin feels his heart warm as Jeongguk's cheeks goes a lovely shade of pink, "Oh."

Jimin hummed, small smile playing on his lips because just being in Jeongguk's presence made him happy. He stayed quiet as he turned to the ocean, gripping the railing and thinking about tomorrow. Jeongguk also turned to the ocean, resting his forearms on the railing. 

Silence descended upon them, but it was that comfortable silence again. Where you are content to just be with the other person, no need to speak to fill the silence. Just their presence was enough.

"Run away with me." Jeongguk said out of nowhere. Jimin's first instinct was to look around, see if anyone heard, but they were a good distance away from the person nearest to them, and could speak freely without fear of being overheard.

His tensed shoulders relaxed somewhat and he thought about what Jeongguk said. He looked at the younger, maybe he was jesting, but no, his face was completely serious. Jimin's heart climbed into his throat and he let out a choked, "What?" 

Jeongguk turned his head to Jimin, eyes open and vulnerable and honest, there was a little fear in there too, and Jimin's breath stuttered along with his heart. He couldn't look away from Jeongguk, anymore than Jeongguk could look away from him, "When the ship docks in New York City, I want to run away with you. My family will never let us be together, but I do not care. I want you. And if you will have me, I will run away with you." 

Jimin's heart beat in his ears and he wanted to leap into Jeongguk's arms, screaming 'yes, yes yes, of course I want you' and then kiss him breathless, but he has never been a selfish person. 

He tore his gaze away from Jeongguk's, looking at the ocean again, eyes stinging with tears. His grip on the railing turned white knuckled, "You cannot just give up your whole life for me." 

"Yes, I can because just thought of parting with you is killing me." Jeongguk said simply, matter-of-factly, like this was a universal and unrefutable fact.

Jimin's heart clenched. He swallowed, then took a shaky breath. He glanced at Jeongguk, eyes locking with the younger again. "You seem perfectly healthy to me." 

"Because you are here with me." Jeongguk said with a slight smirk. His face turned serious again. "A life without you does not interest me."

Jimin felt unsteady on his feet. His heart pounds and he wants, wants, wants. 

Finally, he said, "Taehyung will have to come with us, we are a package deal." 

Jeongguk laughed, loud and relieved, with his head thrown back. He looked at Jimin, eyes sparkling with warm and affection, "As long as I do not have to share you with him in bed." 

Jimin flushed bright red at the implication of his words, but still managed a smile. "No, you do not." 

"Good." Jeongguk grinned, taking a step closer to Jimin so that their shoulders would brush together if either of them moved.

***

That night, Jeongguk was fast asleep, dreaming of holding hands with Jimin and Taehyung's teasing in the background, when he was awakened by a loud and incessant pounding on his bedroom door. 

Sleepily he made his way to the door, grumpy about being pulled from his sleep before necessary. He opened the door and to his surprise, it was his mother. She hastily thrust a lifejacket in his hands. 

"Put this on, Jeongguk-ah. Right this instant." She was visibly frantic and panicked, a state he has never seen his ever-in-control-of-her-emotions mother in, and his sleep addled mind cleared immediately. Something was wrong. Something big.

"Mom, what's wrong?" He asked, voice wobbly, one hand clutching the life jacket, the other clutching his mother's hand, dread filling his heart.

She looked at him, eyes glassy and scared as she breathed, "We are sinking. The ship is sinking, Jeongguk-ah." 

Jeongguk was suddenly seized by the same panic as the words settled. He inhaled sharply, one very important person burning through his mind. "Jimin." 

"Who's Jimin?" Minji asked. Jeongguk looked and noticed her and his dad, standing behind his mom. 

"My friend." Jeongguk answered absentmindedly, mind racing as he wondered if Jimin and Taehyung had been told that they are sinking. Would Jimin be looking for him? Was he already looking for Jeongguk? Jeongguk's breaths came quicker as his panicked mounted. "I-i need to find him." 

"What we are going to do, is get to the upper deck." His mother said firmly, no room for argument in her tone. 

Jeongguk didn't care. He looked around his room, grabbed a coat and worked his feet into the nearest pair of shoes. "I need to find Jimin first." 

Jeongguk slipped out of his room, intent on heading for third class, when his dad took his arm in a tight grip, "Son, we weren't asking you, we were telling. You will go to the upper deck with us and we will get off his sinking ship. When we are safe and you still want to look for your friend, you may." 

Jeongguk ripped his arm away from his father, absolutely furious. He looked at his father, face blank but eyes stormy. He kept his tone low, but there was a hard edge to it that they've never heard him use before. "And now I am telling you. I am not going anywhere without Jimin."

This time he took off running, ignoring his mother's pleas, his father's demands and Minji's screams. Of the three, the latter was the easiest to ignore. 

He takes the stairs, running down and only stopping to ask anyone he comes across if they've seen Jimin or Taehyung. He figures, if he asks for one, he's bound to find the other near by. Many of who he asks, doesn't know the two, and rare few that do know them haven't seen either of the two since hearing news of the sinking. It doesn't help with the panic and fear in his bones. 

Jeongguk gets to a lower staircase and the view that greets him makes his blood boil. 

An officer has locked a staircase full of third class passengers im, clearly intent on leaving them behind to be drowned. The officer ignores all of the pleading voices, begging him to let them out. Jeongguk makes his way there, gripping the man by his collar, "What the fuck do you think you're doing?" 

The officer opens his mouth to speak but before he could, he was interrupted.

"Jeongguk-ah!" A voice calls. The voice of the person he's been looking for all along. His head snapped to the stairs, desperately looking, until he finally locks eyes with Jimin's frantic ones. Relief immediately fills those soulful orbs. 

Relief hits Jeongguk like a freight train, just for a split second, and then comes a rage unlike any other he's felt before. Because Jimin was locked behind the gate by this officer he still held by the collar, he was going to leave Jimin to do die, his beautiful Jimin that he's barely had a chance to get to know. He pushes the man against the walls next to the staircase, wrapping his hands around the officers throat with murderous intent, fully prepared to take his life if necessary. 

"The keys. Give me the keys or so help me, drowning will be the least of your problems." Jeongguk threatened, voice hard and cold. He loosened his grip just enough for the man to breath. The officer reaches into his pocket with trembling hands and pulls out the keys. Jeongguk all but rips them from the man before letting him go. The officer, coughing and gasping for breath, runs as fast as he can.

Jeongguk unlocks the gate and quickly side steps, flattening himself against the wall just in time to avoid the stampede of passengers rushing out the gates, as if someone was going to shut them in again, and leave them behind for real this time. 

When the choas passes, he peeks into the staircase, automatically smiling when he sees Jimin coming up the stairs, having had the same idea to wait. He meets Jimin halfway, arms wrapping around his waist, pulling Jimin flush against his body, holding him tightly. 

Jimin hugged back, just as tightly, even though it was a little uncomfortable with two life vests, plus the coat Jeongguk had on, in the way, but they didn't care. They were together, and that's all that matters. 

"You came for me." Jimin breathed next to his ear, a little breathless, sounding relieved and a little stunned.

"Of course I did." Jeongguk said, pulling away just far enough to look a Jimin. "I told you, life without you does not interest me."

Jimin's cheeks flushed, and Jeongguk couldn't help but press a kiss against one. Jimin squeaked, weakly swatting against Jeongguk's shoulder but there was a pleased smile on his face that showed how much he liked it. 

He pulled back and looked Jeongguk over, unable to resist the urge to coo. Jeongguk was dressed in his nightwear and his hair was not carefully styled but hanging loose and framing his face. The dress shoes looked odd with it, but strangely endearing. 

Jeongguk noticed his wandering eyes and flushed. 

"Not a word." He said and Jimin smiled innocently, eyes turning into crescents. 

In a split second, the smile vanished and terror spreads across his face. It makes Jeongguk's heart twist. 

"Jeongguk-ah, I can not find Taehyung. I have looked everywhere I thought he might be." Jimin said, breaths quickening. 

Jeongguk put his hands on Jimin's shoulders, "Alright, just calm down, we will look for him together. He is probably looking for you too. Have you looked on the upper deck?" 

Jimin shook his head, "I was going to, but then..." He trails off, looking at the top of the stairs. Jeongguk clenches his jaw tightly, rage flaring up again, feeling like looking for that officer and do a whole lot worse than just give him a bruise around his neck. 

"Okay," Jeongguk nods his head, taking Jimin's hand in his own. "Then let us look for him now." 

They searched everywhere they could possibly think off, but after rounding the deck five times - and Jeongguk ducking his parents and Minji the first two times and just his dad the last three times (he figures his mother and Minji had been put on a boat and was relieved), because he was not leaving Jimin's side no matter what anyone said - they still haven't find Taehyung and silent tears fell down Jimin's cheeks. 

Jeongguk immediately wrapped his arms around Jimin's shoulders, pulling him close. Jimin wrapped his arms around Jeongguk too, arms inside of Jeongguk's coat, like he was seeking warmth. Jeongguk almost smacked himself when a shiver racked through Jimin's smaller body. He pulled away and took of his coat, draping it around Jimin's shoulders.  

Jimin opened his mouth to protest but Jeongguk silenced him with a sharp, determined look. Jimin closed his mouth and Jeongguk pulled the older into his arms again, fingertips softly rubbing in the skin of the back of his neck, the only skin he could reach, giving the only comfort he could offer.

Jeongguk caught the eye of woman eying them distastefully.

"Really?" Jeongguk all but hissed at the woman, chin resting on Jimin's head against his chest, all manners and thoughts of proprietary evaporating. "We are on a sinking ship and two men hugging is what you are worried about?" 

The woman looked away with a huff, sticking hear nose higher into the freezing night air. Jeongguk really couldn't careless.

"What if something happened to him?" Jimin asked against his neck. Jeongguk want to deny it, wanted to comfort Jimin, but he knew that there was a very real possibility that something did happen to Jimin's best friend. Instead, he said nothing. 

Then the ship shook beneath their feet, groaning. Mayhem broke out immediately, people running around and screaming. 

"The ship is going to snap in two." Jeongguk said in realisation, watching in horror as lines snapped and the ship started creaking, the sound of the wooden deck below their feet cracking filling the night. 

"What do we do?" Jimin asked, clearly panicked but trying to hide it. 

"We jump." Jeongguk said with a confidence he definitely didn't feel, talking a firm hold of Jimin's hand, lacing their fingers. One look in his eyes told Jimin that Jeongguk is just as terrified as he is.

"Okay, we jump." Jimin nodded, squeezing Jeongguk's hand, and they ran for the nearest railing. They climbed over the railing, one hand gripping it, the other still holding onto one another. 

"Remember to hold your breath and whatever you do, don't let go of my hand." Jeongguk said. 

"I promise." Jimin nodded. 

Jeongguk looked at him, wondering if they were going to die here, right here in the middle of the ocean. If they are, Jeongguk wanted to do one last thing before they jump into icy water. He let go of Jimin's hand and used his hand to grip his neck and him closer, giving him a hard, desperate kiss. 

It was over just as quick as it began and Jeongguk breathed against his mouth, "I adore you with every fibre of my being, Park Jimin." 

Jimin nodded furiously in agreement, eyes glassy and wishing he was as good with words as Jeongguk is, to overwhelmed to form a proper response. 

"You ready?" Jeongguk asked, taking Jimin's hand again. The ship shook beneath them as it tore apart.

Ready to jump into freezing water where they will most likely freeze too death unless help arrives? "No." 

"Me either." Jeongguk confessed.

They both inhaled and held their breath, before jumping into the freezing dark abyss beneath them. 

15 April 1912

After surfacing with multiple colourful curses about how fucking freezing the water is, Jeongguk and Jimin decided to swim away from the choas around them. The cold quickly set in for both of them, icy water making their body temperature drop but they wouldn't give up. They swam around, until Jeongguk spotted a large headboard of a bed. He's not sure how exactly it ended up out here but he is not in the habit of looking a gift horse in the mouth. He helped Jimin onto it, heart immediately relieved.

Jimin looked at him expectantly, "Get on." 

Jeongguk shook his head, "I am not sure that it will hold both of our weight." 

Jimin pondered that for a while, then brace himself to get back into the water. Jeongguk stopped him with frantic eyes, movements slowly due to the cold. "What are you doing?" 

"If you are not getting on, I am not either. You will freeze to death in the water." Jimin said, voice hardening. His heart ached fiercely, looking at Jeongguk's shivering form.He couldn't bare the thought of watching Jeongguk die, couldn't bare the thought of living on in a world where the younger doesn't. It may only have been a few days since they've met each other, but he knew with a soul deep certainty that he can't live without Jeongguk. He pleaded, "At least try." 

"Jimin-" 

"No." Jimin choked out stubbornly, tears welling up in his eyes, freezing almost immediately where they rolled down to his cheeks, burning his skin. "I have no desire for a life without you either." 

He scooted closer to the edge of the headboard, ready to drop back into the water. Jeongguk didn't move but reluctantly nodded. "Okay, I will try." 

It took a lot of careful maneuvering, followed by the both of them laying very, very still on the headboard to not tip it over. Both of them wondered if there will come a time when the head board just gives way from beneath them, letting them fall into water graves. They laid close together, fronts facing each other, holding hands. 

Hours later with cold settled into their bones, Jimin and Jeongguk laid silently, just as all of the noise and choas around them have gone silent, survivors slowly dying out one by one. Not want to talk much to preserve energy but still needing to know that the other is alive. 

"Hyung," Jeongguk whispered, speaking slowly, struggling to open his eyes, lashes freezing, voice strangely loud with the quiet around them. "Will you sleep next to me every night for the rest of our lives?" 

"I will, Jeongguk-ah, I swear it." Jimin whispered back, eyes fluttering open with effort. 

"Jeongguk-ah, sorry about your art." 

"It's okay, hyung. I have a lifetime to make more."

"We should travel. See the world." Jimin proposed.

"Yeah, together. And, of course, with Taehyung-ssi. We will never hear the end of it if we leave him behind." Jeongguk is quiet for a heartbeat, then, "When we are done, we can buy a house and stay in one place forever." 

"That sounds perfect."

"When we settle down, where do you want to live?" Jimin questioned.

"Somewhere far away from the ocean. I have seen enough of it for the rest of my life." Jeongguk shivered.

Jimin snorted, then shivered, too. "Yeah, me too." 

"Where do you want to live?" Jeongguk asked. 

"Anywhere, as long as it is with you." Jimin answered.

"I wish we met earlier, hyung." 

"Me too." 

"Do you think Taehyung made it out?" 

"I hope so." 

"Do you think we will die out here?" Jimin was the one to finally ask, eyes closed. They weren't closed because he couldn't look at Jeongguk when he asked the question, no. He wanted nothing more than to look at Jeongguk, but even opening their eyes was to much trouble now.  

"Maybe. Maybe not." Jeongguk answered honestly. "If we do, then dying next to you is good a way of going." 

"Let's meet again in our next lives, okay, hyung?" 

Silence. 

"Hyung?" No answer came from the man next to him and Jeongguk's heart stop for a second, gripped by utter terror. He blinked open his eyes with a lot of struggling, looking at a pale face with blue lips, feeling like his whole world was going to crash down around him if Jimin doesn't say something. 

"Hyung." His hoarse voice came out even more choked. He untangled one hand from Jimin's with difficulty, the process torturously slow, needing to be mindful that he doesn't move to fast and tip them both over and into the freezing water less than an inch away from them. Not that he could move very fast, being half frozen and all. He brought his hand up to Jimin's cheek, icy skin meeting icy skin, patting it lightly. He knew that Jimin probably couldn't feel it, but it made him feel better. "Jimin-hyung." 

Still no answer came. 

Despite the cold, his heart burned with agony, thinking that maybe Jimin had died. He tried raising his voice, "Jimin, please, answer me." 

"I'm here, Jeongguk-ah, I'm here." Jimin finally said tiredly, having woken up from sleep. 

Jeongguk could properly breathe again for a second.

Jimin was the first one to hear it. "Jeongguk-ah, do you hear that?" 

Jeongguk was so happy that Jimin was talking that he didn't register the words at first. Then he did. "Hear what, hyung?" 

"Someone calling." Jimin answered tiredly.

Jeongguk listened intently and sure enough, there was voices calling. He blinked open his eyes, and turned his head that direction, to make sure it wasn't a figment of their collection imagination. His hope burned brighter than ever before when he saw someone with a searchlight on a small boat. 

"Come on, hyung, we need to make noise." Jeongguk said, a surge of adrenaline coursing through him, giving him strength he knew he didn't have. He looked around, for something to use to make noise, but not finding anything. 

He wanted to yell but couldn't raise his voice. A splash sounded from next to him and he turned, seeing Jimin hitting the water. Getting the idea, he hit the water too, splashing with all of his might and hoping they would make enough noise to be heard.

The boat suddenly moved faster, in their direction, and Jeongguk wanted to cry. He settled for trying to smile at Jimin, frozen lips making it hard. "We made it, hyung, we are going to be okay." 

The corners of Jimin's lips pulled up ever so slightly, "We are going to be okay." 

***

The next twelve hours are a blur for Jimin and Jeongguk. They remember the rescuers in the boat pulling them in, cutting off their life vests and throwing blankets over their shoulders before they both passed out, holding hands. 

When Jeongguk finally woke up again, he was warm again and able to move all of his limbs relatively easily, this time stiff from sleep, and best of all? When he turned his head to look around, Jimin was on his right side, breathing steady and deep. 

He was obviously asleep but that didn't matter to Jeongguk because there was colour in his cheeks and breath in his lungs and when he got out of his own bed and stumbled over to Jimin's, taking one of his hands in his own, it was warm and soft and Jeongguk may have cried a little as he watched Jimin sleep peacefully, holding his hand, uncaring of who may see. 

Not more than half an hour later, when Jimin blinked open his eyes, giving Jeongguk a sleepy smile when he recognized him, the younger man thanked every God and Deity or whoever out there, that they had been spared. He smiled back at Jimin, "Hello there." 

"Hello." His voice sounds hoarse and Jeongguk helps him drink some of the water that stood on the bedside table between their beds. "Where are we?" 

"We are on a ship, they were the nearest one to extend a helping hand and will take us the rest of the way to New York." At Jimin's look of dread, Jeongguk couldn't help but laugh. "Yes, I know, but it is either this or the middle of the ocean." 

"Lovely interior designing, eh?" Jimin said, suddenly much more approving of their method of transportation. Jeongguk laughed again, feeling so, so free. The interior designing was horrible, no color whatsoever in this room the Captain of the ship had transformed into a makeshift hospital and infirmary for the survivors of the Titanic. Silence settle between them as they looked around at the other survivors, holding hands all the while. 

"Will you take a walk with me?" Jimin asked suddenly, breaking the silence that had settled between them. 

"Huh?" Jeongguk frowned, thrown off by the question. 

"I want to make sure all by limbs are still working." He said, but Jeongguk could see it was just and excuse. He was restless, not used to sitting so long. 

"Sure." Jeongguk nodded, getting up and extending a hand to Jimin. 

"I can walk just fine, thank you." 

"I know," Jeongguk nodded, then smirked down at Jimin. "I just like holding hands with you." 

"Hah!" Jimin scoffed, cheeks aflame. He crossed his arms over his head. "Well, you can forget about it. What will everyone say if they see two men holding hands I'm broad daylight? No way. Besides, we held hands the whole time and you watched me sleep. That's enough." 

"A whole lifetime with you wouldn't be enough." Jeongguk said honestly, seriously. 

Jimin's neck and ears turned a bright red and he gaped at Jeongguk for a few seconds before storming off. Jeongguk quickly caught up to him, a happy smile on his lips.

When he stepped outside, gust of wind hit them and made the residual coldness in his bones known again, and both Jimin and Jeongguk shivered. Neither were worried, however, the ship doctor had assured them the feeling will fade with time. 

They were looking for a place to sit down when a familiar joyously called out, "Jimin-ah!" 

Jimin brightened like the morning sun, turning to his best friend just in time as Taehyung crashed into him with enough force that they very nearly fell to the floor. "Taehyung-ah!" 

"Oh, thank God, you're okay." Taehyung breathed, holding - clinging, really - onto Jimin as if he was a lifeline.

"I thought I lost you." Jimin said, voice thick with emotion.

"Hah! Think you got rid of me that easily? Not a chance." Taehyung huffed but his words was full of fondness and joy. They pulled apart and Taehyung finally noticed Jeongguk. His eyes lit up, "Ah, Jeongguk-ssi. Nice to see you made it." 

"You, too, Taehyung-ssi." Jeongguk bowed his head respectfully.

"What will you do now?" Taehyung asked, friendly expression changing to a more calulative one. 

"That depends on Jimin." Jeongguk answer easily, shrugging.

"Really?" Taehyung raised a brow. "And what about your family?" 

"I love them, I really do, and I will find out if they made it," Jeongguk swallowed thickly, hoping fiercely that they did make it. He cleared his throat and continued. "But either way, my future is with Jimin, Taehyung-ssi." 

Taehyung seemed stunned for a second before he beamed, bright and boxy. "Call me hyung." 

Jimin smiled as he watched the two interact. He looked around, to see if anyone was still watching them before discreetly linking his pinky with Jeongguk's. The younger man didn't turn to him as he continued his conversation with Taehyung, but he tightened his pinky around Jimin's and the corners of his mouth quirked up. 

Jimin wasn't worried about the future. Something deep inside of him knew, everything was going to be just fine. 

the end.