Work Text:
Eccedentesiast (n.) One who fakes a smile.
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Jimin hung up.
Another New Year’s celebration without his alpha, but this time he didn't even make plans with his friends because Jungkook was supposed to be home. Only that he wasn't, he was 3 days late from the date he promised he would come home to him. He didn't even leave a message just like those other times.
Jimin doesn't know how much longer he must take the pain and pretend that all is fine when it isn't. Every time Jungkook finally has time for him he has to pretend that everything is alright when it isn't because he needs to soak in all the attention he can get when his alpha is home with him.
Looking around their shared apartment that Jungkook had bought under Jimin's name as a courting present so that he would always have a place to stay, he couldn't stop the tears that fell. The only pictures that were displayed all over the apartment were those from when Jungkook was still a small idol in the industry; when he didn't have a packed schedule and could spend every holiday with him. Let alone any free time with him.
Jimin had taken down the decorations he had put up for the New Year just hours ago that was once again shoved in a corner of the storage room with the rest of the holiday decorations. Fireworks still painted the night sky but Jimin just sat on his couch staring blankly at a wall, his phone clutched tightly in his hand.
Jungkook growled in frustration as he was once again ushered into a car leading to an after-party. He was supposed to be home with the one he loved most, his baby omega, cuddled together on the couch as they watched another Disney favourite of his.
To make matters worse, his manager had confiscated his phone the day he was supposed to board a flight back to Korea and there was no way for him to contact anyone. Calling Yoongi hyung to help him the last time wasn't a good idea cause now he wasn't even able to send a text to his eomma letting her know that Jimin was all alone during the New Year. It felt like he was being kidnapped by his manager. He probably was.
He glared at his manager as he entered the car. If looks could kill, the beta would have been long dead. Noticing Jungkook's stare on him, the beta turned to look at Jungkook with a smirk on his face. Jungkook thought to himself that had his manager been an alpha and had a scent, the stench of the wolf’s satisfaction would no doubt be the reason why they couldn’t make it to the after-party.
"Now JK, don't look at me like that, I promised I would return your phone once you’ve completed all your schedules, didn't I?" He chuckled as he relished the way Jungkook looked completely furious yet trapped at the same time. The scent of Jungkook's anger didn't even phase him, he was used to it by now. Jungkook cracked his knuckles and internally celebrated the fear that flashed in the man's eyes before he turned to look out of the window, staring at the street lamps passing by and the fireworks that brightened the night sky.
The rest of the drive was in silence and Jungkook went through the after-party in a blur. The next morning while having his breakfast in the hotel room, his phone was returned to him. He saw the sheer amount of missed calls from both his family and friends along with tons of messages. But the only ones that mattered to him were his beloveds. It was 8 am in LA and he had no doubt Jimin was already asleep, he had probably already caused Jimin a bunch of sleepless nights after not showing up without a word.
Choosing to put off calling Jimin until it was a reasonable time in Korea, he read all the texts from his friends and family, to which he replied to all of them with, ‘ I'm fine, was busy with work. Don't worry so much.’
Yoongi hyung on the other hand was a little different. He had tried to help out Jungkook again and his manager had told Yoongi to mind his own business and that Jungkook didn't want to see him. Yoongi knew it was a total lie and proceeded to let Jungkook know that the time had come to get started on their plan once he returned home.
Jungkook couldn't help but feel entirely grateful for his hyung and left him a text expressing exactly that. It shouldn't have been a surprise when he immediately received a reply but it did. His hyung was seriously a zombie.
[yoongi hyung] seems like you’ve finally been released from hell
yea, going to book the first flight back home as soon as i can
[yoongi hyung] Joon said that ur omega was alone during new years, Jin went over when he didn't show up to work
fuck
is he okay?
i swear i had no choice, i wasn't even able to let anyone know b4 that demon practically snatched my phone and me from that airport like a bat out of hell
you would think there were stalkers and paps
[yoongi hyung] i know kid
[yoongi hyung] i told Joon to tell Jimin that
[yoongi hyung] he's okay by the way but Jin says he's pretty pissed
[yoongi hyung] he’s cleaning up all the photos littering ard the apartment
Jungkook couldn't help but chuckle at that, he didn't expect anything less from his only love. While he was happy that Jimin was doing okay, he felt a surge of sadness that his omega was mad at him but he knew it was all his fault and his stupidity. He doesn't even know why he didn't question it when he booked a flight and informed the company without a hitch.
Jungkook decided to send Jimin a text, letting him know that he was sorry and he would be flying home soon. He went to his luggage and pulled out his laptop. Instantly logging on and booked the first flight home to Seoul and fortunately for him there was a flight in an hour and a half. Finally, he was getting the hell out of there.
In record time, Jungkook packed, freshened up, left the hotel without checking out and hailed a cab. Making sure his facemask was secured, he paid the cab fare and wished the driver a happy new year once they reached the airport.
Time seemed to fly by as he waited to check-in and the next thing he knew, he was on a flight back to Seoul, to his only love.
Jimin woke up to a knock on his apartment door, reaching for his phone he noticed that it was already 11 in the morning, he was late for work. Knowing it was probably Jin hyung at the door, he rolled out of bed to let him in.
Jin took one look at Jimin and instantly knew that he had spent his New Year’s eve alone.
"Jungkook didn't come?" Jin asked softly, and Jimin shook his head, tears instantly pooling in his eyes. When Jin pulled him in for a hug, the tears that he had been holding in for days finally fell.
"Hyung, I don't know if I can do this anymore," Jimin cried into Jin's shoulder. Jin felt his heartache for his little dongsaeng, he knew how much Jimin had been holding in but he also knew things that Jimin didn't.
"It's going to be okay Minnie, did you not discuss this with him as I told you to?" Jin asked softly, rubbing Jimin's back and releasing calming pheromones to calm him down.
"No, I couldn't, not when he looks so tired when he comes home," Jimin sobbed, clenching Jin's shirt tight in his hands. Jimin wasn't sure if he was sad or mad that Jungkook once again stood him up. He knew that Jungkook was busy, he also knew that Jungkook could at least have given him a heads up like he did those other times and not left him hanging onto false hope.
Taking a deep breath, Jimin pulled away from Jin, using the sleeve of his sweater to wipe the tears off his face. Sniffling a little, Jimin looked up to see Jin's concerned eyes watching him. "Is it bad to say that I want to break up with him?" Jimin asked. Jin was surprised, he didn't know that this was the conclusion Jimin would come to.
"It's not bad but shouldn't you give Jungkook a chance to explain himself as well?"
"Explain?! What else needs explaining hyung, I've already lost count of how many times he's stood me up, how many times I've cried over him and pretended that everything is fine when he's around!" Jimin grumbled as he flopped onto the couch.
Jimin knew his scent was surging and he could tell the smell of burnt camellias was flowing through the apartment.
"You've been dating for years now Jimin, is something like this worth a breakup?" Jin was trying to make Jimin see sense, considering that Jungkook hadn't let Jimin in on the plan, this was the best he could do.
"Well, five years together seem to mean nothing to him," Jimin growled out, as he threw a pillow against the wall. Jimin was pissed, he doesn't understand what he did that warranted such treatment from Jungkook.
Was he not good enough? He always tried to be there for Jungkook whenever he could, there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for him.
Did Jungkook find another person to replace him? Seeing that Jungkook was always standing him up with the reason of work, it could be a coworker. Jungkook has never introduced him to any of his coworkers anyway.
That possibility couldn't be ruled out.
“I love him so much hyung, but you always told me my happiness comes first,” He muttered, feeling so conflicted with his wolf, his heart and his mind. It was like he was trying to convince himself.
He looked down at his fingers at the simple silver band on his ring finger. A promise ring . “Jungkook gave me this ring as soon as he came home from his first world tour,” Jimin raised his hand for Jin to see. Not waiting for a reply, he continued.
“He promised me that he would one day give me all the happiness in the world.” Jimin chuckled, “Ironic right? A promise ring’s promise broken, time and time again.” Sniffling, he turned to look at Jin sitting at the dining table, “We may be dating but we’ve been together for five years hyung, it’s basically like we’re already mated and it hurts.” Burying his face in his hands, “It hurts so much.”
Jin couldn’t bear to see Jimin so distraught. Jimin has the biggest heart and so much love to give. He hardly gets angry and it was heartbreaking to see how he just went silent. Coming to a decision, Jin pulled out his phone to text his alpha, Namjoon.
Hey baby, did you hear anything from Jungkook?
[Joonie] Hello love, unfortunately, no, he hasn't replied to any of my messages
Oh, could you possibly ask Yoongi? Jimin spent the new year alone...
[Joonie] I got you, love, hang on
While waiting for Namjoon to reply to him, he noticed that Jimin had gotten up from the couch and was now collecting all the pictures that hung around the room and were stacking them on the coffee table. Jin was a hundred percent sure now that Jimin was pissed. But who could blame him, if Namjoon did the same he would probably raise hell.
[Joonie] Yoongi said that Jungkook was kidnapped and was unable to reach anyone
[Joonie] I think he's being sarcastic but knowing Jungkook's company, what they did could probably be considered kidnapping
God, he must've been feeling like hell, Jimin isn't doing any better honestly
Physically, he's okay, mentally... not so much
[Joonie] Well, if it makes you feel any better, the moment Jungkook gets back we can already move to the next step
Doesn't matter if it makes me feel any better Joonie, it's Jimin, he's pissed
Silent Jimin is not a Jimin I want to encounter again
[Joonie] I'll text Yoongi and see what I can do
[Joonie] See you later babe
Love you Joonie
Jin sighed, he's stuck with keeping the secret that Jungkook has been going through hell from Jimin. All their friends are in on this except for Jimin, he's going to give Jungkook a piece of his mind as soon as he can for leaving him with such a task.
Jimin had noticed Jin was on his phone, probably texting Namjoon if he's heard from Jungkook. But he doesn't care anymore, his heart aches as he takes down all their pictures.
It's a hard pill to swallow that Jungkook probably doesn't love him anymore but accepting it is a step to moving on. He knows it will hurt, they've been together for years and he will never stop loving him but sometimes he needs to let go and look after himself.
"Jimin?"
Jimin turned to Jin who was staring at him from the dining area. He looked worried and concerned.
"Yoongi said that Jungkook was busy with last-minute schedules, he wasn't able to cancel them," Jin lied with a wince. He knew that Jimin was hurting but it would still help to placate his anger if he thought Jungkook was just busy and not out with someone random instead of coming home to Jimin.
Jimin just nodded and offered Jin a small smile. "It's okay hyung, I've accepted it. Jungkook has always put his work first, you know how he is."
"If it makes you feel any better, no one could reach him, not even Yoongi," Jin said, hoping this would help.
Jimin raised his brows in surprise. Now, this was different. Even Yoongi couldn't reach Jungkook? This has never happened before.
"Was Jungkook okay?" Jimin asked and Jin smiled before nodding. Jimin didn't even notice he was holding his breath until he exhaled shakily.
Nodding he turned back to look at the pile of pictures he had taken down. Was Jungkook just busy this time? He knows Jungkook never turns Yoongi away, Yoongi was someone Jungkook looked up to but for Jungkook to be unreachable even for Yoongi, something must've happened.
Lost in his thoughts, he didn’t notice when Jin came beside him, "I was thinking since you spent the start of New Year alone, do you want to have an omega's day out? I can call Tae and Hobi," Jin asked, sitting on the couch next to him.
Jimin sighed, it was probably a good idea to go out with his friends to take his mind off things. "Yes please hyung, I would like that." he nodded.
Jin pulled Jimin into a tight hug and Jimin hugged him back.
"Thank you hyung," Jimin said, as they parted.
"What for?"
"For always looking out for me, I don't know what I would do without you,"
"Hmm, probably go hungry because I know you can't live without my cooking," Jin teased, effectively lightening the mood.
Jimin giggled and lightly shoved Jin in the shoulder. After joking around for a bit, Jin ushered Jimin to get dressed and texted Taehyung and Hoseok inviting them to their omega's day out. He was glad that even though Jimin still smells slightly of burnt camellias, he doesn't smell distressed anymore.
He can't help but hope Jungkook comes back as soon as possible and they could transition to the next step of their plan and this time, include Jimin.
After being ushered into his and Jungkook’s shared bedroom, Jimin grabbed his phone from the nightstand to see that he had a message from Jungkook. He was conflicted to open it but his wolf's yearning for their alpha ultimately won and he unlocked his phone clicking on the message.
[my alpha] Hey baby love, sorry i couldn't come back, there were last-minute schedules that i couldn't cancel
[my alpha] I'll be on the first flight home in abt an hour, when I get back I have some news to share with you
[my alpha] I missed you and I love you my beautiful omega
Jimin's heart ached at the fact that his alpha was coming home and that he still loved him, but knowing that his alpha has some news to share with him, he was slightly anxious. What could Jungkook possibly want to tell him?
Every cell in his body yearned for his alpha, no matter how neglected he felt. But he was supposed to be mad at him, wasn’t he?
The knock on his door brought him out of his thoughts and made him realise he still hadn’t changed out of his pyjamas. He quickly shuffled into a pair of jeans and a grey tee, grabbed his phone, wallet, and keys before exiting their room.
He found Jin still sitting on the couch on his phone.
“Hyung,” Jimin called for Jin’s attention as he sat down beside him. Putting down his phone and turning to Jimin, he noticed Jimin looked rather sheepish.
“What is it,” Jin groaned.
“Cut it out hyung,” Jimin giggled, Jin nodded and signalled for Jimin to go on. “He’s coming home soon,” Jimin said, showing the text Jungkook sent him at 1 am. Jin read the texts and smiled. Jungkook was finally coming home, and that means their plan is in motion.
Nodding, Jin turned to face him. “Do you still wanna go out or stay home?”
Jimin fiddled with his fingers as he thought about it before settling on a decision.
“Let’s go out, I wanna have some fun with you guys and it’s been a while since we had an omega day out,” Jimin stated.
Jin smiled, happy that Jimin wanted to go out instead of hanging around in the apartment until Jungkook gets back. Together they waited for Taehyung and Hoseok, it didn’t take long before they arrived and they headed for the mall.
The omegas went straight for the food court as soon as they entered, all starving for a good warm meal. They laughed and made jokes as they ate and when their bellies were filled, they went on a mini shopping spree.
Grabbing anything that caught their eye even if there was a possibility it wasn’t something they would need remotely. Soon it was time to go back to Jimin’s apartment and their hands were too full to buy anything more.
The hallways filled with laughter as the omegas entered the apartment building and headed for Jimin’s floor. Fumbling around with their bags to unlock the door, finally it was Hoseok who managed to unlock the door and they stumbled into the apartment with the fruits of their spree.
As they were taking off their shoes, Jimin realised the extra pair of shoes- or should he say boots by the rack. Dropping the bags he turned to look into the living room and there he was. Sitting there in all his glory. His Alpha. Jungkook was home.
The other omegas noticed Jungkook as well and made way for Jimin. Instead of going to his alpha, Jimin slipped on his shoes again, turned around and slammed the door as he left.
Jimin was stuck in his thoughts as he walked along the path from his apartment to the park. He didn’t know how to feel about everything. Seeing his alpha in person was different from imagining his alpha being home.
His mind and heart were in shambles. He wanted to run into his arms and at the same time, he wanted to leave and never turn back. Since he left the apartment, his wolf has been whining for him to turn around, go back to their alpha and forgive him for all he has done.
But he just couldn't.
Whenever he thinks of those times he had to spend the holidays alone, or when he had any struggles he could never call Jungkook because he was always so busy with his schedules.
He doesn’t want to be a second choice to the person he’s supposed to spend the rest of his life mated to. He wants to be Jungkook’s priority, he wants to be the one Jungkook will drop anything and everything for the moment he tells him to with no questions asked.
Yet with how everything has been, he knows without a doubt it won’t ever happen anytime soon.
Without his knowledge, tears were already flowing down his face and the sudden realisation that his relationship has been falling apart all along finally hit him. Jimin fell to his knees, oblivious to the people staring at him with concern and confusion, he broke down sobbing.
Sobbing for his broken relationship, sobbing for his broken heart and sobbing for the only person he will ever love.
The moment the front door slammed, the apartment was dead silent. None of them had expected Jimin to leave.
It only took another moment for the situation to set in before Jungkook jumped to his feet, intending to go after him before he was pulled back. Confused, he turned around to see it was Yoongi that had stopped him.
“Let me,”
That was all Yoongi said before he dropped his hand and left.
Rushing down the steps after Jimin, he silently followed him, allowing Jimin his space to process his thoughts. As soon as they reached the park, Jimin only managed to move forward a few steps before falling to the ground. Instantly, Yoongi rushed over, falling to his knees beside him.
“Jimin, are you okay?” Yoongi asked as he scanned Jimin’s body for wounds the best he could from their crouched positions. Noticing another presence beside him, Jimin looked up from his hands to see, “Yoongi hyung?” Jimin asked, voice wavering.
Yoongi stood up from his crouched position, brushed his pants and extended a hand over to Jimin. “Come on, let’s take a walk or at least sit on a bench and not block the way,” Yoongi chuckled.
Taking Yoongi’s hand, Jimin got up, wiped his tears on his sleeve and followed Yoongi, all while still holding onto his hand tightly as though he was afraid to let go and Yoongi didn’t say a word about it.
“You must be feeling really stressed, battling the emotions of your wolf and your own,” Yoongi stated as they continued to walk.
Jimin turned to look at his feet, “I don’t want to lose him,” he whispered out. Yoongi steered them to the nearest vacant bench and pulled Jimin down to sit. “Don’t you want to hold his hand the way you’re holding mine?” Yoongi asked, wiggling their intertwined hands.
“I do, you know I do, but does he?” Jimin mumbled, tears pooling in his eyes once again. Yoongi felt his heart breaking into pieces, “Min-ah, he loves you so much,” he told him, “I would never lie to you, you know that, right?” Yoongi said as he held their intertwined hands tight and faced Jimin.
Nodding, Jimin knew Yoongi wouldn’t lie to him, but that’s what hurt more. Yes, Jungkook may still love him, but probably not like how he used to. He probably isn’t what Jungkook wanted anymore too.
Sighing, Yoongi let go of Jimin’s hands, grabbed his shoulder and turned Jimin to face him. “Jimin, I don’t care what you think you know but I’m telling you right now to stop being an idiot,” Yoongi said and Jimin looked at him in shock, “Jungkook is so fucking in love with you and nothing in the world can change that.”
“That stupid alpha does everything with you in mind, he always puts your well-being before his, does stupid things to make you happy and hides things so he doesn’t worry and burden you.” Yoongi continued.
“I-” Jimin started.
“No, I need you to just listen to me first. Jungkook was supposed to tell you this himself but I’m going to do it for him instead. Jungkook didn’t want you to worry but his company has been giving him so much shit. That is the reason why he can never spend his holidays with you. We’ve all been helping him to escape from his personal prison, I know you don’t like it when we keep secrets from you and I apologise on behalf of everyone.”
Yoongi let out another sigh and he felt his eyes burn with tears, he furiously blinked them away hoping Jimin didn’t notice. But he did, “Hyung,” Jimin whined pulling Yoongi into a hug, “I will never be mad at you guys when you did something you thought was right, I’m disappointed yes but not mad, how could I?” he sobbed, hugging Yoongi tight.
“Thank you for understanding Min-ah, we already have a lawsuit filed against Jungkook’s company and once he leaves Star Ent. Namjoon and I have already decided that Jungkook will join the both of us and start a label of our own,” Yoongi told Jimin.
Shocked, Jimin pulled away from the hug, “Hyung, are you serious?”
Sporting his famous gummy smile, Yoongi nodded. Squealing, Jimin jumped up and pulled Yoongi with him and jumped around in circles. Usually, Yoongi wouldn’t entertain any of their antics but seeing Jimin happy again and back to his usual personality, Yoongi didn’t care that they were probably getting weird looks and played along.
When Yoongi opened the door to the apartment, Jungkook instantly rose to his feet after sitting and pacing anxiously while waiting for Jimin and Yoongi hyung to return. Before he could even say a thing, a flurry of white was all he saw before a body crashed into him.
“I forgive you, I forgive you, I forgive you,” Jimin repeated over and over again. Unable to hold back his tears, Jungkook broke down holding onto Jimin tightly. It felt like he was finally home with Jimin in his arms and he never wanted to leave.
“I love you so fucking much, I’m so sorry for hurting you and making you worry all the time when all I was trying to do was give you the life of a king,” Jungkook sobbed, Jimin held on tight and rubbed Jungkook’s back, giving him comfort.
Jimin leaned up and pulled Jungkook down for a kiss. When their lips met, it was like their lives were finally falling into place. All their doubts and fears fade away and the only thing that mattered was that they were together.
When they finally parted, they noticed that their apartment was silent and realised that their friends had left to give them space. Giggling, Jimin buried his face in Jungkook’s chest to hide from embarrassment. Holding him close, Jungkook planted a kiss on the top of his fluffy hair.
“We need to talk,” Jungkook started, but Jimin shaking his head, looked at him.
“No, we don’t. Yoongi has already told me all that I need to know, all I want to do now is cuddle next to you until we fall asleep and wake up still cuddling close to you,” Jimin said, smiling.
And that was exactly what they did, hand in hand, they got ready for bed. Crawling into bed, Jungkook spooned Jimin from behind and they fell asleep just like that. Purrs filled the room, one soft and peaceful while the other deep and rumbling.
Finally reunited and now with their misunderstandings cleared, “No secrets”, they promised each other. Whatever hurdles they would inevitably face in the future they will face together.