Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Jeon Jungkook did not like to talk to people. Like at all. He didn't feel the need to, everything in his life seemed dull after the death of his wife

He stopped talking to his friends, he stopped socializing, he stopped smiling, he stopped enjoying life.  Nothing could lift his mood, not even a very funny Yoongi video (A/N:- get it?.........Okay I’ll stop) . Nothing except Ara. 

Jeon Ara. The person he came home to every day, the person who made him continue to live on even when he lost the only person he ever loved, his wife. 

 He diligently followed the same routine every day, he woke up, prepared breakfast for him and Ara, sent her to school, went to work himself, came home at 8 and made dinner for both of them, played with Ara, and went to sleep at 10 sharp. Very boring indeed. 

He used to be a lot more fun, caring, and warm before…..the incident. 

*Flashback*

Me and Zandra were driving to go see Ara, who was staying at her grandma’s house that day. We were talking and laughing about something stupid. Just as they were turning a corner, a car came hurtling towards ours.

 Just before his world turned black he managed to utter ‘I love you’ while squeezing her hand,  maybe sensing even then that it would be the last time he could do that. 

Everything around him faded. When he regained consciousness, he could only see a white ceiling. He was confused, to say the least, the last thing he remembered was….THE ACCIDENT! 

“ Where is Zandra?” He frantically asked the nurse who almost had a heart attack how fast Jungkook got up. The nurse shook her head while shrugging, signaling she did not know anything. 

Just then the door to his room opened and in came inside his mother with her tear-streaked face.”What’s wrong? Where is Zandra? Is she okay? Why are you crying? Where is Ara?” The questions came rushing out of his mouth without a break. 

His mother shook her head while another set of tears rushed down her face. I got more and more worried as time passed. Finally, his mother emitted a few words that he had wished he never got to hear. “ I am sorry Jungkook, the doctors tried their best”

Jungkook did not get the saying ‘world slipping under one’s feet’ but he felt exactly like the world had slipped from under his feet. ‘This had to be a dream’ ‘It surely can’t be real’. 

*End of Flashback*

Even now thinking about it brought tears to Jungkook’s face, tears were threatening to fall over his face when he heard a series of knocks, *knock knock* *knock* *knock knock*. He knew it was Ara because of the unique pattern she knocked in. An involuntary small smile was brought to his face. 

“Appa? Can I come inside?” she peeked her small head inside his office. Jungkook quickly wiped his tears, cleared his throat, and spoke. “Of course Aru, you don’t need to ask” She came running towards him and hugged him tightly. “What do you wanna do today hmm?” “I actually wanted to ask you something… can I?”  she asked meekly.

Jungkook was surprised, Ara barely asked him anything. “Of course, is something wrong?” 

“No….actually I…um….wanted to visit grandma and grandpa this Christmas” She spoke the rest of the sentence very fast.

“Oh…ok I can arrange someone to go-” “I want to go with you this time” Ara’s eyes widened as she just realized what she said….. “I mean….I always spend spring with grandma but you rarely visit them….could we go together this Christmas to their house?....pwetty please” She used her puppy dog eyes to their full extent. 

Jungkook was stunned, to say the least.  It was true, he rarely visited them in person. He did call them from time to time to check on them….but visiting? The last time he visited them was…..2 years ago. He tried to make his time there as brief as possible. It reminded him of Zandra. Thinking of her made him sad, but he forced down his sadness to look down upon his daughter who was looking at him with hopeful eyes. He can’t possibly say no to those eyes.

“Ok Aru….I’ll come with you” Ara squealed with happiness while hugging him so tight he could not breathe for a second. “Thank you so so much, Appa!! I am going to pack my bag, we are leaving tomorrow right?” Jungkook sighed a bit amused,

 “No Ara we are leaving this weekend not tomorrow. You still have 3 days to pack….calm down” 

''But……fine” she pouted “I am still going to pack” she left the room huffing. 

Jungkook managed an amused smile shaking his head at his daughter. He went to his desk to make some calls. He was going to stay there for a week. Ara would not let him out of there anytime soon. 

Park Jimin. 

“Eomma, I don’t want to get married. Please, I  want to accomplish so much more before settling down,I just want to-” 

“Jimin” his father’s stern voice, stopped his rambling. “I want you to get married. Find a nice boy or girl to marry by the weekend or I will marry you off” 

“ Appa why do you want to get me married so badly when I am only 25?” Jimin asked dejectedly. 

  ”You are a burden to us. I want you to marry and go somewhere other than here. You are nothing but a waste of space in this house. Now leave” 

Jimin hung his head low and left the room. Despite hearing such harsh words from his parents often, the sting in his heart did not ease him anytime. He just wanted to make his parents proud, but when they themselves were looking at every chance to throw him out of his own house. There was little he could do. 

~The weekend~. 

Jungkook and Ara had just arrived at the Choi’s. Ara rang the doorbell with so much excitement that Jungkook could not help but give her a soft smile. 

The door opened and a smiling Mrs. Choi or Ara’s grandma and Zandra’s mom greeted  them .”Arru, baby you have grown so tall, and so thin. Don’t you ever eat??” Ara laughed as she greeted her grandma. “And who is dropping you here this time-?” She gasped when she saw Jungkook.

 He was standing stiffly, while looking straight ahead, clenching his jaw and fists. Trying not to cry at the doorstep of his wife’s old house. 

“Sieomeoni ” Jungkook bowed and greeted stiffly. “Jungkook-ah” she cried” I have not seen you for so long, come in come in you must be tired” 

Jungkook and Ara picked up their bags and went inside the house. It looked exactly the same as it had when he visited it 2 years ago.  Everything was there where Jungkook remembered them to be. He hated it. 

Ara had gone ahead to play with her cousins and relatives, so Jungkook was left alone. He sat down awkwardly on the sofa and played with his hands. 

“Jungkook-ah” a voice greeted him. He immediately stood up and bowed. “Siabeoji” “Aish- how many times have I told you to call me Appa” 

Jungkook did not say anything, It was true that Jungkook’s own parents abandoned him when he was just 15 because he wanted to pursue Arts, while his parents wanted him to be a doctor.  He had stayed with his friend till he started a company that’s where he had met Zandra. After a while, he and Zandra started seeing each other.

 After dating for 3 years they realized that Zandra was pregnant. They made the decision to get married. It truly was magical. After 3 months of marriage, Zandra gave birth to Ara. It was the happiest years of his life. (~ Thank you for the happiest years of my life~) . A fter a while,   Zandra started to work at the Jeon Arts and made it grow so much more than Jungkook could ever dream of. 

Jeon Art's is one of the most famous company’s now.  He did his hardest to make the company grow even more as Zandra did.  Zandra’s father and mother became his own after he married her. He did start calling them ‘Eomma and Appa’ for a while but after her death, he felt as if he did not deserve a mother and father. ‘How could he survive but she died?’ ‘Why didn't she survive’ ‘ Why didn't I die instead of her?’ These thoughts always lurked at the bottom of his mind. He snapped out of his thoughts when he heard Jangin speak. 

“Anyways, come on, the Christmas dinner must have been ready by now.” Jungkook just nodded and followed him without saying anything. He took him to their back garden where everyone was sitting already. Ara was playing with something he did not recognize, he brushed it off realizing her grandma must have given it to her. 

“Sit down Jungkook-ah, eat,” Mrs. Choi told him. Jungkook realized he was standing still looking at the table.  He sat down without complaint as he was starving from the 4-hour drive. 

The feast was spread all across the table. There was such a variety of food, stuffed turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and vegetables, and for dessert, there was apple pie, Pudding, and gingerbread for the kids. It all looked delicious and Jungkook piled a little of everything on his plate.  

They said a prayer and thank us for giving us food to the gods and dug in. Everyone around him was conversing with each other while Jungkook concentrated on his food. The topic of conversation right now was who is the best Hollywood actress and what Hollywood couple are the best. He tuned out the conversation and started thinking about his work and how much work he would have to catch up to. 

He snapped out of his thoughts when he heard someone call out his name. “Jeongguk, are you listening?”

“Huh?...sorry, You were saying something Sieomeoni?” 

Jangmonim and Jangin exchanged a look. “ I asked if you were dating or have someone on your mind?” 

Jungkook felt anger simmering inside of him. How could they expect him to date anyone else? How could he love anyone else other than Zandra? He had a special place in his heart for her and no one else can take that spot.  He managed to keep the anger out of his voice to respond to her- 

“No” she was responding with something but he tuned her out and muttered a non-committal ‘hmm’.  

Little did Jungkook know that if he listened before agreeing he would know that he had just agreed to meet The Parks for his 2nd marriage. 

The Christmas lunch was finally over.  Jangmonim and Jangin were cleaning the table as they were leaving, Jangmonim announced that the Parks will be coming to visit tomorrow afternoon. 

He didn't know the Parks well enough, just knew that they had a son who was about 2 years older than him.  He didn't think about it much and went to convince Ara to sleep. 

He found her playing with her cousins. “Come on Aru, we have to go to sleep.” 

“But…Appa, can’t we play a bit longer?” she whined. “Ara… baby it’s late already we are here for a full week. You can play with them tomorrow…hmm what do you think Sia?” He asked his niece who was slightly younger than Ara, around 3 or 4 years old. 

“Okay…I wam also sleepy,  we will play tomworrow okay unnie?”

“Aww… okay Sia, we can play tomorrow, sleep well okay? Goodnight'' 

“Go-goodwnight Unnie”

Jungkook watched their interaction with a small smile on his face. “Let’s go Aru?” 

“Yes Appa, let’s sleep..where are we sleeping? Are we sleeping together? Do you think we can stay up-” 

“Calm down Ara, yes we are sleeping together and we are sleeping in your usual room and No, you cannot stay up till late” he added sternly. 

She started to whine but Jungkook had picked her up and started spinning her around the corridor till they reached their room, all the while Ara was giggling adorably and it made Jungkook’s heart ache to see his baby happy. “Apppa!” she shrieked, laughing. “Put me down!!!!”  she demanded giggling. 

“Okay okay…let’s sleep now okay?” he said, mirth evident in his voice. ‘Hmm’ 

They set the bed and lay down to sleep. 

“Apaa..” Ara began hesitantly, “why don’t I have another parent?.....all my friends have both parents….Why do I have only you?”

Jungkook was stunned, she had never asked such a question before, he could feel his eyes start to moisten, it was a good thing it was dark, he did not want Ara to see him cry. 

“Aru…baby you….. had …a mother…. Till you were ….three. She…..di-die-died in an….accident. I…loved….-Love her very much.” 

“What does dying mean?” she asked so innocently, unaware of her father crying silent tears next to her.  

“Die-dying means someone who can’t stay with you any longer and goes to heaven.” “Baby I am tired, no more questions kay?.... You can ask tomorrow” 

Ara thankfully agreed and went to sleep. Jungkook on the other hand could not sleep. He kept remembering how she laughed the last time she was with him. How she kissed him when he said something cheesy, how she held his hand……How she turned towards him frightened when she saw the car crashing towards them…..how she squeezed his hand tightly, a silent promise that we’ll be okay. Unknowing that she was going to leave him and their daughter behind. 

Jungkook kept crying silent tears until very late at night or early in the morning. He finally went to sleep at 3 in the morning. 

When he woke up at 7, the house was already in full cleaning mode. Jeongguk saw that Ara was not next to him, a note on her bed. He opened it, 

“ Appa, I am going to go help halmeoni and Abeoji and play with Sia. 

Byee Saranghae

He smiled and got ready, he made sure to wipe his tear streaks and get dressed properly for the guests. He may not care about them but wanted them to have a good first impression of him. By the time he was ready It was already 8:30 and the guests were by 12. He ate his breakfast quickly and helped freshen the house a bit. 

By the time the house was spotless, the doorbell rang signaling that the guests were there. 

“Jungkook-ah, go open the door” Jeongguk went obediently but was completely confused as to why he was opening the door. 

He opened the door to a middle-aged man and woman. The man was tall with a broad chest, he had brown hair and looked stern. The woman was the opposite of the man. Small and petite. Right behind him was the most beautiful man Jeongguk had ever seen. He was a bit smaller than Jungkook and had blonde hair. 

“Hello, Come inside please.” Jungkook greeted them bowing. 

They bowed and came inside. 

“Hello, thank you for accepting us.” The man spoke lowly but his every word was clear. 

“Of course, I am Mrs. Choi.” Jungkook’s sieomeoni replied. 

As they were introducing themselves Jungkook was assessing Jimin. Something seemed off about him. He was tense and his whole body was covered in clothes except for his face and hands. 

“Jeon Jungkook '' Jungkook offered his hand towards the boy, surprising both of them apparently as Jungkook never introduced himself first. Never. 

“Park Jimin, Nice to meet you” The boy-Jimin- said, shaking his hand meekly with a sad look in his eyes. 

Chapter Text

   Chap- 2 

Jimin’s Pov

I don’t think Jungkook-ssi had any idea that we were discussing our marriage. He looked unfocused the entire time our parents were conversing. I was observing him, he kept fidgeting with his hands and kept looking behind his shoulder as if he were waiting for something….or someone. I sent a quick prayer that he did not have a girlfriend or boyfriend, I could not go through the heartbreak of being ignored for the rest of my life as well.

“Appppaaaa” a small girl about 5 years old ran into the room. She jumped into Jungkook-ssi’s lap and started talking excitedly”- and I found a BIG dog just-” I was super confused. Jungkook-ssi was already a father? Then he must have a partner then why was he marrying someone else. 

“Aru, baby appa is a bit busy right now, can we talk later?” I observed how he behaved with his child. He looked like a good father, he talked softly and looked at her with all the love in the world. I felt a twinge of jealousy in my heart, I wish someone looked at me like that. Never in my whole life have I ever been looked at like that. I had a few partners before but they never liked me….they just used me for my body. 

Only 4 people in my life have ever actually loved me. 

“Ha-ha, that is my granddaughter, she is Jungkook’s daughter. Ara, introduce yourself please.”

“Hewllo my name is Jeon Ara, My appa’s name is Jeon Jungkook and he is bewst appa in the world. It is only him and I because he told me that my mother diw…..diwed, but it's okay because he gives me lots of love and plays with me and helps with my homework and -and-”

“That’s enough Aru baby-” Ohhh that makes sense. His wife had died, and I felt sorry for him. It must hurt to lose a loved one close to your heart. 

“Hello, Jimin-ssi!” Ara was right in front of him, I must have gotten lost in my thoughts. She looked at me with wide doe eyes. “Hello Ara-ssi, how old are you?”  I noticed from the corner of my eye that Jungkook-ssi was observing our interaction very closely. “Can I sit in your lap?”

I was shocked but not surprised as children loved to sit on people's laps.”Of course, Ara-ssi, come” “She climbed into my lap and made herself comfortable. I held her back so that she wouldn't fall. “Why do you call me that?” “Call you what? Ara-ssi?” She nodded her head. “Because it's your name.” “But you don’t need to call me that,” She pointed out. “Not without your permission…so can I call you Ara now Ara-ssi.” She giggled and nodded her head.

“So you are going to be marrying my appa?” “ARA, what are you saying?” Jungkook-ssi almost shouted but controlled his voice. 

Ara just turned around innocently. “What’s wrong appa? Halmoni herself asked you and you said ‘hmm’ so you are going to marry Jimin-ssi!!” “WHAT?” Ara jumped in my lap and never heard her appa shout I presume. “THIS IS WHAT’S HAPPENING HERE?  YOU PEOPLE DISGUST ME! I- HOW CAN YOU EXPECT ME TO MARRY SOMEONE ELSE SO SOON? I WILL NOT MARRY ANYONE. “ He left the room fuming. Ara was shaking badly, she hid her face in my neck.  

I realized she was crying. “Shhh Shh, it's okay Ara, no need to cry” I tried comforting her by rubbing her back. 

“Look he is going to be an amazing appa” I felt disgusted by my parents. They were not even a bit remorseful that they were going to marry me off to someone who did not even want to marry anyone, let alone me. 

“It’s okay Ara, Jungkook-ssi will come around I am sure.” She just nodded without moving. After a while, the others were discussing the marriage arrangements. I heard Ara say something. 

“Can you take me to my appa, please? It’s the third room to the left.” She dozed off saying that.  I could not do anything else, so I awkwardly got up and went to the said room. The door was closed so I knocked hoping Jungkook-ssi would let me in. 

When he opened the door, his eyes were bloodshot like he had been crying. I could see pain and anger behind them. “Um…I have your daughter” I mentally kicked myself after saying that.

“  Let me take her, You can come inside.” I gave him Ara and awkwardly walked inside the room. It was nothing special but there were tons of pictures of Ara and a lady. I presumed it was her mother and Jungkook-ssi's late wife. 

I didn't know what to do so I stood beside the bed and saw Jungkook tuck Ara, in. He gave her a kiss on the forehead and said sorry. “Sit down Jimin-ssi”

I sat down beside the covers and Jungkook-ssi joined me. He rubbed his forehead and opened his mouth to speak, “I am sorry for shouting, it’s just that my wife…she died- passed away only 2 years ago. Ara was merely 3 so she does not understand anything but I still love her, my wife, and I…can’t be a good husband to you under such circumstances.”

“I- I won’t say I am sorry for your loss because you must have heard it plenty of times but I wish it didn't happen.” “You and me both” Jungkook-ssi chuckled bitterly.

“They are planning our wedding…..thought you should know. They are planning it  for next month 2nd week.” “WHAT?-” Jungkook-ssi almost woke up Ara but managed to control his voice to speak the rest- “That's like 2 weeks away?” 

Jimin did not say anything because he could not say anything about it. His whole life was managed by his parents. If he did not do anything they didn't want he would get beaten. Once he snuck out to a party when he was 17  and his dad had beaten him up so much that he had plenty of scars even to this day on his lower back, hands, and legs. He did not go against them after that time but they still found reasons to ‘punish’ him. 

 “Thank you for bringing Ara in by the way” I just nodded my head without saying anything.

‘’Why are you even doing stuff?” I can see you don’t want to get married, then why?” Jungkook-ssi asked. What could I tell him? That I would get beaten if I said no? That my parents hate me so much they want me gone from my own house? That I may possibly get killed if I stay in that hell even longer?  I settled for the lamest thing ever-

“It's complicated” Jungkook-ssi looked confused. He opened his mouth to ask another question presumably. That's when I  knew I could not get up if he kept asking questions so I excused my way. “And anyway it’s late I should go- yeah okay bye”

I closed the door behind me but I heard him say “But..it’s 3 pm” 

As soon as I realized I would get beaten if I did not get to my home in under 5 minutes I rushed to the front door hoping no one would stop me. 

Luckily no one stopped me and I ran home as fast as I could. I reached home and looked at my clothes. They were dirty from the mud and dirt. My only thought was ‘ Oh shit ’ before my dad opened the door with a belt in his hand. 

Jungkook’s POV 

I  was angry at Sieomeoni and Siabeoji for this marriage. They wanted me to get married so soon after Zandra passed away, but my brain was directed towards Jimin-ssi. Why was he so tense when his family was around? He was not so tense when he was with me. Why did he not tell me why he said yes to the marriage.

With all these thoughts in my mind, I prepared my tea. I almost dropped the hot tea on my hand but managed to save myself.  

“Appa?” I looked behind me and I saw Ara staring at me with sleepy eyes.

“Aru, baby I am so sorry for shouting, Appa didn’t mean to scare you” He apologized. “Can Appa give you a kiss or a hug?”

“Of course Appa” she exclaimed running into my arms. “ and it's okay. I know you didn’t mean to.

“Appa....can I ask you a question?”

“Hm-mh go ahead baby,” I said, caressing her back.

“Why did you say you didn’t want to marry Jimin-ssi? I thought you didn’t like being alone, and we hawe a huuuggeee house Jimin-ssi will have enowgh place to live and he is so pwetty, right? He is et-eter- appaaaa help mwe.” Jungkook was looking at her amused and with pain hidden.

“Aru, it’s eternal. Yes Jimin-ssi is very pretty but just because I find him pretty doesn't mean I want to marry him-” “ but whyyy”

“Hmmm...let’s see I married someone whom I loved- love. Your eomma will always have a place in my heart. I don’t love Jimin-ssi and I don’t want to marry someone whom I don’t love and plus I have you to take care of. If I marry Jimin-ssi, who'll take care of you?”   

“Then why don’t you fall in love with Jimin-ssi? He takes such good care of me also!!”

“I-I’ll think about it Ara, why don’t you go and play with Sia now hm?”

Ara ran off as soon as she heard that sentence.

Jungkook had many mixed emotions inside his brain at the moment he needed fresh air.

“I am going for a walk!” he shouted, he put on his shoes and went outside.

Jimin’s POV

Everywhere hurt. Abeoji had not been lenient this time. He had also been careless, he made sure never to hit me where I couldn’t hide it. This time there was a huge gash on my forehead and a burn mark on my neck which I could not hide no matter how much I tried.

There was a huge bruise on the side of my ribs from where he had kicked me. It had turned purplish. There was also blood on my hands. I cleaned and bandaged all of my wounds. I tried to cover the gash and burn on my face and neck as much as I could but you could still see it.

“Can I go out for a walk?” I meekly asked abeoji. “ Do whatever you want. I don’t care.”  That was a surprise. He rarely let me go outside after a beating.  “T-thank you abeoji.” I quickly got dressed and went outside to get some air.

As he was walking down the street he started thinking about his meeting with Jungkook. He seemed like a nice man who would not hurt him as much as his abeoji. Don’t get Jimin wrong.  He knew was abused. He knew not everyone would hurt him. At least he liked to believe that. Every person he has met to date has hurt him. In one way or another.

Jungkook seemed super cold. He barely spoke to Jimin today except for the conversation about the marriage. Just as he turned a corner he saw Jungkook in the same street as him. He tried to hide himself and pass him and he almost passed but he bumped into Jungkook and he had accidentally hit him in the same area as his bruise.

He let out a loud hiss as it hurt very bad and Jungkook noticed. “Jimin-ssi? Are you hurt?” 

“Ju- Jungkook-ssi ha-ha not hurt, just clumsy me being....clumsy. I am fine. Completely fine, yeah.” I stuttered through the sentence.

“U just have a....never mind.” Jungkook looked down clearly conflicted with something. I breathed a sigh of relief. Thank God Jungkook did not ask me about the gash or the burn.

I rushed back home not wanting him to change his mind about asking me.

“Jimin-ssi?” I stopped in my tracks and turned around slowly. “We have to meet tomorrow for the marriage” “OH yea OK of course” I turned around ran back home uncaring of the wound that ached at my sides. 

Jungkook’s  POV

I wondered how he got that gash on his forehead and why he tried to hide it. 

Chapter Text

!!!!TW!!!! – //abuse// //panic attack//

Jimin's POV:-

I was running blindly, there were wounds on my hands, legs, and face and it hurt. It hurt so much, I felt like my whole body was on fire. I could not see a thing, there was darkness all around me.

Even though I could not see anything, I could feel my abeoji chasing me, to hit me even more. “STOP! YOU ARE NOTHING BUT A WASTE OF SPACE AND YOU DESERVE NOTHING.”

Tears were running down my face, the words hit straight to my heart. “Please….abeoji I….I can’t …stop…….I’ll….do better please..” I begged him to stop, I could not run anymore, I could just sense that if I got hit anymore I’ll die.

“YOU CAN NEVER DO BETTER. YOU ARE JUST A WASTE, THE BAD SIDE OF MANKIND, A FAILURE. YOU’RE NOTHING. A PIECE OF TRASH AND NOTHING MORE.”

My legs were failing me, I could feel myself slow down. Finally, I collapsed in a heap on the ground. “AH-HA, FINALLY GOT YOU DIDN’T I YOU TRASH.”

The first hit from his belt was on my back. I could feel the bruise starting to form from how hard he hit. The second hit was in my legs. I cried out in pain. Abeoji’s eyes flashed in anger. I was never to make a sound when I got hit. It was Abeoji’s rule. He knew he was not gonna survive this beating. He just curled himself into a ball and tried to block the pain. It was not working.

“GET UP. GET UP I SAID. FACE ME LIKE A MAN YOU TRASH. ON YOUR KNEES. NOW.”

I could hear my abeoji telling me to get up and face him but it was like my brain could not understand the command. My disobedience made him hit me even harder. “Please…….abeoji……I-” “SHUT UP AND TAKE IT LIKE A MAN.”

I was starting to lose my vision, suddenly I saw a bright light in the darkness. There was a man coming toward me. I got even more scared thinking someone else was coming to hit me.

He approached me slowly, and all the while my father was hitting me. I realized my back was bleeding badly. I tried with all my might to stop myself from losing consciousness but to no avail. I could feel my eyes droop and my heartbeat increase, trying to make up for the blood I lost.

The person suddenly appeared in front of me and touched my face gently, wiping my tears. He hugged my back, protecting me from my father. Everything turned bright , and the darkness around me—we disappeared. Strangely I could feel my wounds closing up, my heartbeat slowing down coming to an average pace.  My eyes finally cleared up and I could see clearly.

The person who saved me was…..

Jungkook-ssi?

Suddenly the scene changed. I was looking at a happy couple who anyone at first glance could see was in love. His feet were stuck to the ground and his eyes were fixed on the couple. He could not see who they were. Jimin had no choice but to observe them.

They clearly loved each other very much. It was not like they showed a lot of PDA no in fact they rarely showed any PDA except for random hand holdings, they were just so……attuned to each other. One of them would touch the other's hands or shoulders not for long or with intent, just to show that they were there and the other would just smile softly, blushing a bit and continuing what they were doing.

 One of them was tall, with a broad chest and a small waist. He clearly worked out as Jimin could see the muscles flexing under his shirt. He had a sleeve of tattoos on his right arm. He would look scary if not for the fact he had the fondest look and the cutest bunny smile on his face looking at the other man.

The other man was smaller than him. He looked small but was well built. He had a dancer's body with defined thighs and what looked like defined abs.  He too had tattoos but significantly less than the other man.  He had a crescent moon tattoo on the back of his neck and an indistinguishable tattoo under one of his ears. He also had a ‘13’ engraved on the inside of his wrist.

He was talking animatedly using his hands, seemingly excited. The other man was looking at him with a fond look and injecting between him like giving inputs.

 After a while, they sat down on a bench, and they turned towards each other almost like a reflex….like it was natural. They didn’t talk, just sat and watched the sunset but they still both glanced at each other from time to time and when their eyes met they would just smile softly. After the sunset, they turned toward each other and leaned in to share a kiss.

The scene was everything Jimin had ever hoped to achieve in a relationship. 

That’s when Jimin saw the couple clearly for the first time. He felt the world stop. His heart stopped beating and it felt like the world was holding its breath. There on the bench sat Jungkook-ssi and himself with Ara between them, eating ice cream. All of them looked like a family. A small, happy, and content family. 

Jimin woke up in a cold sweat. What the hell did he just dream of? Him? And Jungkook-ssi? And Ara? Looking like a family? And what about his dream with his father? Did Jungkook-ssi really save him from nearly dying? It seemed he was still traumatized about the beating his father gave him when he was 17.

He was deep in thought when his alarm rang. It was already 5 am and it was time for him to start his day.

It was basically stilled into his system now. He woke up at 5 am, got ready by 5:30, and went to the kitchen to start cooking breakfast.  His eomma and abeoji always woke up by 6 and needed their breakfast by 6:15. Any later than that meant brutal punishment. They both needed a different dish each day. Any repetition meant punishment.

After breakfast, he was to clean the kitchen and the house. Each corner, every day. After that, he was supposed to do whatever he had been assigned by school and then make lunch. After lunch, he was supposed to prepare a dessert for the evening.  Every day should be a new one. After serving his parents tea he was allowed to eat what he had made for lunch, he had learned the hard way that he was not supposed to eat lunch with his parents but after them. By this time he had usually gotten a beating or two since his abeoji didn’t let his single mistake go unnoticed. After preparing for dinner he sat down with them and served them the food. Dinner was the only meal he was allowed to eat with his parents. He was left to his own devices after that. He usually cleaned his wounds and slept like a baby as he worked to the bone each day without fail. Tonight was different.

No matter how much he tried he could not fall asleep. He tossed and turned. He kept thinking about the dream he had that morning.

Unknowing to him, Jungkook too was tossing and turning. Not because he was thinking though he was deep in sleep but because he was having a nightmare he often had.

In his nightmare, he was back in the car with his Zandra. He had had this dream many times but just like the other times he could not do anything but watch.

 It happened in slow motion, Zandra looking at him with fear in her eyes, her last kiss, not even that, a bare brush of lips before they both crashed with the other car.

Jungkook watched the scene with tears in his eyes, like the rest of the time. He expected the dream to end and for him to wake up but the dream changed. The scene was completely the same but this time instead of Zandra though at his side was.......Jimin-ssi? 

Jungkook was confused but that confusion melted into horror As he saw the car coming toward them. He cried out aloud- “NO!”

He watched in horror as the same thing happened again. Jimin-ssi turned towards him in horror, but unlike Zandra, he said something that made his heart clench, “We’ll survive, right? Tell me we’ll survive, please. I don’t wanna live without you and Ara. I love-” That’s when the other car crashed into theirs.

Moreover, he could sense the exact time Jimin-ssi’s heart stopped beating. Jungkook cried and screamed for this to stop. He just wanted his Jimin back.

Jungkook woke up shaking and crying.  He looked next to him, Ara was sleeping soundly beside him. He didn’t want to wake her up with his crying which he was sure to do. He crept towards the door and went out to the courtyard to get some fresh air.

He sobbed and sobbed on the grass, crying his heart out. Words that Jimin said in his nightmare repeated themselves in Jungkook’s head making him cry out in agony even more. He didn't even know why he was crying so much,  he did not even know Jimin-ssi that well. It was the double pain of the old nightmare and the new nightmare that made Jungkook sob on the grass. He sobbed for God knows how long. His grief making time seem insignificant.

After a while Jungkook just layed on the grass, his tears drying out. He finally processed what he just dreamed of. His Jimin? Where did that come from? They barely even knew each other, still speaking formally and why was he so sad and heartbroken about Jimin-ssi dying? 

His brain was working overboard. He couldn't understand why he had dreamt of this. He had no relation whatsoever to Jimin-ssi. Well except for the fact that they would get married in less than 24 hours. This definitely meant nothing. It was just his brain connecting his past pain to the current situation…..right? 

Jungkook went to his room and tried to sleep. He tossed and turned, thinking about his dream. By the time he went to sleep, it was already 4 o’clock in the morning and he had to wake up in 2 hours to get ready for the wedding he didn't want. Ara slept soundly beside him, unknowing about her father’s inner turmoil. 

~The Next Day~

They said that a wedding should be the most beautiful day of one’s life. Getting married was supposed to be a pure bond, full of love and affection for the partners. The connection of the souls, being tied to the person who knew us better than anyone. Our soulmate(s). It was supposed to be a bright day with clear skies and birds chirping in the distance.

It was a gloomy day. It was not the sky that was dull, no. In fact, the sky was positively shining, with not a cloud in sight.  There were birds chirping around and the decoration was absolutely stunning. It was the mood that was gloomy.

The venue where the wedding was supposed to take place was covered with a white sheet, like a tent above the chairs with fairy lights adorned around it, giving it a soft glow. The seats were placed like in a dining hall, with wooden chairs and tables and candles decorating it. There were vases of beautiful lavenders and mistletoe in them placed around the table. The place where the grooms were supposed to stand was decorated majestically. The lavenders were placed like a crown above the stage. Fairy lights were dangling from the background and white vases with roses were placed on the side. It truly was magical. 

It would have been even more special if the grooms were actually interested in getting married. Currently, they were both in their chambers, getting ready. 

Jimin was wearing a greyish-brownish color suit with a white shirt underneath. He wore a brown patterned tie with a brown piece of cloth in the front pocket of his suit. He had colored his hair blue for the wedding which was parted to one side. He wore hoop earrings that were plain silver. He also wore a bit of eye makeup and covered it in a beige shade

Jungkook wore a grey full suit with a black shirt underneath. He wore his eyebrow piercing. His hair stood up a bit in the front, giving it a messy in a neat way look. He had blush and eyeliners adorned his face making him give a soft but intimidating look. He also wore all of his six earrings.  

It was time for the wedding to begin.

Jimin was standing at the altar waiting for Jungkook, who was gritting in anger and nervousness. He didn't even know why he was nervous. Even if his stomach was full of butterflies, his mind was reeling in anger, ‘ Why would they make me get married NOW! So soon after…..’ “Jungkook-ssi?” Someone interrupted his thoughts, “it is time for you to walk down the aisle” His face was a blank canvas, not a hint of emotion showing. A curt nod was the only reply he gave. “Appaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, loook I am looking so pwetty!” Ara suddenly appeared in his chamber shouting. Looking at her his anger melted a bit, making him smile softly.

Ara was indeed looking beautiful. She wore a beautiful pink gown which was lifted at some places giving it a floaty look. Her hair was curled and she had a full face of makeup. She looked exactly like a beautiful doll and Jungkook made sure to tell her. “Baby you look beautiful, just like a doll.” “Thank You, Appa!” Ara said, smiling to her ears. 

“Go outside Aru, appa will come walking down the aisle okay?” He asked her sweetly. Ara obediently went outside to wait for her appa. Inside Jungkook pulled his face into a cold mask letting the world show no emotion whatsoever. He took a deep breath and walked out of the chamber. 

The audience clapped and there were some exclaims of joy but Jungkook payed them no heed. His mind went back to when he and Zandra got married. How beautiful she looked wearing a beautiful white gown and a flower crown. Their vows pure acts and exclamations of love. Their wedding was a beautiful event, enjoying themselves to the fullest. How after their wedding they had made love inside their private room in dim lights the atmosphere heavy, hands intertwined and wedding bands shining.

 That was nothing compared to…this. 

The air was tense with discomfort, the grooms showing no emotions on their faces, the fake smile on their parents' faces, the decoration beautiful but faulty not matching either of the groom's tastes. Vows that the grooms were made to memorize leaving no space for authenticity.  

Before he knew it Jungkook was beside Jimin. 

He had to admit that Jimin-ssi looked good. Dressed in a brown suit and white shirt, loop earrings, and light makeup, Jungkook had to admit it made him look handsome. 

They barely matched, cut that they didn't match at all while Jimin went for soft makeup Jungkook had put on heavy makeup with smoky eyes, pink lips, and cheeks covered in blush. It made Jungkook think about how different their tastes were and how this marriage would work. 

Jungkook was wondering why Jimin was stiff as cardboard. The bruise he saw before was now completely hidden or healed. His hands were behind his back and he was gazing over Jungkook’s shoulder. Discreet enough so that the guests and their parents would think that he was looking at Jungkook but being close to Jimin he could see where his eyes were. They carried a certain sadness that he sometimes saw in himself when he looked in the mirror. 

The sadness spoke volumes. Jungkook wondered how much Jimin and Jungkook had suffered, how much they had to bear. Jungkook was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard the priest clear his throat.

“The grooms may begin their vows.” The priest announced when Jimin and Jungkook were standing in front of each other. 

Jungkook spoke first. His vows were bland with no love or reality in his voice, the classic vows that promised to stay with their partner through all, that was beautiful when said with love. This meant nothing since he didn't love Jimin. Heck, he barely knew him. 

“ In the name of God, I, Jungkook, take you, Jimin, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until parted by death. This is my solemn vow.” 

“Ahem...Jimin-ssi you may go ahead.” 

He saw Jimin take a deep breath, close his eyes for a second and open his mouth- “In the name of God, I, Jimin, take you, Jungkook, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until parted by death. This is my solemn vow.”

The audience was not very shocked at how emotionlessly Jungkook had said his vows. He had been like that since Zandra had died. But they had been shocked at how Jimin had said the same thing in the same tone. 

“By the authority vested in me by the state of Las Vegas, I now pronounce you husbands. You may now kiss.”

Jimin and Jungkook were shocked, they had not expected their parents to make them kiss each other. They looked at each other from the first time they stood at the altar and slowly leaned in. 

Jimin braced himself. This was in no way his first kiss but he didn't want to kiss Jungkook and vice versa. Finally, they were close enough that their lips touched. They kissed slowly, it was almost like they were savoring it. Their hands were by their side, bodies stiff like cardboard. The kiss was sweet but full of discomfort.

Strangely enough, either Jungkook or Jimin didn’t feel repulsed by it. It wasn’t as if they wanted to kiss again but they didn’t feel the need to wash their mouths with soap right away either.

They separated with flushed cheeks and swollen lips. They couldn’t meet each other eyes Everyone stood up to cheer and shout of joy. “JK!!! Throw the bouquet man!” A man with a beautiful smile shouted. His lips stretched into a heart whenever he smiled. He was dancing-swaying to the music and laughing, he looked like he was enjoying himself. 

“Well at least someone is enjoying themselves,” Jimin muttered under his breath, bitter. 

Jungkook raised the bouquet and threw it over his shoulder. Everyone watched it, wondering who it will land on. The bouquet was very small and frail, just then a strong wind blew and pushed the bouquet into the hands of Park Ji- well now Park-Jeon Jimin. 

Everyone gaped at him. He blushed under the attention and looked around, hoping for something that will distract everyone. Just then the food bell rang signaling that the food was ready. This shook everyone out of their trance and they started to move toward the food stall. 

The heart smiled guy was coming towards them.”Hey Jk, long time no see.” “Hoseok Hyung. What are you doing here?” Jungkook sounded surprised. At this, the guy’s smile faded a bit and a sad kind of light came into his eyes. ”Yah! You were getting married. I had to come and anyways your sieomeoni invited me. Kook-ah why didn’t you invite the others? I would have but it’s your wedding…..You know your hyungs would support you no? No matter what you choose? You called us all when you and….” He trailed off probably noticing the dark look in Jungkook-ssi’s eyes. He continues, trying to seem cheerful..” Anyways….introduce us, Jeon. Oh, should I say Park-Jeon? Introduce your favorite hyung to my new…dongsaeng? Hyung?” 

“Umm...Jimin-ssi this is Hoseok Hyung. Jung Hoseok is his name and Hyung this is Jimin-ssi. Park-Jimi-...um Park-Jeon Jimin is his name.” 

“Jimin-ssi I must say you are beautiful. I would say you're prettier than Jin hyung but I predict that  he would somehow sense it and end my life.” Jungkook allowed a small smile to pass his lips at that comment. Hobi continued “How old are you?” 

Jimin was confused at the compliment and what Hoseok-ssi meant by Jin hyung? Was he talking about the same hyung Jimin knew? But that's impossible! He must be talking about some other Jin. Hesitantly he replied “Um...I was born in ‘95?” “Woohoo!” Hoseok-ssi jumped and clapped his hands like a baby. Jimin had to admit that just being with him made his mood better. It seemed like his smile was contagious because Jimin couldn’t keep his smile hidden as much as he tried. “You are younger than me! You can call me hyung if you like?” 

Jimin was surprised. He didn’t expect Hoseok-ssi to warm up to him that quickly. “Um sure…Hyung.” “Oh my god Kook he is adorable, I want to keep him in my pocket. Also Kook where is Aru? I haven’t seen her since a year!” 

“Oh….I think she is with her halabeoji.” “Ohh…OK, no worries. I’ll see you later Jk. Jimin, I love your fashion sense by the way.” 

Jimin blushed hearing that but before he could answer someone called Hoseok hyung and he excused himself. “He is nice..” Jimin muttered to himself. If Jungkook-ssi heard, he gave no response. 

 “I am going to find Ara,” Jungkook-ssi spoke and disappeared into the crowd. Jimin sighed. If Jungkkok-ssi kept acting this cold the marriage would never work. He kept thinking about it. Thoughts by thoughts his mind wandered to his old friends. He was so close with his friends. He still is, but they haven’t met in over 6 months…His abeoji always declined but since he was going into a new home he could probably meet them. 

He missed his soulmate. His best friend was the one who always was by his side and gave him advice and support. They had only talked on the phone through text for the last half-year. He was dying to talk to him right now. He knew anything and everything about Jimin. Sometimes Jimin felt that he knew him better than he did himself. He missed his Taetae. 

He missed his Namjoonie Hyung, who always guided him and taught him things. He comforted him and protected him. Even though he was only born in ’94 he saw the world through such a profound lens that it was hard to believe he was only one year older than him. He always told Jimin to focus on his task, to let inspiration get to him. He wrote amazing lyrics and produced beautiful music for his work.

He missed his Yoongi Hyung. He missed how he used to comfort him when he cried, how he would always choose his side because he had a soft spot for him. How he let him get away with anything, how he always told him to chill out for a bit and calm down to enjoy life as well. People may think of him as lazy but in reality, he was the most hardworking person ever. He would stay up all night to make music or compose or write lyrics for songs in his work and outside it.

He missed his Jin hyung. The eldest of his hyungs. The one who kept them together. The one who always worried about them and made sure that they were healthy and safe. The one who got more worried than anyone if someone was sick. The one who appeared so confident and flawless, but only his close friends knew how much he dealt with daily, how much hate he got due to him coming out as a bisexual in the idol world. How much he was insecure even though it may not seem that. The one who healed Jimin first when he met them. 

*FlashBack*

Jimin was walking around his neighborhood, keeping his head down low. There was a huge gash on his cheek, and wounds all over his body. 

His abeoji had punished him brutally for not making the lunch on time. He was stupid. He knew he should have made lunch sooner and kept, he should have - 

Lost in his self decapitation thoughts he didn't see where he was going and collided with someone. 

The other person exclaimed more in surprise than hurt. Jimin on the other hand let out a very pained sound.  He had collided the other person just where there was a deep cut in his shoulder. 

He planned to ignore it even if it hurt a ton and walk away but the other man grabbed his hands and stopped him. “Wait, you are hurt. I can’t let you go like this can I?” His voice was beautiful, delicate like the beginning of spring. Jimin looked up to see his face, removing the hood covering his face. 

He stared. There was no other way to put it, although you can’t blame Jimin he was beautiful, eternal, scratch that there were no words in the dictionary that could describe the beauty of this man. It looked like his face was made by the Greek gods themselves. Kind looking face, the one who anyone could easily trust, oval almond-shaped eyes, full pink lips, roman nose with a rounded top, Jimin was undoubtedly shell-shocked. The purple-dyed hair adds more beauty to the man.

“I know I am very handsome but you need to tell me where I hurt you.” The man smirked and spoke again snapping Jimin from his trance. Jimin blushed being caught, “I-I wasn’t staring-” The man interrupted.“Yeah right, and I am ugly.” Jimin continued “I-I am sorry for hurting you and stare-staring at you. I-I promise I won-nt. Pl-please do-don’ hu-hurt m-me. M-my- I hav-e al-already go-tten a beat-ting to-today.” Jimin didn't realize that he was crying. 

The other man’s eyes widened as Jimin spoke. “Who is hurting you? And why would I hurt you? Beating? What kind of hell are you living in? Are you ok-okay?” The man rambled on, clearly panicking. He didn’t know what to do!

“He-hell?” Jimin sniffed he didn’t know what the man was talking about. Isn’t this how the world works? Everyone gets punished for any mistake they did, no matter how small. This is how we get to be perfect. When Jimin vocalized his thoughts the man’s face grew scandalized. 

Jimin was trembling now thinking the man would hurt him. The man took a deep breath and spoke in a calm, collected voice that Jimin could tell was forced “My..name is Kim Seokjin, most people I know call me Jin. I want to talk with you…not like this though. I want to treat your wounds first and then you can give me your number. Is that okay?” 

Treat his wounds? Jimin always left his wounds like that and they healed on their own. Sometimes they would get infected and it would longer to heal, his abeoji would usually hit him because of this…..

He slowly agreed. The other man- Jin-ssi let out a sigh of relief. “Come to my house, it’s not far and I can treat your wounds there.” He walked off talking, gesturing for Jimin to follow him. Confused, Jimin trailed behind him.  

*FlashBack Ends*

Jin Hyung had healed him and told him how he was abused, and that was not how the world works. Thanks to him Jimin knew that he was worth more than what his father made him see, it gave him the courage to wake up each morning

Lost in thoughts, Jimin didn’t notice his abeoji walking toward him. He was shaken out of his trance when he felt someone grab his hand forcefully. 

"Jimin" His abeoji was in front of him in such a way that the rest of the crowd could barely see Jimin. Jimin could feel his hand's circulation being cut off at how hard his abeoji had grabbed him. Fear started creeping upon him, he wouldn't hit him in front of so many people, right? But who knows what else he would do if he spoke up. 

He bowed his head in submission. "Y-yes abe-abeoji?" In a voice as meek as possible as he dared open his mouth. 

"How dare you stand here while Jungkook-ssi is somewhere else. He is now your husband and you are to follow him everywhere. I will not tolerate such nonsense such as space that you youngsters have come up with." Jimin could feel his hand becoming numb and the pain was starting to creep up in his hand, given that the previous wounds had not yet healed. He nodded his yes hiding his tears. 

His abeoji squeezed his arm and said in a low growl “Listen here you piece of shit if Jungkook leaves you you have no place to go back to. Your only job now is to serve your husband and do whatever he tells you to do. Your only home now is Jungkook’s place. You will never show your face to your eomma or me again. Got it?” With one last squeeze, he pushed past Jimin and left. 

Jimin immediately grabbed his hands and turned his back toward the crowd so they could not see his tears. Someone tapped his shoulder, Jimin quickly wiped his tears and turned with a fake smile on his face. One that looked so real that everyone except his group of friends was fooled. Years and years of practice had ensured that the rest of the world didn’t know what happened to Jimin behind the closed doors. 

His smile faltered when he saw who was it. His eomma. She gave him a small smile and only said “Good Luck and serve him well” before walking away. He saw, and hoped that she would offer him a hug just like when he was a kid and his abeoji scolded him. How she would comfort him by taking him in her arms and singing slowly, patting his head while sniffling on her stomach. How she would reassure him that it was okay. He hadn’t gotten that comfort from her since he was 12.

He still hoped that she would turn to give him one last hug, even if brief before he lost her forever. 

Truth was that even now Jimin could not come to hate her or detest her like he detested his abeoji.No matter how much she saw Jimin get beaten up by his abeoji. Even if he hadn’t even properly talked to her since the last 5 years, he always had a small hope that she would take him in her arms again and everything would be alright like before when his abeoji only scolded him.

 When she walked away like this wasn’t- like she would see him again tomorrow and that he wasn’t moving a 4-hour drive away- that was the last straw, he broke down he could not take it anymore, Why was this happening to him, what did he do to deserve parents who didn’t even care about him. Oh what he wouldn’t do to just call his hyungs and Tae here to comfort him, but no he wasn’t allowed to invite them to his wedding. He ran and hid behind the thrust stage to save himself from people seeing him cry. He knelt to the ground and sobbed his heart out. Tears running, he felt like he could barely breathe, emotions choking him up he felt like the weakest man on earth. 

He would tell his past self, choose medicine, do what your parents want you to do, if he did that he would probably still be with them and not be married to a man who closed himself off from the world. If only his past self would be able to hear him, it’s too late. He had no home. No one….except maybe his hyungs and Taetae. 

Sobbing, he could feel himself lose track of his breathing, he started panicking he looked for something to ground himself but it was like he spiraling into a dark hole. His breathing became irregular, eyes started turning black, it was like his nightmare was becoming a reality. He curled himself into a ball and tried to breathe, no matter how much he tried he couldn’t get something, anything to ground himself on. He could feel himself lose consciousness when he heard something drop and that's when he snapped out of it. 

He put his head out of his knees to see what happened, to his surprise he saw a small box with a small piece of paper peeking out of it. He hesitantly reached to touch the box. It was small, not bigger than Jimin’s palm, and was covered in purple flowers, the ones from the wedding. It had a small slit on top with white colored paper showing. Jimin pulled the paper out and saw that there was something written on it. 

“ It’s okay, I know you're broken but please hold on

~ HS ” 

He looked around to see who had dropped - or given it to him, it looked like it was given especially to him. He got up shakily with his trembling legs and did a 360. There was not even a single shadow of anything other than Jimin. He was confused but he pushed that aside to wipe his tears and make himself presentable. 

He tried to hide his tear tracks and make his breathing regular, he knew that anyone would be able to tell that he was crying. His eyes were puffy and red-rimmed and still had tears. He didn’t care, he only wanted to go to a bed and sleep forever. 

Walking out of his hiding place he was surprised to see that not a lot of guests were left. In fact, he could only see Ara’s grandparents and Hoseok hyung.  Jungkook was sitting at a table with Ara beside him. He was slowly feeding her something and talking in a soft voice and with fond eyes. It seemed that Jungkook only had a place for Ara in his heart.

 He didn’t notice Hoseok walking toward him so he was understandably startled when Hoseok tapped his shoulder. He turned around to see his Hoseok hyung standing with his arms open. “I wanna hug someone but Jungkook-ie is busy.” It was an excuse and Jimin knew but he let it pass.  He pulled Jimin, gently like Jimin would break if not handled carefully….maybe he would. 

He squeezed him gently and rocked them back and forth. “I will come to visit you in your new home very soon okay?” He whispered softly, due to his loud voice and infectious laughter Jimin had assumed that he was a very loud person but he was slowly learning that very gentle when he needed to be, he comforted Jimin without asking questions even though it was clear that Jimin was crying. It was as close to comfort as when his hyungs and Tae would hug him. 

 Someone cleared their throat, causing Jimin to break out of his bubble of comfort and turn around. Jungkook-ssi was standing there with little Ara in his arms. 

“I am sorry for interrupting but it’s time we leave. It’ll be dark soon, we’ll see you later Hobi-hyung.” Jungkook turned around to leave when Hoseok-hyung grabbed his  hand and turned him around.”Uh- hu not so fast. Let me hug Aru first.” He took Ara from Jungkook-ssi’s arms and squeezed her tight. 

“Aru, Uncle will visit you very soon okay?” “Ye-es please, can you also bwing chocolates for me?” Hoseok hyung laughed and answered with a wide smile on his lips “Of course I will. I’ll bring you lots of chocolates and tell all your other uncles to bring them as well” Ara shouted in joy. “Yeeeeeeesssssssss. Thawnk You so muwch. Bring all of my uncles okay?” “Of couse Aru baby. Now I am going to keep you okay?” Ara nodded her consent and Hoseok hyung kept her down. 

He then hugged Jungkook-ssi. It seemed that Jungkook-ssi was not expecting it, his arms were out awkwardly like he didn’t know what to do with him. “It’s been so long since I last hugged you Jungkookie. I miss you. Go now, I’ll visit soon.” 

Jungkook-ssi slowly put his hands around hyung and nodded his head. His body was still stiff but he melted a little with Ara hugging his legs, he reached one hand down to hold Ara’s head close to him... 

Jimin saw the scene with a small smile on his face. It made him a bit happy to see them all hugging. Jungkook-ssi separated first and he saw Hobi hyung wipe a small tear from the corner of his eye. 

After saying their byes, they walked out of the venue to the car. Jimin’s bags had already reached Jungkook-ssi’s home. It was a long ride but Jimin was fascinated. He had never been outside of Busan. He looked out of the window the whole ride. He saw how the greens and trees changed into buildings and shops. In no time, it seemed that Jimin, Jungkook, and Ara reached Seoul. 

It was around 10:30 pm when they reached home. Everyone was exhausted. 

“Jimin-ssi” Jimin was startled when he heard Jungkook-ssi call his name. He quickly turned around,” Y-yes?” “Can you please put Ara to sleep, I am going to wash up?” 

Jimin nodded his head, he opened his mouth to speak but Jungkook-ssi had walked away. He slowly made his way around the house. It was a…. comfortable house (A/N —> What rich people say to their grand houses lol). 

 The hallway extended to a few feet and opened to the circular-shaped room which Jimin assumed was the living room from which there were 4 doors. The living room was decorated in beige and teal-colored sheets, curtains, and cushions giving the room a soft and cozy look. 

The sofa was decorated with pretty teal-colored embroidery and cushions were placed around it. There a was rectangular table at the corner where a beige vase was present with purple lavenders in them. The tv was placed in such a way that it was visible from anywhere in the living room. There were stools and small benches on the carpet where he assumed Ara would draw or sit. 

But it was not the sofa or curtains that made the room look comfortable no. It was the many paintings and frames hung up. He walked around the room and saw many frames of Jungkook-ssi and Ara laughing, playing, and eating. There were also pictures of the same woman as in Jungkook-ssi’s sieomeoni’s house. His late wife. All the pictures were beautiful because the people in them were happy, carefree, and full of love. 

Jimin had always wished for a family like this. The pictures looked so perfect, they were almost like fairytale perfect. In his- in his abeoji’s house they only had 1 family portrait and that too with forced smiles, unlike here where there were so many pictures of them together, hugging, kissing, and laughing. 

There were also many drawings stuck to the wall. Some of them scenery’s or a man and a small girl and sometimes and man, woman and a small girl.  He assumed Ara had drawn them, most of them were framed in silver frames but one photo which was right next to the table was framed in a gold frame. 

It was a simple picture but held deep sentimental value that Jimin could recognize instantly. The woman and man, Jimin assumed were Jungkook-ssi and his wife. They were holding hands and little, baby newborn Ara was in their arms. They both looked down at her with so much love. The drawing was messy, exactly how a 5-year-old would draw but so so beautiful. No wonder they had framed it in a gold frame. 

There were 4 doors attached to the living room. One of them read Jungkook’s Office. He assumed Jungkook-ssi worked from home from time to time so he had an office at home as well. 

Another room in which Jungkook-ssi had gone in, was probably his bedroom. The third room read ‘Zandra’s Office~’. Zandra…..Jungkook-ssi’s wife's name was Zandra? The door was painted with ivy leaves and flowers, the nameplate had not even a single scratch. 

But it was the last door that stole his attention. It was blue, which was different from the rest of the doors which were beige in color save for Zandra’s office. It read ‘Ara’s Magic Shop’ It had a painting of Ara drawn on the door. The painting is so accurate and beautiful, that Jimin could not tear his eyes from it. He complempated walking towards it when he heard a shout of ‘Appaaa’ from the room. His eyes widened a little before he made his way towards the door. 

He knocked gently and peeked his head inside. The walls were painted in baby blue inside as well. All around the wall were small paintings of flowers, toys, animals, birds, cars, and handmade drawings of stick figures. 

There was a bunk bed in the middle of the room and beside that was a basket that was filled with toys. In the corner of the room, there was a bookshelf with lots of books and frames on it, right beside that was a small study table with a chair. Pencils, crayons, and paper were scattered on the table. 

He walked inside the room in small steps not wanting to scare Ara. 

On the table, there was little Ara scribbling something. Her tongue peeked out of her mouth in concentration, her eyebrows were furrowed making her look adorable. He cleared his throat making Ara aware of his presence. She frowned confused “Jimin-ssi…where is appa?” “Ara…your appa is washing up, can I put you to bed?” 

Realization dawned on her and a small smile made its way on her face. She nodded her head and got down from the chair. “Yes plwease, my sleeping clothes are on the top shelf of my cupwoard.”  Jimin cooed at her manners and speech. Saying thanks he opened the cupboard and took out the first pair of shorts and top he could find. 

He gave them to Ara and she took them and ran to the bathroom to change. She closed the door and he heard grunts and pants of Ara trying to open her dress. They had changed into casual clothes before leaving the venue but Ara still had a zipped frock on. “Ara-” Jimin began hesitantly, “should I help you?” 

 For a few minutes, there was no response but then the door slowly opened and a little head peeked out with a sheepish expression. “Uh..co-could you open my z-wip?” 

Jimin just gave her a comforting smile and kneeled down to his knees. “I won’t peek or anything I promise.” She nodded and turned her back towards him. He opened her zip carefully, as not to hurt her and let her know when he was done. 

She said her thanks and went inside and came back a few moments later. “Can you help me wash up plwese?” “Of course, let’s go.” He helped Ara on a stool and put toothpaste on her brush. He held it up for Ara to use and she did. Jimin was impressed, Ara was very responsible, she didn’t complain even once about brushing or changing before sleep even though she must be tired as well. 

He helped her wash her face, apply cream and moisturizer,  and wash and dry her hair. When he was finally done putting her hair up in a ponytail, Ara was almost asleep she mumbled her thanks softly and dozed off in his arms. Jimin chuckled under his breath and lifted Ara up. 

It hurt because he still had wounds on his arms from previous beatings and the place where his abeoji had grabbed him. It was worth it when he saw how peacefully Ara had snuggled into his arms. He slowly kept her on her bed and put a blanket on top of her. 

He also put a few soft toys around he so that she would not fall or feel lonely at the night. He sat beside her for a short while, seeing her sleep it made him feel calm and happy for some reason. Just as he was about to get up from her bedside he felt small fingers grab his hand. 

“Jimin-ssi?” Ara mumbled in a whisper. “Yes, Ara? Do you want something?” She shook her head and signaled for him to sit on her bed. Frowning in confusion he sat on the edge of the bed. “Yes?” he mumbled softly letting Ara sought through her thoughts. 

“You married my appa…like my mom married my appa but she isn't here anymore right?” Jimin slowly nodded his head trying to understand what Ara was saying. “So does that mean you are replacing her?” She asked so innocently like this didn’t shock Jimin. 

Jimin hadn’t thought about how Ara would perceive his marriage,  but he hadn’t thought that she would take him marrying Jungkook-ssi as replacing her mother. He would never! But Ara didn’t know that, he felt the need to reassure her immediately. “Aru, no. I could never replace your mother or your father. I am only trying to do what she can’t do anymore. I have no intentions of replacing anyone. I will only take care of you and Jungkook-ssi if he wants that. Can I do that Ara? Can I take care of you as your appa does?”  Can I call you Aru? Can you call me appa as well? Remained unsaid. Jimin thought that it was too soon to ask these questions. Ara didn’t say anything for a while like trying to understand what Jimin was saying. 

She slowly nodded with a smile on her face. “Okay, You can call me Aru like my appa does okay?” 

Jimin nodded his head with a smile gracing his lips. “Can I hug you?” In response, Ara jumped into his arms. He squeezed her and placed a soft kiss on her head. 

“Okay Aru, go to sleep or you will feel tired tomorrow.” Ara nodded her head and layed down. As soon as her head touched the pillow she fell asleep. 

Jimin chuckled and leaned down to kiss her forehead once again before getting up to leave. 

He looked back one last time with fond eyes before closing the lights and the door, he slipped outside. 

“Thanks” He startled and turned around clutching his chest when he heard a voice behind him. 

He turned around to see Jungkook-ssi standing there with a smile gracing on lips. 

Chapter Text

 TW - // PANICK ATTACKS// 

  “Thanks” He startled and turned around clutching his chest when he heard a voice behind him. 

He turned around to see Jungkook-ssi standing there with a smile gracing on lips. 

____________________________******______________________________

“Ju-Jungkook-ssi? I am s-sorry did I disturb y- you ? D-did you he-hear our whole co-coversa-tion?” Jimin stuttered, he didn’t know how Jungkook-ssi would react...

“No, and I only saw  you kissing her head, but I think we need to talk, what do you say Jimin-ssi?” Without waiting for an answer Jungkook-ssi turned back toward the living room. Confused, Jimin followed him. Jungkook sat down on the couch and gestured for Jimin to sit as well.  

“Thank You, for taking care of Aru and reassuring her.” Jimin nodded his head slowly without saying anything, still confused and frankly scared of him. “Ara is a brilliant child, she is super adorable as well” he complimented Jungkook shyly. 

Nodding slightly, with a small smile he continued “I see that Ara had made herself comfortable with you so I hope that we would be more comfortable with each other as well. For starters, you can call me Jungkook.”

Jimin stared at him, out of all the things he didn’t expect this at all. Jungkook-ssi, Jungkook- what Jimin knew of him was that he was a cold and reserved person. He knew that they would have to have this conversation one day but so soon? And initiated by Jungkook of all people? Jimin surely didn't expect that.  “Um….uh….sure then you can call me Jimin as well.”

Jungkook shook his head “It wouldn’t be right, you are older than me. I can just call you Jimin-ssi if you are uncomfortable with it.” 

“Oh...OH right, n-no, um t-then you can call me…um….hyung if you want?”  

With a small smile on his lips, he nodded his head “Thank You. I-” 

‘He has a nice smile’ Jimin thought, “You have a nice smile” he blurted out. He was thinking about it but he would never say that aloud! Mortified, he tried to come up with an excuse but his mind was blank. With no other option, he tried to get up and leave “Uh- um..I-I should go…to sleep. Y-you should t-to.” 

“Jimin-ssi…um....hyung....we will sleep together.” Silence.  “On the same bed, I mean!” He quickly added when he realized what he said. “I-I mean that w-we wi-wil share the- same bed I-” Jungkook stuttered trying to make himself talk sense, after trying for a minute to speak what he wanted, he shut up knowing he would end up making it a bigger mess. 

Sensing the awkward atmosphere he had created Jungkook quickly walked towards one door and gestured to Jimin to walk in as well. Both of their faces were red as a tomato. 

“I-um am going to bed..but um… you should wash up as well.” Jungkook quickly walked towards the bed and slipped under the covers. He was gracious enough to sleep at one side so Jimin would be comfortable. 

Jimin walked towards the bathroom and proceeded to wash up, still confused at the events that had just occurred. He took a hot shower to drain out the tension in his body. It had been a while since he had had the luxury to do so. Checking his watch he saw that it was already 11 pm. 

Jin-Hyung’s song was about to be released in a while. He figure he would wait for it in the bathroom as Jungkook was sleeping outside and he didn’t want to disturb him. 

God knows what he would do if Jimin woke him up. Shuddering at the thought, he decided to brush his teeth and wash his hair in the meanwhile. 

He searched around for shampoo in the bathroom. “ Who makes a washroom this big” was his thought as he saw that it was on the other side. 

After washing his hair and brushing his teeth he unlocked his phone and opened youtube. He saw that the live performance was about to begin in 2 mins. He got his headphones which he had bought with his abeoji’s money and snuggled them into his backpack. 

He put them on and saw that the performance had begun. 

“ I wrote this song for my best friend and for myself when I hated myself when I found out I was bi.  I want to show him- tell him that it’s okay to not be flawless.” 

It brought tears into Jimin’s eye, he knew Seokjin was talking about him, he told him that his next song would be about him. Jimin had thought he was joking, he even said yes but it turns out he was being 100% real and true. 

The song was titled “Epiphany” . 

Unknowing to Jimin, Jungkook outside was watching the performance as well. He didn’t know who hyung was talking about but he understood that it was for someone close to his heart. 

In all his years of knowing him, Jin-hyung had never made a song about him, but to dedicate a song, even if only half to someone meant that the person had impacted Jin a lot. 

He watched Seokjin sing with so much emotion, he was moved even if he hadn't talked to his hyungs for a long time he still watched and appreciated their work whenever they posted or released something. All of them worked in the entertainment industry, Jin-hyung as an Idol, Namjoon-hyung and Yoongi-hyung as producers and Hoseok-Hyung as a dancer, and Taetae-hyung as a model. 

Jungkook had watched Every.Single.Work that they had done. He may have gone reserved to the world but he still cared so damn much. It hurt sometimes because he used to care this much and much much more for Zandra. Their once kisses, hugs, soft confessions, just being in each other’s presence and feeling safe now.. just….. memories. 

No matter how many days, months and years pass Jungkook would always have Zandra in his heart. He could not think of her without getting emotional, just like now. 

He heard the sound of the shower closing, he quickly closed his phone and put the covers on him, making it look like he was sleeping instead of watching the song. He half-closed his eyes, meaning he closed his eyes just enough to see what Jimin was doing but also make it seem like he was sleeping. 

A trick he had mastered from his wife. He remembered how she would appear to be sleeping when Ara would cry in the night but be wide awake and worrying whenever he came back….he would always whisper that everything was fine and she should sleep. They would cuddle and wake up with one of them kissing the other's face, placing small kisses on their nose, cheek, temple, and lips to wake them up. They would giggle and laugh softly next to each other, enjoying their peaceful moment before the little devil woke up and ordered them around. They were one small family, happy and content. 

These thoughts brought sadness to him, he felt a few tears slipping and wetting the pillowcase. He sobbed silently on the bed, muffling his sounds and hoping Jimin wouldn’t notice his shaking- trembling shoulders. 

Jimin when wiping his tears and coming out of the washroom, immediately noticed Jungkook being wide awake. Jungkook was making it seem very convincing that he was sleeping but Jimin had learned to identify and distinguish small signs in behavior due to his situation at……… home . 

He noticed when Jungkook had cried as well but was afraid of what Jungkook would do and his own hesitancy he held back from approaching him. He slowly slipped into the bed, as far away from Jungkook as possible, and turned his back towards him. He felt Jungkook’s sobs dying down and soft sniffing arising, just when he thought Jungkook would stop crying he started again. He didn’t hold back as much this time, possibly thinking Jimin had gone to sleep. 

The pained cries and sobs made Jimin’s heart heavier, it made him ache in the bone like he….he wanted- no needed to comfort Jungkook and help him calm down or he would cry. Just hearing Jungkook crying was easily the most inhuman thing he had to endure, just laying next to him- hearing him cry but not able to do anything…..it made him breathless. 

Suddenly he was losing control over his breathing, he tried to count in and out that hyung had taught him but he was losing the battle. Like a reflex, he curled himself into a ball and cried out little hiccups and sobs. He tried to stop- he didn’t even know why he was panicking and crying. Nothing bad had happened he tried to reason, no one had hit him, and he had eaten before sleeping. So why was he crying and panicking? ‘Because Jungkook-ah is hurt’ a small voice whispered in his head. 

Jimin went into a deeper spiral of doubts and cries after this. Like this the newly married couple spent their first night, knowing the other was hurting and right beside them but fearing the worst and holding themselves back…..from doing the one thing they wanted the most. To comfort the other. They didn’t themselves know why, they just felt like comforting the other was the most natural feeling ever right now.

It was around 4 am when they finally did manage to sleep, with tears drying on their face, they slept exhausted crying their hearts out, tremors and shakes still breaking through them, time to time. 

The next day, Jimin woke up exactly at 5:00 am, tired and drained still his old routine was instilled into his system.  He quickly got up, creeping silently as not to wake up Jungkook who was still sleeping. He went inside the washroom to dress up, he stared at his reflection. His cheeks were sunken, eyes bloodshot from crying, he had marks, gashes, and wounds all over his body, and his ribs were showing. He looked frail, skeletal, and disgusting, to his eyes anyway. 

He didn’t understand how his hyungs and Tae could say he looked good and he should love himself. How could he love himself when he looked like…..this? 

Disgusted at himself he walked towards the cubicle to take a quick shower. The hot felt good on his skin, giving him a bit of warmth before he had to work the whole day. Coming out of the shower feeling a bit more refreshed than before. 

He quickly got dressed in a plain white shirt and black pants and covered his bruises with makeup. His abeoji hated to see what he had done. At exactly 5:30 he entered the kitchen to make breakfast. He started making chocolate pancakes for Ara and English breakfast for Jungkook. He didn’t know what Jungkook liked so he had to improvise and make 3-4 substitutions so that Jungkook would have the food he liked and Jimin wouldn’t be punished. 

At 6:15 down to the dot, the food was on the table and covered with food nets, to keep the food warm. Jimin sat down at the table and waited for them to wake up. At 7:30 Jungkook finally woke up and entered the living room. He was startled to see food on the table and Jimin sitting at the table, fully dressed. 

He himself was wearing his pajamas and his hair was… to be honest, saying it was messy was….. a compliment. “Hyung…” he croaked, his voice was scratchy and rough while his eyes were red from crying all night. 

He cleared his throat- “um..did you make all…this?” Jimin nodded his head abruptly “Is…this not…fine? I-I c-could ma-make um- som-something e-else? O-or I-I am s-sorry, I- sh-should n-not have you kitchen w-without a-asking.” 

Jungkook just shook his head a confused frown on his face. He sat down said thank you and started eating. He started on the eggs when he noticed that Jimin wasn’t eating. “Hyung…aren't you eating? If you are waiting for Aru, she won't wake up until 8:30.” 

Jimin just shook his head vehemently, shaking at the thought of eating with the person he was supposed to serve. 

Jungkook looked like he wanted to say more but he shut his mouth and finished his breakfast. “I am- I am staying home for the next few weeks... Just so you know.” 

Jungkook got up, just as he picked up his plate to keep it in the kitchen, Jimin jumped from his spot and took the plate from him. “I-I am sorry, l-let me keep it.” He bowed his head and went to the kitchen. Jungkook could hear the tap running and the sound of Jimin washing the- his plate. 

 Confused, Jungkook went to the kitchen to ask Jimin why he was doing all this, but just as he was about to step inside Jimin came out carrying a dusting brush and a wet cloth. 

Jungkook watched as Jimin started cleaning the countertop, figuring that he may have been doing that because he cooked he went inside his room to freshen up. 

When he came back an hour later, he didn’t notice Jimin was still inside the kitchen and went to wake up Ara. He slowly kissed her forehead and whispered in her ear to get up. 

She whined and asked her to cuddle with her for a while first and how could Jungkook deny anything to his small baby. Thankfully he had worn casual clothes today, a plain black tee and shorts so he didn’t have to worry about getting them wrinkled. 

He laid down on the bed and she cuddled next to him, her head on his arm and his hand holding her back. Jungkook relished in these moments, these small peaceful moments which made all the bad things worthwhile. 

A while later (read: one-and-half-an-hour later) he slowly shook Ara. “Come on Aru, Jimin-hyung has made you chocolate pancakes”. This did the trick he jumped from his arms and ran towards the living room. He chuckled and got up as well. He would make her bed later. 

He followed him outside and just saw Jimin going into his- well their room. Ara sat down at the table and served herself some pancakes, Jimin had really left nothing to be added, the syrup was on the side so she could dip her pancakes into the syrup and the pancakes wouldn’t get soggy as well. He also cut fruits in a bowl, oranges, kiwis, apples, and watermelon was put beautifully into shapes and placed on a bowl with small animal toothpicks attached. 

He had placed two small jugs one filled with milk while the other with orange juice. Jungkook didn’t know they had orange juice at home.  

Watching her excitement while she ate as she put it as a ‘Disney breakfast’ made him happy and giddy as well. 

After eating she insisted that she wash her plate on her own as a thank you to Jimin-ssi. Jungkook tried to talk her into putting it in the dishwasher but she declined. After a while with Ara’s dress dirty and a lot of soap thown everywhere Jungkook ended up washing the plate while Ara pouted on the side. 

It took all his willpower to not coo at an angry, putting Ara. He sent her to her room to bathe and get ready while he searched for Jimin to thank him for the breakfast, he thought of making lunch for them. 

Lost in thoughts he ran into Jimin who was hurrying to the kitchen upon seeing it was 11:30 already. Jimin let out a pained sound her his breath when he collided with Jungkook and fell to the floor. Jungkook looked down surprised- his eyes wide and his mouth turned into a frown. 

“I-I am s-sorry.” Jimin apologized softly and braced himself for a hit that never came (and never would! ). 

Jungkook slowly knelt to the ground and touched Jimin’s shoulder. He flinched hard when he felt Jungkook touch him. He slowly opened his eyes and looked at Jungkook through his lashes and teary eyes. 

“S-shit did I hurt you hyung?” Jungkook panicked, he didn’t know why Jimin was crying... Had he hurt him so badly? He didn’t mean to! 

Jimin shook and bowed his head in submission “I-its nothing. I-I must go to m-make lunch now-” 

Jungkook frowned harder at that. He usually didn’t care what people did but why was Jimin-hyung cleaning the whole house. “Why though? Why are you cleaning the house hyung? It is my home.” 

Jimin felt scared, it was Jungkook’s house, why did he clean it without asking for permission, he was not polite, was he? He deserves a beating now . That fear was slowly paralyzing him, he could feel his breathing get irregular and feel himself spiraling. He curled into a ball and tried to control his breathing. 

“Shit- hyung- breathe with me, in…..out…..inn…..out….in…..out…..inn…..out…. Yes just like that come one, inn…out. Can you hear me?” 

At first, Jungkook panicked, he didn't know hyung got panic attacks! But he used to help abused children so he knew how to counter them. He didn’t know if his breathing techniques were working on Jimin or not because they worked differently for everyone or if Jimin was even listening to him. Bur slowly and surely he could feel him responding to his voice, taking in breaths and exhaling. 

After a while, his breathing finally got even and he looked up through his teary eyes to see Jungkook, panicked and relieved at the same time. “Jimin hyung…what happened? Are you okay? Can you get up?” 

He just nodded his head and got up shakily, Jungkook guided him towards the sofas and made him sit down. “What happened? Can you tell me?” Jungkook asked softly, taking one of Jimin’s hand and putting it on his own, caressing it. 

Jimin took a huge breath and decided that Jungkook should know…maybe he won’t be afraid of Jungkook then. Like he said he knew he was abused and he knew that not everyone would hurt him, but Jungkook was a huge man with tattoos and piercing and a hard mask on his face, his instincts warned him to hide. He nodded his head and started speaking- 

“I- I-I” “You don’t have to tell me hyung.” 

Jimin looked at Jungkook in the eyes clearly for the first time since they met, he saw pure concern and sincerity therm. He shook his head “ I want t-to. I- I was - In m-my hous- previous house- I was abused . M-my abeoji h-hi-t m-me, A-at ev-every mistake I did. I am doing b-better now because m-my friends healed me a lot..but I-I s-still get scared. I-I am so-”

“Don’t apologize for something you don’t have any fault in.” Jungkook interrupted him softly even if his eyes were angry. He knew he could not express his anger or Jimin-hyung would recoil again. 

“I-” 

 Just then the doorbell rang. Jimin looked at Jungkook with fear, he wasn’t used to guests. 

“Don’t worry, it’ll be fine I promise, I would never let anyone hurt you again,” Jungkook promised Jimin with determination in his eyes. He left Jimin to see who was at the door. 

Jimin could faintly hear what Jungkook was saying. It looked like Hobi-hyung and Jungkook’s other hyungs were here. 

Jimin got up and made himself presentable, he ran his hands over his shirt to smoothen it down, fixed his hair, and wiped his eyes. If it was one thing his abeoji had instilled so deeply into his bones that no one could remove was that he should always look presentable, no matter what happened to him seconds before.  He dashed inside his and Jungkook’s room to look at the mirror, he deemed himself okay and with a deep breath walked out to the living room. 

 He forcefully stopped at the scene in front of him. There with Jungkook stood five men. 

“Taetae” He whispered softly, barely even hearing himself but all of them whipped their head towards him. All of them looked shocked, Taehyung the most. 

“You know them Jimin-hyung?” Jungkook asked shocked, he nodded still shocked, he was imagining the possibility of him hallucinating. 

“Jiminie-” Taehyung walked towards him stopping just short of an arm’s distance. “I- can I hug you?” He asked desperately, softly wanting to hug his best friend, his soulmate whom he hadn’t seen for way too long. He barely had time to nod before he found his arms full of an emotional Taehyung. 

“JIminie- god it’s been way too long.” He sniffed and hid his head on Jimin’s neck. Jimin looked beyond Tae’s shoulder to see all of his hyungs staring at him, he motioned for them to join the hug as well. 

Soon there were 5 people hugging and doting on Jimin. Jungkook was super confused- he looked towards Hobi who only gave a small smile and said “Your hyungs had made a new friend but he didn’t meet anyone after Yoongi-hyung. I was supposed to meet him but he went….away." The way hyung said 'away' Jungkook knew he must have been forcefully taken back to his home, no- hell. Hoseok hyung continued "I knew his name was Jimin but didn’t realize he was your Jimin.” 

“ Appa? Uncles?”  a soft voice came from Ara's door. 

Chap End

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Chapter Text

“Appa? Uncles? Jimin-ssi?” A tiny voice emerged from the chaos of hugs and kisses. 

Jungkook turned towards Ara’s door only to see Ara in a thick sweater worn inside out and pants that were way too high on her waist. 

“Sh- I mean Aru, I am sorry…wait let me help you then you can meet your uncles okay?” Jungkook apologized. He had completely forgotten between comforting Jimin and the…chaos that presented itself now that Ara needed his help to dress properly. 

“S-soowy.” Jungkook frowned and guided her inside her bedroom. “What- why are you sorry Aru baby?” He rummaged through her wardrobe thinking about what he should dress Ara in. Probably something light and comfy since her uncles loved to play with her….or used to love. She hasn't seen them since, gods since a year. 

“Sowwy for inte-interrupting you and n-not dressing myself properly.” She bowed her head. Eyes shining with guilt. 

Jungkook immediately turned to face her and got down on his knees to talk to her properly. He frowned and took his baby’s face into his palms making her look at him. “Aru…baby. No, you will never interrupt me okay? Even if I am busy I will always have time for you. For anything you need kay? Never think that.” 

She looked at him for a moment and then smiled. Gods if Jungkook didn’t love that smile. Her eyes would turn into crescents and her lips would pull into a bunny-like smile. He was often told before that his smile rivaled a bunny’s he wondered if she got it from her. 

She nodded her head as much she could without making Jungkook remove his hand from her face. She held out her arms, as a way to ask for a hug and Jungkook complied. Obviously. 

They stayed like that until Ara started squirming and wiggling around. “Ap-ppa. New clothes plwease. These are itchy.” 

Jungkook chuckled, he nodded his head and found a soft dress, perfect for playing since it had a divider in between like pants. She rushed to the bathroom to change and asked Jungkook to help her when she was struggling. He saw that she had worn it the wrong way and helped her up. Once she was dressed Jungkook tied her hair in a braid and wound it into a bun. 

“There you go, dressed and ready all in under-” He looked at his watch and looked back at her with wide eyes. “ 15 minutes Aru- it’s a new record!” She laughed with joy and jumped on him making him adjust quickly so that she won’t fall. 

“Appaa.” Ara whined, “ Take me to uncles?” Jungkook just shook his head and carried her. She knew Jungkook would never deny her anything and she wholeheartedly took advantage of the fact. 

When he got outside he saw Jimin was surrounded by his hyungs all of them talking in hushed tones. Worried eyes and furrowed eyebrows told him that they weren’t talking about anything pleasant. 

He cleared his throat not wanting Ara to see their worried eyes and Jimin’s tear-streaked face. It was Tae-hyung who noticed him first. “Arruuu” He almost ran towards her. 

He took her in his arms, not even looking at Jungkook. He scoffed internally ‘ rude’ .

 She giggled and poked her uncle Taetae’s cheeks. “Uncle-” before she could finish her sentence he hugged her close to his chest and kissed her forehead and face many times making her laugh. She squirmed and pushed away from him- “Uncle- stowph. D-did you bring me chocolates?” 

He laughs and tickled her stomach. He nodded solemnly “I see how it is- you only want us because of chocolates, don’t you?” She nodded her head giggling again. Tae-hyung faked an offensive look until Ara kissed him on his cheek. His face melts and he practically shoots hearts with his eyes. 

Sometimes Jungkook thought that Tae-hyung, all his hyungs in fact loved Ara more than he did. 

He picked up a big bag from the side of the sofa and gave it to Ara. She peeked inside and gasped. She demanded that Taehyung should put her down right now. She pulled out the biggest chocolate he had ever seen. Moreover, it was sculpted like Ara’s face. She quickly pulled a piece from her hair and took a bit. Her eyes glowed with happiness when she looked up at Tae-hyung. 

“Thank You Uncle Taetae.” She said- though it sounded more like ‘Thumk yu uvle Thatae” as she had her mouth full. 

Jin-hyung was next to pick her up and kiss her stomach and cheek, blowing raspberries. She laughed and squealed, giggling and swatting him with her small hands. All of the hyungs gave her chocolates and candies. In the end, the living room looked like a chocolate factory and Ara looked like her birthday and Christmas had come early. 

Thoroughly spoiled by all her uncles she hugged and kissed them all thanking them. She reached Jimin-hyung and saw tears glistening in his eyes even though he was smiling. She frowned and reached her small hands to wipe his cheeks. “Why are you crying?” 

The room where laughter and cooing were high suddenly quieted down. They all looked at Jimin-hyung and Ara. Jimin-hyung's smile had turned a bit sad, he took her hands which were on his face, and held them in his own. “Nothing Aru, I just got hurt but I am okay now.” She frowned harder a small pout forming on her lips. “My appa always kisses my hurt better. He should do it to you too.” 

Jimin and Jungkook’s faces both turned bright red. Jimin cleared his throat hesitantly and spoke again “Can’t you do it though? Why appa? I want you to do it” Ara nodded, determination clear in her eyes. “Where are you hurt?” 

Jimin softly took her hand and put it on his heart. “Here” he said softly. Everyone’s heart broke a little. She pouted and nodded her head. She hugged him, sneaking her hands around his neck, and kissed him right above his heart. 

She pushed up with hope in her eyes “D-did it work?” Jimin laughed and nodded his head making Ara jump with joy. Jimin let out a grunt of pain but his eyes were laughing. 

“Why don’t we play something Aru?” Namjoon asked. She nodded with enthusiasm and ran to her room to get her toys.  

Yoongi turned to Jimin “Are you okay?” Worry seeping into his voice, he may not show it but he cared about them more than anything. 

“Jiminie? Want me to stay with you?” Taetae asked doubt written on his face. Jimin shook his head to both of the questions. “No, you all should go play with Aru.” 

“You are invited as well you know.” Jungkook spoke for the first time since they had gotten here. Jimin’s eyes widened “Y-you mean that?” Jungkook just nodded. 

“Great then that’s sorted you all play with Aru while Joon and I cook lunch for you.” Jin exclaimed. “Oh, but hyung-” Jimin started protesting but Jin just ignored him and walked towards the kitchen. 

“Don’t burn my house hyungs” Jungkook shouted, Jin flipped him the finger. 

Ara came out carrying a small ball. “Can we play catch?” 

Jungkook nodded his head and they started playing. From time to time he would look at the kitchen only to see Jin encouraging and trying to help Namjoon or Namjoon saying something that made Jin blush. 

Their behavior was….. Interesting. Their shoulders brushed and they would touch each other’s hands or backs frequently, talking in soft, hushed tones, skins flushed and glowing, glancing at each other. Their behavior screamed domestic-ness. 

After a while lunch was ready. They had prepared so much food; salads, wraps, pasta, chicken meatballs, for dessert he had made a chocolate cake with strawberries. 

There was way too much food but they enjoyed it nevertheless. After a hearty meal of food, jokes, and laughter Ara grew way too tired, so Jungkook put her to sleep. She was out like a candle as soon as her head hit the pillow. 

They all moved to the living hall, mood a bit calmer as Ara was asleep. Jungkook stared at the  TV screen wondering if he should put something, deciding on yes so that they would have as less to talk about as possible. Jungkook didn’t want to be confronted about why he hadn’t been in touch with them.

He decided on a rom-com he had watched many times. The rest of them slowly filtered inside the room surprised to see a movie playing on the screen. 

Right at the corner of the sofa sat Jimin, next to him sat Taetae; close enough but still a respectable distance between them. Yoongi sat close to him’ Tae’s head on Yoongi’s shoulder. 

Jin sat between Namjoon’s legs, Namjoon’s head resting on top of Jin’s. Hobi sat between Jungkook and Jimin. 

Right in the middle of the movie where the main couple just confessed their love for each other and the whole thing was very emotional, Jungkook heard a soft smack he looked around to see Jin looking at Namjoon affectionately. He wondered what it was about, he knew they both liked each other- they were not subtle at all, but did they get together?

“Yah brat!” He looked over to see Yoongi grumbling at Taehyung who had a giddy smile on his face. Yoongi’s face was pink, he had a gummy smile adoring his face and was shyly looking at Taehyung. 

Wondering what was happening around him he turned to the front just in time to see Jin and Namjoon kissing. 

For a minute he sat there dumb-founded’; “I KNEW IT” He suddely shouted making everyone jump. Namjoon and Jin turned towards him as they were the only ones sitting at the front. “Knew what?” Jin asked confused. 

“YOU GUYS ARE TOGETHER NOW AREN’T YOU?” Hobi smacked him, making Jungkook wince “Yah! Keep your voice low, Aru is sleeping.” Jungkook immediately shut up but still looked excited at the prospect. 

Jing and Namjoon smiled sheepishly at Jungkook first then at each other “Um..yes?” Namjoon spoke, his voice was uncertain like he didn’t know how Jungkook would take this. Jungkook was overjoyed at the prospect- maybe happier than he had been in a while 

“Is..that fine with you Jungkookie?” Jungkookie…it has been a while since someone called him that. Snapping out of his thoughts he nodded his head and mumbled “Happy for you hyungs” 

Jin and Namjoon’s smile at that moment could have blinded the sun at that moment.

“See, I told you baby he would support them.” Jungkook whipped his head towards Tae and Yoongi. He saw Tae muttering in Yoongi’s ear trying to keep his voice low but Jungkook caught on anyway. 

“Baby?” he whispered. His mind was reeling from the new information he was gathering. 

Tae proudly nodded his head, Yoongi just smile and settled for a thumbs. There was a few minutes of silence, Tae hesitantly spoke again “Do..you- are you not happy for us?” 

The smile that graced Jungkook’s face at the time. He hadn’t smiled so big for a such long time his muscles ached at the foreign movement. “I see you guys have figured out your shit huh.” 

“Language Maknae!” Hobi scolded him, Jungkook just grinned like a cheshire cat and started teasing his hyung. 

After a while of teasing, the movie long-forgotten “Why didn’t you tell me?” Jungkook pouted. At this, the room got quiet. 

“We saw you last at…Zandra’s funeral Kook. You were so sad….How could we tell you?” 

Jungkook’s grin faded, he lowered his head, the pain he had buried for a while resurfacing, it had started fading but it still hurt, so much. 

He shook his head trying to clear his thoughts but it didn’t work, instead, his eyes filled with tears. “I-” he tried to speak but his voice failed him. 

“Why did you desert us, Kook?” Namjoon asked him. Questions after questions were fired at him

“We were just as sad as you Kook, doesn’t mean you have to ignore us.”

“Zandra was like our sister. We miss her Kook.”

“Why?” 

The confrontation he was scared about was happening right now. He knew his hyungs were disappointed in him, that hurt more than it would have if they were angry. “Stop it Hyungs, Taetae.”  A small voice smoke amongst the questions. They all turned towards Jimin who had spoken. 

Jimin moved towards Jungkook, seeing that a few drops of tears were spilled on Jungkook’s jeans. He did not want to just be there while Jungkook cried again, he wanted to comfort him. 

He slowly out his hands around Jungkook’s shoulders pulling him close. Jungkook melted into him, he didn’t have the strength to fight his tears anymore, he let them out. Crying on Jimin’s sweater somehow he felt safe from all the question’s and grief. In a sense safe from the world. 

Jimin didn’t ask questions or say anything. He only held Jungkook and rocked them back and forth.

Slowly Jungkook stopped crying but he still stayed in Jimin’s arms, he was in a bubble where only he and Jimin existed- him laying in Jimin’s arms while he rocked them.

“What’s wrong kiddo? Tell us.” Just like that, one question and his bubble popped. Jimin slowly released him, probably realising that as well. Maybe he felt safe for a while as well, that thought bringing a kind of happiness he didn’t want to acknowledge. 

Jungkook sniffed and forced himslef to answer sad and a bit angry, “What’s wrong is that Zandra’s gone and everyone’s pretending everything is fine when it’s not. I am tired of pretending- so tired.” He broke down again, this time all of his hyungs- Jimin hyung as well- hugged him. 

It felt good, but he didn’t get the same feeling of comfort again- realising Jungkook was a bit disappointed that only Jimin hadn’t hugged him he opted to ignore that feeling.

“I know Kookie I know how hard it must be for you.” Jungkook wanted to argue that no- he didn’t know that feeling. No one understood- the feeling of his soul ripping from his chest, how he felt when he woke up wanted to kiss Zandra but realising she wasn’t here anymore, wanting to hug her when he did something big but-. 

Yoongi continued not knowing about Jungkook’s inner monologue “ But that doesn’t mean we should not live our life again.” 

Jungkook shook his head, his voice muffles he finally spoke the thoughts which had been running in his mind since he found out she died. “Why am I alive but not Zandra? Why do I get to live but she doesn’t? We promised w- we would bring Aru to her special b-beach, how do I do that without her h-here? She doesn’t get to leave while I am here trying to live my life without her by my side. I cannot live without her.” 

They all sighed and hugged Jungkook closer- their heart breaking at the raw emotion in Jungkook’s voice- they didn’t have an answer for him. 

Jungkook cried for what seemed ages- somewhere Jimin had started crying as well. He could not bear to see Jungkook cry so much. He didn’t deserve to cry so much. Jimin did not know why he felt so strongly for someone he hadn’t known for longer than 3 days. He just knew he would do everything to keep Jungkook-ah happy. 

Chapter Text

After Jungkook had calmed down, they all resumed finishing the rom-com though no one was really paying attention to it. After dinner which mainly consisted of leftovers from the afternoon everyone left. It was pretty late and everyone was tired, so only Jimin and Jungkook were sitting in the living room now, Ara asleep. 

Jungkook was staring blankly at the beige wall straight ahead. Jimin could see sadness still lingering in Jungkook’s eyes, even after hours. He could sense the breakdown had completely drained Jungkook- after much debate with himself, he hesitantly reached a hand to place it on top of Jungkook. He could feel the heat rising to his face- not used to giving or receiving physical touch or comfort from anyone other than his hyungs and Taetae. 

Jungkook jumped at the contact, turning towards Jimin he could see how hesitant he was towards touching him he gave him a small smile in hopes of comforting the other. He could feel his tension and stiff posture still so he turned his hand upwards slowly so as not to give the impression that he didn’t want to hold his hand and slowly intertwined his fingers. He let out a sigh of relief at the contact. 

As much as he loved Aru, she couldn’t provide him the comfort he sometimes needed, she helped so much; making him laugh, hugging him, lighting up his day with her laugh and giggles but sometimes….he just needed someone who understood his grief and….

He closed his eyes hoping to rest and sleep. He felt comfortable, something he hadn’t felt in a while. He hoped sleep would come soon but instead, his mind went to Jimin. He should be the one comforting Jimin-hyung, asking him how he knew his hyungs and how he was doing. He felt pathetic, crying over something that happened 2 years ago. He had grieved, yes but he rarely cried over it. 

Jimin on the other hand was studying  Jungkook, he could see that Jungkook was battling with himself about something. He opened his mouth to speak when Jungkook spoke, “Sorry hyung” Jimin furrowed his eyebrow, mouth turning into a frown. “What are you sorry for?” Jungkoook shook his head “I-I should b-be the one comforting y-you! T-this is pathetic- I-I am being pathetic.”  

Jimin shook his head, coming closer he tried to remember what his hyungs and Tatetae did when he cried- coming blank he decided to throw caution into the air. 

“No Jungkook-ah….You- you're not being pathetic. You have every right to be sad or upset. She was your wife. You should n-not feel sorry for something like that.”  Jimin really hoped he was doing a decent job comforting him- he didn't know! He had never comforted anyone before. Silence.

Jungkook was not saying anything- why was he not saying anything? Did he do something wrong? After a moment more of silence where Jimin grew even more anxious Jungkook slowly peeked up at Jimin, eyes wet. 

The sight broke Jimin's heart. His eyes were beautiful even when they were filled with tears, eyes big he looked just like a kid. With a start, Jimin realized he was just a kid- one who had to grow up quickly and lost a loved one. “C-can you hug m-me?” He asked, shocking Jimin. He didn’t expect that but the world be dammed if he would say no.

He slowly nodded his head and almost immediately found himself a lapful full of Jungkook. He cradled his head, putting his on top of his. He tried to soothe him while he cried and sobbed. His heart ached- Jimin wanted nothing more than to make all Jungkook’s troubles and problems go away- to protect him from the world no matter what happened to him. 

He didn’t know how long he cried but after a while, his sobs died down. Still, he stayed buried in Jimin’s arms, his hands cradling him and his voice whispering sweet nothings into his ear. He was once again in the safe bubble where nothing could harm him. His thoughts were gone, all he wanted now was to stay like this for a while more. “Can you sing for me hyungie?” he asked in a small voice. 

“W-what? You want m-me to sing for you?” Jimin’s voice seemed a bit shocked, making Jungkook frown he nodded his head and turned his head to the side to hear him better. He heard Jimin hyung take a deep breath and after a moment a sweet voice filled Jungkook’s ears.

“T ell me

With your sweet smile

Tell me

Tell me like you’re whispering in my ear

Don’t be like a prey

(Be) Smooth like a like a snake

I want to get away

[Pre-Chorus]

(Ah woo woo)

Get away away away from me

Get away away from me

(Ah woo woo)

Whoever it may be, save me, me

Save me

It continues even when I run away 

I am caught in a lie

Caught in a lie

Find the me that was pure

I can’t be free from this lie

Give me back my smile

Caught in a lie

Pull me from this hell

I can’t be free from this pain

Save me, I am being punished ”

His voice was beautiful, high and pretty, deep and rough where it needed to be, and overall unique. It was the lyrics that made Jungkook frown- what lies was he was talking about though? Jungkook knew the song meant something to Jimin- he never heard that song before even though he was running an entertainment company. 

He wanted to ask him but his voice was so soothing and he was so tired that he fell asleep on his lap. 

Chapter Text

After a while Jimin noticed Jungkook had fallen asleep, he gently removed him from his lap and brought pillows and a blanket to cover him. He wanted to carry him to his room but..he looked too muscly to carry.  

Sighing he tried to think of a solution but just then Ara walked into the room. “Jimin-ssii!” She gave him a big smile and quickly came over to hug his legs. Jimin cooed internally at her cuteness. 

“Hey Aru, appa is sleeping right now. What do you wanna do?” He crouched down to her level and spoke in dramatic whispers. Ara giggles and whispered back in the same tone “I wanna play with you. Do you wanna?” 

Jimin was surprised but he nodded his yes. She wrapped her small fingers around his hand and pulled him towards her room. Jimin smiled softly and let himself be pulled. 

Inside the room, he saw crayons and toys scattered around. “Sorry, I forgot to clean my room.” She looked up at him, apology plain in her eyes. Jimin shook his head “No need for a sorry Aru, what do you wanna play?”

“Hmm…can we draw?” He could see she was very excited so he agreed. She handed him a piece of paper and a few crayons and asked him to draw their family portrait. 

Jimin drew 2 figures, one of them clearly muscular wearing full black with huge shoes and eyes that took up half of his face, and another small figure of a girl wearing a blue dress, carrying paper and crayons. 

The entire time they drew he could hear Ara muttering songs under her breath and a small tongue peeking from her mouth. To be honest she looked super adorable. 

After a while he saw Ara was done as well, she had her paper so he could not see anything. He asked if they could see the drawings now she shyly nodded her head and asked him to show his drawing first. 

He showed her his picture and saw her frown, a small voice inside his brain which sounded a lot like his abeoji whispered ‘ Wow, you are being judged by a kid. Pathetic’. He shook his head to get rid of these thoughts. 

“Show me your’s Aru, I wanna see yours as well.” He nudged her gently wanting to see her description of Jungkook and herself. 

When she turned around her drawing he felt his eyes well up with tears. He saw a man wearing black holding little Aru in his arms while Jimin hugged them both from behind while Taetae and the rest of the hyungs hugged them from the side. 

Ara thought of him as a family as well. He could not help it, a few tears gently escaped his eyes. Ara immediately rushed forward to hug him when she noticed he had started crying. 

“Jimin-ssi…do you not like it.” She asked in such a small voice that it broke Jimin’s heart. He shook his head and hugged her back tightly. “I love it so much Aru, thank you.” He whispered into her head nuzzling it. 

She didn’t know why he was crying but she was patting his back and giving him small kisses on his shoulder. 

After a while, Jimin calmed down and they separated. He took the picture and decided to attach it to the fridge. They walked towards the kitchen and attached it to a magnet on the fdrige. 

He looked at it fondly and then walked back into the room. “Jimin-ssi…can I ask you a question?” He nodded his head, going to pick up Ara’s toys because it was quite late already. 

“Can I call you gyebu?” The world stopped for a moment. Jimin froze, hr dropped the toy he was holding making it echo in the silent space. 

“D-do you m-mean t-that?” He turned towards Ara and saw an earnest look in her eyes. He fell to his knees when she nodded her head yes. 

“C-can you call m-me ab-abeoji?” He asked in a small voice, afraid of the rejection that never came. 

“Yea sur-” she broke off in a mid-yawn but nodded her head like it was the simplest thing. Maybe to her but to Jimin this meant the world. 

“Can I slweep now?” This broke off the trance and he quickly put her in her bed, tucking her in and gently kissing her forehead. 

“Goodnight baby.” He whispered gently and with slow steps moved out of the room. Just before he turned out the lights he heard a small “Goodnight abeoji” and it made him want to cry again. 

He woke the next day with a smile on his face, something that had never happened to him before. He looked at his alarm and saw that he was a bit late waking up. He hurriedly got ready and went to make breakfast. 

He settled for making fruit bowls, smoothies, eggs, and sausages. Just as he was finishing he heard a small voice “Abeoji?” hearing that honestly want to make him cry but he pushed through and turned around to see Ara rubbing a small hand over her face and yawning cutely. 

He cooed at her making her pout and complain that she was not a baby! She walked towards him and demanded to be picked up and how could Jimin resist? 

He wiped his hands quickly and hoisted her up on his waist, she was quick to cling to him like a koala. 

He chuckled and ruffled her hair making her whine. He tried to complete making breakfast but with Ara in between, it was very difficult- scratch that it was impossible. 

He tried to shift her but she was not cooperating. “Aru, baby I can’t finish making food like this…” She quickly jumped into the counter, nearly missing the fruit bowl Jimin had prepared. “Careful baby, you’ll get hurt…wait sit here…..There you go!” 

He maneuvered her into a safer zone while still making her sit close. “Abeoji?” Jimin hummed a yes, busy trying to calculate how to make an egg with a perfect yolk. “Do you know how to make a cake?” 

Jimin looked at her in surprise but nodded his head “I do, do you wanna eat one?” She eagerly nodded her head “Yes! I love cake. Appa used to make them with eomma but now he doesn’t.” Her voice turned a bit sad towards the end of the sentence. 

Jimins didn’t know what to say, “Abeoji can we make a cake?” Suddenly Ara asked, looking at him eagerly. 

“Why Not.” He set the eggs and breakfast aside and started on making the dough. He wanted to make sweetbread with chcolate covering. 

“Waitt…I wanna help too!” She hopped down and rushed towards him. She took the flour from his hands and attempted to mix it. All she managed to do was tip the bowl back and cover them in flour. 

They both stood there shocked for a minute. Jimin slowly turned his head towards Ara and found himself a face full of flour. She giggled and threw more flour at him.  

Chuckling he lunged towards, picked her up  and spun her round and round in the air. She squealed and shrieked kicking her small hands and legs and laughed fully. This was the best moment for Jimin in his life. 

While they were having fun in the kitchen Jungkook had woken up due to the shouting. He looked towards the kitchen from where the noise was coming. Suddenly awake, he rushed to the kitchen to see what happened and who was screaming. 

To say he was shocked to see Jimin and Ara making something which looked a lot like chocolate sauce and covered in flour would be an understatement. 

Slowly a smile graced his face, he leaned towards the door and watched them interact. Jimin was so good to Ara, he helped her when she couldn’t do something and guided her through. 

Ara was being a brat to him though she kept eating the chocolate and licking the spoon making it difficult for Jimin to stir the batter. Finally he took out a dough from a bowl and greased the pan to put the cake in. 

Jungkook saw how he helped Ara do it and put in the oven himself because the oven was hot. He saw how Jimin laughed and smiled. His eyes turned into little cresents and his cheeks puffed up. He looked eternal. 

“Abeoji how long is it gonna take?” Jungkook felt his world stop. Abeoji? Did Ara just call Jimin-hyung abeoji? 

His theory was proven correct when JImin replied not even surprised at the title “It’s gonna take about 45 minutes Aru, then we can decorate it okay? Let’s get you cleaned up and then you can eat breakfast.”

She nodded her head and turned towards him in the doorway. “Appa!” she exclaimed in surprise, her little eyes grew wide. She looked like bambi. 

“Hey baby.” She crouched down on his knees and opened his arms inviting her to hug. 

She rushed towards him and almost kknocked him off balance. He chuckled and kissed her forehead. “I missed you yesterday” she muttered into his chest. “ Aw baby…Appa missed you too!” He ruffled her hair kissing her once again. He picked her up and stood up. 

He looked towards Jimin who had his head bowed down and was cleaning the kitchen counter. 

“You should um…get ready Hyung.” Jungkook muttered making iminbarely catch what he was saying. Jimin just nodded his head. 

Jungkook wanted to say more but he didn’t know what. He walked back towards Ara’s room and helped her get ready and himself. 

Sitting at the breakfast table he wondered where Jimin was and why he was not eating with them.  

Ara muttered something to him, frowning. His brain didn’t register what she said at first but when it did, he felt a rage he never felt in his life boiliing inside him for Jimin’s father. 

“Appa….abeoji has a huge scar on his back and may little ones on his hands.”

Chapter Text

“Aru, it’s appa’s birthday tomorrow, isn’t it? Wanna make a cake for him?” Jimin asked the little girl on the night of August 31st. It had been nine months since Jimin and Jungkook got married and nine months since he met the little munchkin named  Jeon Ara. 

“Yees!!! Let's make a cake for Appa’s birthday! Can we also make fries? Appa loved them and let’s also make pizza!! Can we?” She showed him her puppy eyes. Jimin sighed knowing he was a sucker for this kid. 

“Fine. But only Pizza, cake and fries. Nothing else. Deal?” Jimin held out his hand. She pouted at him but shook his hand, “Deal. Let’s start!” She ran towards the kitchen and wore her apron, Tae had bought it for her when he saw her helping Jimin. He bought everyone else an apron as well. 

Jimin started the cake while he told Ara to knead the dough. She was surprisingly good at it. 

At dot 11:59 everything was ready and on the table. Now the only thing left was to get Jungkook-ah to wake up.

“Let’s go wake up appa kay?” Jimin asked an energetic Ara. 

Before he could finish his sentence he heard a groan coming from their room. “Aru- baby it's past your bedtime why aren’t you in bed?” He could hear a sleepy Jungkook. 

“It’s your birthday Appa!! We- me and abeoji made you a cake! Let’s go.” He could hear Jungkook chuckling which caused a mild tingling in his stomach.  

Jungkook came outside and his eyes locked with Jimin. He gave him a small smile and walked towards him. Jimin felt a slight blush on his cheeks. He smiled at him. 

Jungkook came in front of him and held his arms open, inviting Jimin to a hug. Jimin slowly sunk into his arms and hugged him back. “Happy Birthday Kook.” 

“Thank You, hyung” He heard- felt Jungkook whisper on his shoulder. Jimin squeezed Jungkook softly and sighed into his neck, swaying a little. 

Ara tugged on Jimin’s sweater making Jimin detach himself from Jungkook making the said man pout. 

Jimin laughed lightly and picked up Ara into his arms “Abeoji, let’s cut the cake?” She whispered. Jungkook looked at them fondly, he loved to see Jimin and Ara interact. 

“Yeah. Let’s cut the cake?” He asks looking at Jungkook who nods his head and looks towards the table where an entire feast was laid out. 

“You have outdone yourself this time hyung.” Jungkook exclaims, turning towards Jimin in surprise. “Appa! I helped abeoji!” Ara tugged  Jungkook’s arms pouting at him. 

Jungkook cooed and held out his arms for Ara to jump into, she did- a bit pouty. 

“Of course you did baby. I am so sorry to exclude you.” Jungkook rubs his nose with Ara’s smiling at her. 

He walks towards the table and picks up the knife. “For redemption how about we all cut the cake together?” Jungkook asks her, glancing at Jimin. 

He nods his head and so does Ara. They sing for him while he cuts the cake with their hands touching his. 

“Thank You, baby. Thank You hyung.” He looked at them fondly, kissing Ara on the cheeks,  and hugging Jimin again. 

                          ****************************************************************

“I am going to the grocery store, do you want anything?” He crouches down to her and takes her hand in his. He knows she’s going to ask for more snacks and Jungkook will not be happy with them but he would do it.  

“Snacks?” She flashes him her puppy eyes and he caves. 

“What are you guys talking about? Jungkook enters, switching the phone off, apparently done with the day.  “Nothing, I am going to the store.” Jimin shook his head, smiling at Jungkook.  

“Oh, I’ll come along, and isn’t it time for Aru’s class?” He looks at her raising his eyebrows. “Come on, go and pack your bag Aru.” He sees Aru pout at him, and when she sees he won’t relent she turns to Jimin. 

Jimin looks at Jungkook and back at Ara, Jungkook feels Jimin relenting and knows that if Jimin tells Ara to stay he gonna convince him as well. 

“Do not fall for that pout Jimin-ssi.” He allows a small smile to pass his lips, he picks up Ara and carries her to her room where he helps her pack. Jimin looks at them in amusement. 

He sees Jungkook lifting Aru’s playbox, making his veins pop out, his muscles displayed under that goddamn tight black shirt . He gulps, and his body suddenly feels hot. He feels his face turning red and desire courses through him. He fans himself, wanting to be close to Jungkook. 

Ara runs to him with a big smile and that feeling vanishes.  He shook his head to get out of the daze. Unsuccessful. 

“Appa agreed to me staying at my friend’s place after!” She hugs him and rushes to the front door. He looks at Jungkook and that feeling returns, hot. 

His face flushes, he wants to touch him, run his hands through Jungkook’s muscles, wants to feel him beneath his hands. Wants to hear him make sweet sweet noises. 

“You okay Jimin-ssi?” He asks, so sweet. Jimin wonders if he’s sweet everywhere. He’s out of his stupor as soon as he sees Jungkook come closer. 

He yelps and jumps back. “I am f-fine. Let’s just go.” He grabs his phone and is out of the apartment. He sits in the car, trying to calm himself. The feeling is still here bubbling inside of him. Just beneath his skin. 

“Where were you planning on going hyung?”  Jungkook asks turning to him and he’s.making.that.damn.innocent face. 

“Um- t-the supermarket down the road.” He says, slapping himself softly. 

They reach the store and Jimin is fairly calm. He grabs a trolley and starts wandering the aisle, Jungkook following him. 

“Hyung?” He asks, softly. Jimin hums, indicating he is listening. 

“Do you love the rain?” Jimin turns to him startled by the random question. “What?” 

Jungkook shrugs, “Do you like the rain? Do you dance in the rain?” 

“I- Yeah I love the rain, it makes me feel calm you know? Like can you imagine anything better than the rain pouring and just eating some noodles and listening to music? Not like I have ever done that but it would be nice don’t you think?” He glances at Jungkook who’s listening oh so attentively. 

“Yeah, he hums softly and picks up some vegetables, and puts them in the shopping trolley.” 

After a while, he speaks again, “What’s your favorite song?”  Jimin thinks, he’s not heard a lot of songs in his life but the one he loves the most is Epiphany. 

“Epiphany, Jin Hyung's song.” Again he doesn’t say anything so Jimin asks him the same question. He looks at Jimin, strangely. 

“Bleeding Love, by Leona Lewis.” Jimin nods never heard the song. 

“I miss sitting in the trolley and zooming around the grocery store.” He says softly looking at the shopping cart in nostalgia. 

“Zooming around?” Jimin looks at Jungkook questioningly. “How would you do that?” Jungkook looks at him in shock “Don’t tell me- no. You have never sat in the trolley during shopping with your parents?” 

“I- wasn’t allowed to, shop with my parents that is,” Jimin says softly.  

“I- I am sorry- hyung I didn’t mean to.” Jungkook apologizes. 

“It’s okay.” They walk in silence for a while until Jungkook speaks again. 

“Go on sit in the trolley. You’re small enough to fit.” Jungkook says, teasing him. 

“Yah! Brat.” Silence. 

Jimin’s eyes widened, and his breathing escalated. “I-I am sorry- I d-didn’t mean to-” 

He gripped the handle tightening willing himself to not make a scene, not be a burden, do not make Jungkook embarrassed.  

“Hey, hey it’s okay. I was being a brat to you. You’re allowed to call me that. I am younger than you, you can talk informally to me.” Jimin feels Jungkook’s hands hovering over his skin waiting for permission. 

He nods his head. Hands settled on him, calming him instantly.  He slowly opens his eyes, breathing slowly. In and out. 

They wait like that until Jimin is completely calm, he leans against Jungkook, and closes his eyes for a minute, exhausted. 

He feels Jungkook lift him up and before he has time to react he is sitting in the trolley. 

Jungkook slides the trolley forward and JImin turns back to glare at him only to find him smiling at Jimin adorably.  He melts. Obviously. 

He agrees and they move across the lanes and aisles, zooming around stands or people, laughing. He giggles and points at various snacks, some for him but most of them for Ara. Jungkook knows, yet he agrees. 

They finish their shopping like that, laughing and giggling and buying unnecessary amounts of snacks. 

They come home exhausted. Jungkook picks up Ara from her friend’s house they have takeout, too tired to cook and go to sleep. 

Jimin and Jungkook have grown to cuddle each other while sleeping. Jimin feels something against his thigh, late after they have gone to sleep. 

Jimin had laid awake and stared at Jungkook in the dark, his eyes, his small nose that scrunches when he laughs, his lips. His face. He’s eternal. 

He felt Jungkook shift so that Jimins is almost completely on top of Jungkook. He felt something hard poking his thigh. He looks down and what he sees made him light-headed.  

He gets up slowly, hoping Jungkook doesn’t wake up, and rushes to the bathroom. He put his back against the times to cool himself down. It didn’t help. 

His mind conjured images of…things. Jungkook’s bulge. 

He felt desire course him again. He wanted Jungkook to do things to him, to make Jimin release soft noises from the back of his throat. 

Jungkook. His hands. His thighs. His muscles. Him. His body. 

He feels himself growing hot, his pants start to tighten. He arches his back, trying to resist, he almost succeeds but he hears Jungkook groaning and he is hard again. 

His hands make their way down to his waist, teasing his chest in the process. He shivers, he removes his shirt, and his pants come off next, hands roaming across his body. He’s sensitive. 

It’s been a while since he did this. 

His hands slowly, finally around his shaft, stroking. Relief. 

His mind conjures up images of him above Jungkook, kissing him, taking him. Jungkook is below him, biting his lips and grabbing and twisting the sheets because of the pleasure he feels, Jimin is proud to do that to him. 

Jungkook arches his back releases a moan, grabs Jimin, and turns them around, he bounces on Jimin, and Jimin can do nothing but watch Jungkook.

He grabs Jungkook’s cock and tightens his hands at the base, preventing him from cumming. 

Jungkook shouts and begs Jimin to let him cum. He doesn’t. Jimin pushes upwards while pulling Jungkook down making Jungkook lose his mind. He babbles and begs Jimin. 

The Jeon Jungkook’s pleasure in his hands. He strokes faster. 

He is below Jungkook and Jungkook is being so sweet, stroking him and kissing him, marking him as his. 

Being oh so sweet and suddenly he starts pistoning faster. Jimin shouts, he doesn’t know what to do. Jungkook. Please. Harder. The only thoughts in his mind. 

He cums, and Jungkook keeps going, harder.  He groans lowly and kisses Jimin. He cums. 

Jimin pants, his hand stroking faster, he hears Jungkook moaning from the other room and he cums. 

He strokes for a minute and stops. He hears Jungkook moaning from the other room and immediately blushes. He has an overactive imagination. Now he’s hearing the images he conjures up. He feels guilty enough.

He quickly wipes himself and puts back on his clothes. 

He walks out to see Jungkook on his stomach, humping the bedsheet and groaning. 

Oh Shit. 

Chapter Text

Jimin was screwed.

Whenever he looked at Jungkook we felt butterflies in his stomach, he felt the need to protect him.

Right now, Jungkook was cooking for them. Much to the protest of Jimin. Jungkook insisted that he would be the one cooking. There was music playing, singing, and dancing and the kitchen was a mess but Jimin was having fun.

It was fun, he decided, seeing Jungkook dance and sing, playing with Ara, and having dinner as a family. The picture Ara drew, is still on the fridge.

Jimin looked at Jungkook softly and felt so much adoration for the boy in front of him. Big eyes, a frown on his face showing how much he liked his food, pouty lips, and a big shirt leaving his tattoos uncovered.

His mouth quirked and he felt himself smiling, not remembering the last time he felt like this, or if he ever.

Quickly shaking his thoughts out of his head he returned to his food, frowning a bit. “What’s wrong hyung? Do you not like the food? Aru is it not good?” He turned towards Ara who had the same expression as her Appa.

“It’s amazing Appa!” She enthusiastically exclaimed. Jungkook and Jimin laughed and he saw Jungkook looking at him in adoration.

He shook his head and mentally berated himself for imagining things.
*********************************************************

“A-abeoji?” Jimin stutters, eyes wide. Afraid. He steps back and his back collides with the candy rack. He was cornered.

He was looking for gifts for Ara’s birthday when he heard the stern voice of his father calling his name.

“Why are you out of the house? Especially at night?” Jimin’s father booms, eyes twitching. Jimin cowered into himself, he knew his father didn’t like it when he went out of the house.

“Answer me.” His voice was low so as not to cause a scene yet Jimin couldn’t hear anything else.

“I-I” His father’s hand came right down on his cheek. Pain. Another strike to his stomach, a blow right above his eye, a punch on his throat. Punishment for defying his father’s orders.

Jimin fell to his knees, head bowed. His place, according to his father, was on the floor.

“Abeoji?” He heard a little girl’s voice. Ara. He whipped his head toward the voice, terrified. He couldn't let Ara get hurt.
“Aru, g-go.” His throat hurt when he spoke, but he had to, for her.

She ran towards him and frowned. Her little hands mapped the bruise on his cheek. “You’re hurt.” He shook his head, a voice screaming inside him to get her from safety.

“I am fine baby, but you need to get out of here. Go to your Appa. ” He whispered, panicked.

“Get out child. It is his fault he’s hurt.” His father’s voice boomed. Jimin flinched and his breath quickened. He was not going to last long without panicking and he did not want to see Ara see him like this.

“No,” She spoke with determination. “You’re hurt.” Jimin’s heart fell, his abeoji would not have hurt her if she went away but she was disobeying him.

“Do you serve Jungkook-ssi well?” His father demanded, cuffing his sleeves. His body flinched but he replied “Y-yes abeoji.”

His father’s eyes gleamed in satisfaction. Jimin hoped if he pleased his father enough he could get away without him hitting him in front of Ara.

“I- I serve h-him well s-sir.” Sir. He hadn’t called him sir since he had hurt him very badly, once. He felt humiliated. He had refused to give up his respect but, he did it, to protect Ara.

His father looked proud of himself and it made Jimin sick to the core. “Don’t call him sir abeoji.” Ara frowned at him.

He looked at her with fear in his eyes, he couldn’t protect her now. His father was enraged.

“What did you say, girl?” His father boomed and struck his hand to hit her face. Jimin didn’t know what happened but he reached out his hand to stop his.

“N-no.” For the first time in 25 years, he had dared to say no to his father, hesitantly, quietly but a no for sure.

“I refuse to let you hit her.” He somehow gained courage and continued. “How could you call yourself a father after hitting a small child? How can you call yourself a man after a- abusing your child.”

His father struck a blow to his chest and he gasped in pain. “How dare you talk to me like that slut! You will regret it. You love this child, don’t you? I can see it. Now you’ll see what I do to her.”

His father moved towards Ara who was now looking at him in fear. Just before his father stuck a blow he stood between them. “Stop it.” He whispered in a small voice. He looked around for anyone to come to help them but it was deserted.

He inhaled a deep breath and looked up at his father. “I told you before abeoji, I will never let you take away things I love.” His father yelled at him and yanked his hair. “I see.” he seethed and dragged Jimin away from Ara by his hair and threw him on the floor. Jimin struggled to get up.

Jimin's father stood in front of her and hit her right across her face. Ara buckled down on her knees and cried out in pain, tears streaming down her face.

Jimin was enraged, he hadn't felt a rage this huge and violent in years.

He pushed himself up and dragged his father back with all his strength. His hands shook and he was surely going into a panic attack but he had to do this.

"T-this is for hurting her," Jimin mumbled right before he threw a punch right at his father's face.

"That was for you hitting me every day of my life, for you not caring about me," Jimin’s voice shook, "That was for coming home to see a 30-year-old take advantage of my 16-year-old self and not doing anything about it. That was for you closing the door and giving him permission to use my body when I was bleeding."

Jimin's father was shaken, he grazed his hand across his cheek to touch his bruise. It hurt.

"You order me to call you abeoji. You don't deserve anything. I'll prove it to you, I can be a better father. You always said I was worthless right? I’ll be better than you. I hate you Park Ohn-wahan"

He turns around and drops to his knees to look at Ara.

"A-ara? I- I am so so s-sorry." His hands twitched. “Can I t-touch you b-baby?” Tears were now making their way down his face.

She nodded her head and Jimin finally, finally brought her close and hugged her. He tucked her face in the crook of his neck and patted her head. His body shook with shakes, just as he was about to move to check on Ara she shrieked “Abeoji!”

He felt a heavy object smack across his head. He grits his teeth, willing himself to not fall but…He fell to the ground, the pain too much to handle.

He looked at Ara, voice horse and tears rushing down his face “Aru, run. Go to your Appa.” She looked at him with fearful eyes and nodded her head. She took off, turning her head to look at Jimin one last time.

Jimin felt blood seep through him, and his eyes blurred. He tried to breathe but it was so hard, his chest ached.

His father stood above him, a red bruise decorating his face. Jimin felt proud of himself. “This is what you get.” He saw his father was holding a stray piece of wood, god knew where he found it. Jimin spat at him.

He raised the wood again and Jimin braced himself. He would regret not saying I love you to Ara and saying Thank you to Jungkook and his hyungs. Jungkook. He would miss him. Poor Jungkook, losing Jimin after he lost his wife. But Jimin wasn’t that important, why would it even matter that much? Jimin scoffed bitterly.

He had come to like Jungkook, like his smiles and his hugs. He liked how he always, always offered Jimin a choice, on anything and everything. He smiles, a small faint smile but a smile nevertheless.

He would miss his hyungs, would miss the way Jin-hyung cared for him, miss the way Yoongi-hyung would always be on his side, miss the jokes and laughter with Hobi-hyung, miss the musings and calmness with Namjoon-hyung. He would miss his Taetae, his soulmate.

He was going to die but it was okay, cause it has been the best 10 months of his life. He didn’t expect to die so soon but it was okay now.

He heard a clash and the sound of flesh hitting skin, but there was no pain. Why was there no pain? He opened his eyes to see Jungkook dragging his father back and him receiving a punch from his father.

He saw Ara looking at them in fear, he saw her moving toward her father but he somehow got up and stopped her. His entire body ached and he could not move or speak anymore. He hugged her and hid her from the fighting. Jimin cursed himself for suggesting to come to the mall late at night.

She screamed and cried, wanting to be free and Jimin wanted nothing else than to go there and stop them but he could not, not when he was so injured, not when Ara was at stake.

Finally, the sounds stopped, the only noise that could be heard was heavy breathing and whimpering. He slowly looked at what was happening and saw his father bleeding from a small cut on his cheek. His father was on his knees and clutched his face.

Jungkook turned towards them and his eyes widened seeing Jimin’s state.

“Hyung? Ara?” As soon as Ara heard her father’s voice she fought him to get out and he let her, his body now too weak to protest, blood loss too apparent.

She ran towards him and hugged him tight sobbing “Appa, a-aboeji.” She pointed towards him. He slowly shook his head, his vision was blurry now.

“T-take care of her K-kook.” He muttered and lost consciousness. The last thing he remembered was Jungkook screaming his name and Ara rushing toward him.

**************************************************************

Jungkook’s mind was a fevered mess. He remembered bits of things that happened, Ara rushing towards him crying hearing only bits of “A-abeoji, evil man.” He picked her up and rushed towards where she was taking him and saw Park Ohn-Wahan standing above Jimin who was laying on the ground bleeding.

He saw him lift the piece of wood but somehow he dragged him back and gave him a cut, he fell to his knees whimpering. Ara rushing towards him, and Jimin losing consciousness.

He got them to the hospital and Jimin was immediately taken to the Operation theater, the doctors fixed their small bruises, Jungkook called their hyungs and now they were in the waiting room, praying.

Jungkook was crying, and sobbing, Jin-hyung, and Namjoon-hyung had taken Ara to the canteen to get food while the rest of the hyungs were beside him.

Jungkook shook his head, body wrecking pain pulsing beneath his skin. He could not lose Jimin.

How could fate be so cruel for him to lose his wife, for him to see his child get hurt and he couldn't lose Jimin-hyung?

He just couldn't. Who would make him laugh when he was stressed? Who would hold him when he cried at his wife's altar? Jungkook wanted to do so much for his hyung.

He swears he would make Park Ohn-wahan regret his life.

Tae-hyung was also sobbing beside him, he had taken one look at Jungkook and broken down, Yoongi-hyung was beside him, trying to console him but it was hard when he too was crying.

He felt Hobi-hyung hug him and he felt his tears on his shoulder but he could not do anything.

It was ages before one of the nurses finally called Jungkook's name.

He got up and followed her to a room where Jimin was kept for observation.

"Park Jimin-ssi has two rib fractures, heavy blood loss, stitches in his head and it appears he will experience visual impairment in the corner of his eye, nothing major just a blind spot and it appears there are many scars all over his body?" The nurse maintained professionalism but he could see the slightest bit of suspect in her eyes.

Jungkook sat down heavily and rubbed his hands over his face “Y-yea, his father…” He left the sentence hanging, the nurse would probably understand. “Can I see him?” The nurse nodded with the slightest of pursed lips and asked Jungkook to follow him.

Jimin was laying in a hospital bed looking frail, his head was bandaged and there was an apparent bulge on his chest where the bandages with applied. He took a shaky breath and released it, fogging up the glass. He wasn’t allowed to go inside the room.

He asked to call his hyungs and Ara, as soon as they arrived Jungkook explained the situation to everyone, and Ara, she deserved to know what happened to Jimin.

Ara had taken one look at Jimin and burst into crying, Jungkook was trying to console her but she wouldn’t stop crying. “It’s okay…shh abeoji will be okay Aru..” He tried to reassure her but it didn’t help.

One of the nurses inside the room quickly came out of the room and left in a hurry, looking for a doctor, Jungkook turned towards the door, frowning, he could see his hyungs worrying as well.

The doctor rushes inside the room, barely giving anyone outside a second glance. There are a lot of noises and beeping and finally, it all stops. It is eerily quiet, even Ara isn’t crying anymore.

The doctor comes outside, wiping the sweat off his brow “Jeon-Park Jungkook?” Jungkook quickly nods his head.

“We lost him for a minute, his health was worsening, and it seemed like he wanted to give up, but something made him change his mind. Mind you he could hear everything, but he could see or react to it. He almost slipped into a coma but, he’s all good now. He’s awake, you can visit him but make sure to not tire him.” Jungkook nodded his head mutely.

As soon as the doctor went away, Taehyung slumped into the floor and promptly started crying. Sobbing, his noise made Jungkook’s heart, ache. Taehyung got up in a minute, obviously steeling himself not to cry, wiped his tears, and went inside the room.

Hoseok was making his way into the room when Yoongi stopped him “Let them have a second.” His voice was hoarse and rough. Hoseok nodded his head with pursed lips.

They hear a shout of “Park-Jeon Jimin. What the hell were you thinking? Giving up?” A small chuckle and mumbled voices.

After five minutes of waiting they all went inside and saw Taehyung and Jimin hugging, Taehyung patting his head and whispering.

As soon as Jimin saw them his eyes went immediately to Ara’s. “Aru.” He whispered soft, slow. Heartbroken.

“I am so s-sorry.” He whispered. Tears made their way into his eyes.

Chapter Text

“Jungkook-ah I am fine” He rolled his eyes at Jungkook,  smiling a bit. 

“No hyung it’s only been a month!” Jungkook resists, pushing Jimin back down on the bed. 

Jungkook had been worrying more than usual since returning from the hospital. He was doing everything around the house. He even took a holiday from work! 

“Exactly! A month. I am fine Kook.”  Jungkook wouldn’t listen. He put a spoon of soup near his mouth and made Jimin swallow. 

He did as he was told, secretly finding worried eyes, and a cute frown adorable. 

Gosh, Jimin was in it for bad.

                                                   ******************************************************************

He woke up and it was just another typical day. Really he didn't feel any different. Oh, but it was different. It was his birthday. 

He turned 25 this year. Wow. 

He turned his head and saw Jungkook. Sleeping. Mouth forming a pout and snoring softly. He looked beautiful. Jimin glanced at his lips, unable to help himself, he felt the unexplainable need to kiss him. Jimin tore his eyes from the other and untangled himself from their cuddling position. 

He made breakfast, much to the protest of Jungkook cleaned the house, ate breakfast, and lounged around the house, trying to find something to do. Jungkook and Ara both long gone. 

He didn’t realize how much he relied on chores to get through his day. Earlier he used to be in a rush to complete all the work in time, now he had nothing to do. 

He wandered through the house and went into Ara’s room he found a radio. Music playing softly. 

He froze. He forced himself to walk ahead, he increased the volume. 

“ I would never fall in love again until I found her”

I said, "I would never fall unless it's you I fall into"

I was lost within the darkness, but then I found her

I found you”

Jimin swayed. His heart beating with the beats of the music. His mind screamed at him to stop, what would happen if his abeoji found him like this? But he was not here was he? 

Jungkook was here and he would support Jimin. Jimin swayed moving his body, hands floating in hair, body twisting. 

He turns, jumps, falls and glides.

“ Georgia pulled me in

I asked to love her once again

You fell, I caught you

I'll never let you go again as I did

Oh, I used to say” 

The song ends, and he heaves, body out of practice, bruises all over from falling. And Jimin laughs, free and full of Joy. 

He danced! After years, after losing something he loved, something that made Jimin, Jimin he found it again. 

He cranks up the music, and he dances again, and again. He falls in love again. 

                                                            *******************************************************************

The day passes, and before he knows it he’s tangled in Jungkook’s arms, in bed, talking. 

“You know hyung? I never asked. When is your birthday?” He asks, hands wandering through Jimin’s hair. It was getting long and he needed to cut it but he loved it when Ara or Jungkook played with it. 

“Oh, it was today. I turned 25.” The hand freezes and Jimin pouts. 

“You didn’t tell me?” Jungkook asks, softly, and Jimin glances at him and sees regret and endearment in his eyes. 

Jimin shrugs and that was that. 

                                                    ***********************************************************************

The next day he wakes up to see Jungkook not next to him, he panics and looks at his alarm clock, 5:15. He was early. Where the hell was Jungkook? He makes his hair presentable, and walks out to see Jungkook and his hyungs, Taetae put up balloons and banners. 

‘Happy Birthday Jimin’ It says. And Jimin is shocked. Jungkook turns towards him and freezes seeing him there. 

Taehyung turns as well and he rushes to hug him, Jimin squeezes him back and hides his face in his neck. “Hi, baby” Tae whispers, kissing the crown of his head. 

“Taetae?” he questions, his voice weak, not daring to hope. 

“We wanted to surprise you hyung…” He hears Jungkook and he looks up at him to see him smiling sheepishly. He untangles himself from Taehyung who lets him go and rushes toward Jungkook and flings himself at him. 

“Thank you, Thankyou.” He whispers, tears making their way to Jungkook’s shirt. Jungkook just smiles and cradles his head. 

He lets him go and turns towards his hyungs. And opens his arms with teary eyes. 

They rush towards him. Jimin feels the happiest he has in his entire life. 

                                                          **********************************************************************

“Namjoon-hyung?” He asks, “Can I talk to you?” 

“Of course Jimin-ah” 

They walk towards Jimin’s and Jungkook’s room because that was the only room empty right now. 

They sit down and Jimin immediately latches on to the topic. 

“How did you know you loved Seokjin-hyung hyung?” He asks, casually not like he was admitting to being in love with someone. 

Namjoon’s eyes widened, showing surprise but he replied “I don’t know Jimin-ah, it’s not like a certain time.” 

Jimin pouts, not getting the answer he was looking for “But still, how?” 

“Hmm, maybe… it was when- no, Seokjin-hyung is amazing you know? He- he was, is awesome, caring, gentle, sweet, funny… He helped me when I worked too much, he helped me when I got anxiety attacks.” His voice takes on a dreamy tone, full of love. 

Jimin smiles and cocks his head, listening. 

“ I never noticed but now I can see it, he always covered the corners whenever I bent so that I wouldn’t hurt my head, he would always tell me to grab a jacket in the case and if I didn’t, he would give me his, no matter how cold it was. He always made me dinner and waited for me, doesn’t matter if it was late. 

He took such great care of me and gave me so much love, and respect. He never questioned my choices, and always trusted me, but he told me I was wrong when I was. I love him, and it wasn’t like one day I woke up and realized I loved him- no. It was a gradual process, it took months but slowly I fell in love with him. His bad jokes, and his laugh, his personality, him.” 

Namjoon looks at him, smiling, “Did you get your answer Jimin-ah?” 

And Jimin smiles and nods because yes, yes he did and he was so screwed. 

Chapter Text

Jungkook looked at Jimin, laughing and hugging his hyungs. He felt his heart pang at the joy on his hyung’s face. A few months ago Jimin would be covering with him being so free and loud but not anymore. 

“Jk!” He hears a shout, he turns towards the voice to see Hobi-hyung smiling at him. “Hyung.” He smiles back, easily. 

“Jimin looks good today doesn’t he” Hoseok nods towards Jimin, glancing at Jungkook.”Of course, he looks good every day.”  He replies, now puzzled.

“Okay, enjoy staring maknae” He winks at Jungkook and disappears somewhere. Jungkook splutters and stares after him. He wasn’t staring! Was he? He was just admiring him. He liked how Jimin smiled and laughed. It was like a sun shining brighter.

And he looked good! Him in his pajamas and adorable fluffy hair that was hastily flattened because Jimin would never go anywhere without making himself presentable. The pajamas fitting his lithe and small body perfectly, yellow complimenting his skin. He was allowed to admire something good right? 

"Jungkook-ah" He turns to see Yoongi standing beside him, nodding his head. 

"You know I love you right?" Yoongi asks and Jungkook is puzzled and so confused because yes he knows Yoongi loves him but he doesn't always express it through words. 

He just nods his head. "Good. Because even though I love you, I will not hesitate to kill you if you hurt Jimin. Okay?" Yoongi pats his shoulder and walks away.

Jungkook's head is in pain. What's with his hyungs coming today and talking about Jimin? 

It's almost like he likes Jimin-hyung! Which is hilarious because no of course he doesn't like Jimin-hyung. He just wants to protect him and be close to him and make him laugh and never see him cry. 

He just wants to wrap his hyung in bubble wrap and save him from the cruel world. And yes maybe he wants to cuddle his hyung but that's normal right? He's just deprived of that kind of love.

What kind of love? A traitorous voice at the back of his head whispers. You had Aru, and you had your hyungs who kept messaging you but you never replied.

Aru cuddled with you and gave you so much love. What love are you deprived of? 

Shut up. He whispers to that voice because he had a small feeling and he chose to ignore it. 

His mind reeled back to memories, of Jimin-hyung laughing for the first time in front of him, how his heart had squeezed in his chest and how he had vowed to always make him laugh. 

Jimin-hyung trusting him with his secrets and Jungkook promising to kill the man who broke Jimin so much. 

Jungkook’s heart fluttering every time he saw Jimin smile, promising himself never to make the light in his eyes dim. 

It's funny how it's those moments that last. 

He remembers waking up one morning and seeing Jimin-hyung next to him, it was the only time Jungkook had woken up to see himself next to Jimin. 

He had had the unexplainable need to kiss him. He had brushed that feeling aside but looking back…he could only fall deeper into that line of questioning. 

All the things he did, all the things he said. Oh dear God. 

He likes Jimin.  Damn it. 

Jungkook was acting weird. He was more…distant? But Jimin didn’t know how to describe it. Jungkook still asked him about his health and forbade him from doing work until he was ‘healthy’ again, but at the same time, he was distant.

He didn’t randomly open his arms, inviting Jimin for a hug, or he didn’t hug Jimin from the back while he was cooking. He didn’t cuddle with Jimin and Ara while watching a movie. 

Jimin missed him. He was there, but at the same time...he wasn’t. 

Jimin also shielded himself, maybe he did something wrong, that’s why Jungkok was acting this way. He didn’t smile much, did not dance again, he didn’t feel happy enough. He played with Aru and she made him laugh but he didn’t have Jungkok leaning against the doorframe looking at them fondly. 

Jimin went back to his routine, he didn’t cuddle with Jungkook at night woke up at 5:30, made breakfast for them and he sometimes sat with them. Jungkook didn’t comment on anything. Jungkook would retreat to his office and Jimin would clean the house. It was engraved in Jimin, and he did try to fight it but it brought him comfort. 

Jimin started having panic attacks again. Over the smallest of things, if he dropped something or if the food was late. Jungkook used to comfort him before but now he said nothing. Jimin hid it in front of him but as soon as he went inside his room, he would curl into a ball and sob, trying to breathe. 

Life started turning out miserable for Jungkook as well. He would go to sleep without Jimin hugging him like a koala and wake up to find Jimin making breakfast. He would see Jimin-hyung’s back sweaty but he would not do anything. He talked to him twice a day, with the same questions, but it was robotical. 

He had to do this, he would reason with himself every time he would hear laughter coming from Ara’s room. He couldn’t let his heart fall again. His heart belonged to Ara and Zandra. He could not- would not let anyone else enter it. He ignored the fact that Jimin and his hyungs had already made a home there. 

He could not betray Zandra by loving another person. He would not. Even if he let his hyungs enter his heart, he did not love them romantically. Jungkook will never love someone as much as he loved Zandra. 

He wiped his eyes at the thought of distancing himself from Jimin. 

For the first time, since Zandra died, Jungkook did not cry when she crossed his mind. He knew Zandra would want him to be happy, she was a happy soul, loving, kind, and sweet. She would always want the best for him. 

No one can take Zandra’s place. He would not betray her. 

Chapter Text

It was a few weeks before, Taehyung visited again. The doorbell rang and Jimin flinched. He smoothened his hair and opened the door.

“Jiminie!” He hears a shout and open arms. Taehyung. “Hi baby, how are you doing?” He asks, softly smiling at him. Jimin hugs him.

“Hi, Taetae.” He whispers softly. “ Are you okay Jiminie? Why do you feel so…so frail?” He hears Taehyung’s frown and he musters a smile. He pulls back.

“I’m fine. Come inside.” He glances at the door, “Oh, hyungs aren’t coming today, they all were busy.” Jimin's smile fades but he glances at Taehyung and smiles again.

“Is Jungkook-ah home Jiminie?” Taehyunmgs asks casually, shrugging off his coat, and observing Jimin carefully, something had changed from the last time he saw Jimin. He frowns when he sees Jimin flinch slightly at the mention of Jungkook’s name.

“Yeah, he’s in his office.” He mutters and enter’s the kitchen to prepare food for him. “Okaaay…I’ll go meet him then.” Taehyung mutters when Jimin shouts “No! I-I mean,” he shrinks slightly as if..afraid

“I am allowed to meet him, if I don’t he’ll overwork himself.” Taehyung comforts Jimin, anger rising inside him.

Jimin just nods and shrinks away from Taehyung.

Taehyung walks towards Jungkook’s office and knocks, he hears an enter and promptly loses his composure.

Jungkook looks up in surprise “Hyung?” Taehyungs struts towards him and pulls him up. His eyes dark and his expression murderous.

“What,” HIs voice perfectly calm “Did you do to Jimin?” Pushing Jungkook up the wall he pins Jungkook to the wall with his gaze.

Jungkook turns puzzled, “What do you mean?”

“Ha!” Taehyungs barks out a laugh and Jungkook flinches, it was mean and unforgiving and he had never heard his hyung like that- at least not towards him.

“You’re going to act like you don’t know? Fine, then I’ll tell you. Pray tell me why Jimin barely smiled when I came today, his voice was small as if afraid of making sounds while you were working. He didn’t say anything, didn’t rant, he almost had a panic attack when I said I was coming here, his body was so frail as if not eating properly, he has new scars over his hand and- and,” He took a deep breath “Why, did he flinch when I called your name.”

Jungkook's look turned from puzzled to horror in a span of a few seconds. He slid down the wall and put his head in his arms, “He- what is he doing now Taehyung-hyung?” He whispers, voice breaking.
Taehyung gave him no mercy, voice cold as ever “In the kitchen. Now, what did you do.” It was a demand, not a question or request.

“Nothing, nothing. Hyung do you really think I would ever intentionally hurt Jimin-hyung?” Jungkook whispers, looking up at Taehyung, eyes glistening.

Taehyung sighed, heart, melting a little, and of course, he didn’t think Jungkook would ever hurt Jimin. That boy cared too much for someone close to him.

“Then what happened Jungkook-ah. He was so happy last time we met, he was so free, and- and loud with you, what changed? He became like his old self again, the one when he used to live with that man.”

“I…hyung, I li-like Jimin-hyung” Jungkook swallows, admitting this to someone feels good, “I-I have been ignoring that feeling though,”

Taehyungs smacks his lips, realization dawning on his face “And you have been ignoring him.”

Jungkook looks guilty, tears still in his eyes. “Talk to him kook, you know how he overthinks every little detail, he probably thinks it’s his fault and he’s punishing himself for it. I can’t make him see sense, it’s your job right now, and I swear to god Kook protect him with your life if he wants that. He deserves this.”

Jungkook nods and reaches forward to hug Taehyung, a rare gesture, and Taehyung chuckles, squeezing him, it’s been too long since he hugged Jungkook. Jungkook pulls back quickly though.

“Ok, let’s go to Jimin-hyung and say sorry.” Jungkook nods, determination in his eyes.

“Yes!” Taehyung nods back, saluting him. They get up and Jungkook dusts off the dirt in his trousers.

Jimin is sitting on the kitchen table, back straight, food ready and covered, “You’re done Jimin-hyung?”

Jimin startles, it is the first non-robotical question Jimin heard from Jungkook in a while. “Huh?”

Jungkook sits at the table, opposite Jimin, “You could have come inside and called us out if you were done.”

“I-I could?” Jimin looks surprised and with a small hope in his eyes, Jungkook’s heart broke to see Jimin like that, didn’t he promise JImin he would never hurt him? He had never hated himself more.

“Of course hyung! It’s your house as well, you don’t need to ask.” Jungkook reassures him, smiling. He sees Jimin’s eyes glistening with tears and he quickly wipes them.

Jungkook smiles softly, heart breaking at how he had hurt Jimin. He gets started on the food and sees Jimin watching him and Taehyung-hyung. He glances up and pointedly stares at the food before staring at Jimin.

Jimin blushes and evades his gaze but he takes a small amount into his plate. “Jiminie, you have outdone yourself this time!” Taehyung exclaims, moving his chopsticks around.

“Thanks, Taehyung-ah!” He mutters politely, voice small, blushing from the compliment. Taehyung frowns a little but doesn’t say anything.

“Jimin-hyung,” Jungkook becomes voice suddenly serious, and he puts down his chopsticks. Jimin gulps, nervous, he places his chopsticks on the table, “D-do you not l-like the food? I can m-make something else?”

Jungkook frowns and shakes his head “No hyung, quite the contrary, the food is amazing. I just wanted to say something. May I?”

Jimin lifts his head a little, “U-um sure I guess, g-go ahead” JImin scratches his cheek, “Hyung, I am so so sorry.” Jungkook bows his head, ashamed of his actions.

Jimin tilts his head, confused. “What do you mean?”

“Hyung, I am sorry, I have been neglecting you,” Jimin interrupts him but Jungkook holds up a hand, tears in his eyes. “Please let me continue, I have been neglecting you, I have been ignoring you, trying to protect myself, and I ended up ignoring you. I promised I would never ever let you get hurt by someone again, but I ended you hurting you myself. I am so sorry, I can’t stress that enough, I pushed you away and I didn’t see you hurting and pulling back again, I would not have until too late but hyung came and talked to me. I am s-so sorry you had t-to go through t-that.” Tears were now streaming down Jungkook’s face, softly sobbing.

Jimin frowns, unshed tears in his eyes, he walks over to Jungkook and tentatively hugs him, he puts his head on his head and closes his eyes, body relaxed after a long long time.
“I-I like you hyung, so much but I can’t help but feel it’s w-wrong after Z-Zandra. I like you more t-than I should. Y-you don’t feel the same way a-and probably are disgusted with me right now, but I-I can’t help it! I- don’t know when, probably after you’re injuries, I realized how much I cared for you. I have been d-drowning in guilt for the past weeks. I- you deserve so much better hyung.”

Jimin cried, silently, tears absorbed by Jungkook’s hair, “It’s okay Jungkook-ah, hyung’s not disgusted.” He felt, calm. Happy so damn happy, he had loved Jungkook, of course, he did. How could he not when Jungkook was so good to him? So kind, so understanding, so loving, and caring?

“It’s okay Kook, You’re okay, it’s not bad, I am sorry, hyung’s sorry you feel that. I care for you so much too, so so much you know? I- I want to a-always take care of you and Aru. It’s okay, it’s okay Kook, calm down hmm?”

Jimin pats Jungkook’s back, kissing his head tentatively, softly, lovingly. He felt as if his chest was about to burst, suddenly all the hurt he went through these past weeks seemed like nothing. He felt sad of course, Jungkook was crying but Jungkook said he likes him. Him.

He’s scared, how is this going to work? Is there even something to work on? What if Jungkook doesn’t want something? What id, what if what he’s feeling is not love? What if it’s just admiration, something he has never felt before? Gratitude. But- he loves Taetae and his hyungs doesn’t he? He knows that.

So many what if's, but Jimin knows the feeling of loving and being loved back, it’s wonderful, exhilarating, even on a platonic level it felt so- so free, what- how will it even be on romantic love? The comforting through kisses instead of hugs, the feeling of cuddling to sleep, and waking up with soft whispers. The goodnight kisses and good morning kisses? The random hugs, the- the taking care of all night, all day. The sex. Jimin wants to feel Jungkook’s body against his own, make him see stars, of course he does.

That’s why he doesn’t hesitate.

“I love you.” Jimin was surprised at how easily it came, he expected him to have a panic attack when he said I love you to Jungkook for the first time, but it was easy, he had said it to Tae and his hyungs before, and Jungkook was, well Jungkook. Saying ‘I love you’ was easy.

“L-love? Hyung…” Jimin's breath stutters, of course, Jungkook didn’t love him back, he had lost his wife and he was probably drowning in guilt right now. “It’s okay Kook, You don’t have to love me back,” Jimin consoled him, he needed to know he hadn’t said it for it to be repeated.

“No, h-hyung it’s not that..w-what if I can’t l-love a-anyone romantically a-again? His breath stuttered, he wanted to be the best for his hyung but he didn’t know why, or how.

“It doesn’t matter Jungkook-ah, I am willing to take whatever you want to give right now,”
“A-and what if that’s all I can provide?”

“Then I’ll be happy with that, but for now let’s take things slow okay?” Jungkook nods, a small smile on his lips.

Jimin sighed, he still has issues and they had just acknowledged their feelings, nothing major was happening but Jimin felt good.

“Finally! You guys seriously need to learn how to communicate!” Taehyung bursts, standing at the door of the kitchen, far enough so that he couldn’t hear the conversation but close enough so that he could see them.

“Thanks, Hyung!” Jungkook shouts, a small laugh in his mouth, it looked good for now, the rest they could tackle together.

Chapter Text

It had been a tough few weeks after their confession to each other, they had to work on gaining the other’s trust and working through their issues.

Jungkook did his level best to take care of Jimin, he helped him, made him relax, he listened to his rants, when he cried Jungkook was there. When Jimin hated whatever he saw in the mirror Jungkook made sure to hug him and tell him he was so damn beautiful. He’s so beautiful, like the stars shining on a clear night.

Jimin fell in love. Of course, he loved Jungkook, but you know that feeling when one minute you love your partner and the next you’re in love with them? Like… you know, you love each other, but you just- it just hits you at once, love. A four-letter word. So much depth. Jimin was in awe.

Jungkook realized, he could like someone without feeling guilty over it, he could just enjoy the moment, he didn’t- he shouldn’t make his life about Zandra, or Ara or Jimin for that matter.

Jimin taught him so much, he shouldn’t live his life for someone else, he should love his friends, his love, his beautiful, amazing, goddess of a daughter but he should not make his whole life about them. Jungkook, for Jungkook it was a rollercoaster.

He found happiness, the waves of laughter when he or Jimin did something together, the adoration and gratitude when he sees Jimin help Ara, or say ‘I love you’ to Ara. The warmth when they cuddled and on rare days, he woke up to find Jimin next to him, sleeping, sound.

Jungkook had kissed Jimin, their kisses were soft, heartfelt, and warm. Not rushed, not a buildup for sex but, enough. Too good. Once they had started kissing, there was no stopping them.

Jimin glowed up, from once sunken cheeks and forced thinness, Jimin filled out, his cheeks got fuller and his body filled out in a healthy manner, Jungkook learned Jimin looked so adorable with that goddamn face and his lean, slim fit body. His face glowed and he had etched laughter at all times on his face now.

It was a curse though, the new development, they were going out one time when Taehyung insisted Jimin be dressed up sexy. Jimin had tentatively agreed and- and he looked good. Really really good.

Taehyungs had dressed him in a v-cut black silk shirt with black skinny jeans, he wore a black blazer on top with a black choker. Taehyung had done his hair so that his new silver hair was parted to the side with an open forehead, he had smoky eyes with brought out his sly fox-like eyes. He looked…dangerous, like a predator.

He had come to Jungkook and asked him how he looked and poor Jungkook was so shaken up he had gulped and nodded, “You look amazing Hyung” he had said.

Jimin looked satisfied with that and turned outside but Jungkook sat heavily on the bed and contemplated his life for a few minutes.

He buried his head in a pillow, screamed for a good 10 seconds, and got up like usual. The rest of the day torture and Jungkook had to change into loose jeans because of Jimin.

Now…Jungkook might be having a slight meltdown because Jimin looked like that, and what he was asking him to do..d he just wanted Jimin to fuck him. Jungkook gulped and inhaled through his nose, trying to calm down.

“What did you say Hyung?” Jungkook asked again, trying very hard to hyperventilate. Jimin frowned, “Sex, is that something you’d like with me?”

Jungkook nodded weakly, “Yes…Jimin-hyung, I would love to have sex with you, you-you’re way too…too much, too good.”

Jimin smiled, bashfully. “D-do you want to have sex…?” He mumbled more, to be honest, and Jungkook was fully hyperventilating at that point

Jungkook guided them toward their bedroom, “Yes hyung, do you want to?” He turned around to see Jimin closing the door and nodding. “Can you take off your shirt for me hyung?”

Jimin nodded, slowly stripping off his shirt, “You too?” Jimin asks, like a question. Jungkook nods and removes his shirt as well, he comes close, a question in his eyes, “Yes” Jimin mumbles softly and Jungkook kisses him softly, there was no rush, just the feeling of the coming actions.

Jimin moves them back and Jungkook sits on the bed, slowly pulling Jimin on him, he separated themselves, both panting slightly, “D-do you want to top me hyung?”

Jimin smiles, a little unsure, “Y-yes, if that’s okay?” Jungkook gives him a gentle smile and nods his head, “That’s more than fine hyung”

Jungkook moves up and lays on the bed, removing his pants, and leaving him only in his underwear. Jimin does the same, moving up to kiss Jungkook. He kisses his mouth, his cheek, his eyelids, moving down, he kisses every part of his body, when he reaches his nipples, Jungkook gives a soft moan, so Jimin kisses them again, loving the feel of Jungkook moaning because of him.

He moves down until he is face to face with Jungkook’s cock. He kisses the tip, slowly and sucks around it, fingers grasping the lube and drizzling them into his fingers, he looks up a question in his eyes and Jungkook moans a yes, He prepares him slowly, gently in no rush to do anything, still sucking so that Jungkok feels no discomfort.

“Hyung…” Jimin looks up and groans low in his throat, Jungkook looks wrecked, tears in his eyes from how good he feels just from Jimin’s fingers and his mouth, begging Jimin to just take him.

“Please,” and Jimin wasted no time, he slowly sheds his underwear and lined his cock with Jungkook's hole. “Ready?” Jungkook just hooks his ankled around Jimin’s waist and pulls him in. Both of them moaned at the feeling. “Hyung, Hyung, move please move, feels so good, Jimin-ah move please”

Jimin, can’t say no to his Jungkook moves, slowly, fluidly, he falls down on his elbows to look at Jungkook who looks so good for him with red lips, bitten and swollen from Jungkook biting them so much, he moved towards his neck and sucks on them, leaving a few hickeys.

“Hyung, I’m going to cum, you feel so good hyung please,” Jungkook begs, and Jimin moves his hand lower to give his cock a few twists “Come for me, love,” and Jungkook comes, moaning high, squeezing around Jimin’s cock so well and Jimin comes as well.

He slowly moves out and throws the condom in the dustbin, looking at an almost unconscious Jungkook, he smiles softly and fetches a wet towel to clean them.

When he’s down, he moves and lays down beside Jungkook who cuddles him instantly, “You were amazing Hyung, Thank You”

Jimin slowly kisses his head “I love you Jungkook.” He tells him, again. Because why not? He does not say that to be repeated back. He loves him.

“I love you too hyung”

Jimin freezes because did he hear that right? “What…”

“I love you.” He repeats.

Chapter Text

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Yugyeom asks him, fixing his collar, and leafing through a folder of files.

“Of course. He needs to pay.” Jungkook replies, jaw twitching at his thought, putting his coat on. He was a CEO, and tonight he was going to use that position, manipulate it and crush anyone who got in his way. 

Tonight, Park Ohn-Wahan would pay. 

He walks towards the car from his building, looking every bit of the intimidating and ruthless CEO he wanted to be. 

A black coat, tie, and pants. Head held high, he walked like he owned this place, which he did. 

Sitting in his car, Yugyeom at his side, he ordered his driver to drive him to Lee Min’s company where Park Ohn-Wahan worked. Leafing through the files, his blood boiled at the numerous times Jimin had been admitted to the hospital, the domestic cases filed against his father, but vanishing suddenly. Camera footage. 

Reaching the place, he straightened his coat and nodded toward Yugyeom, his head was high, looking cold and disinterested. Good, tonight he wanted everyone to be scared of them. 

Everyone let him pass, and he reached the CEO’s office. Opening the door, he saw Lee Dong-Min sitting, looking up at the arrivals. 

He smiled and Jungkook smiled back, a small smile because he liked him, he was a good man honestly, it was just unfortunate that he hired an asshole like Park Ohn-Wahan was working under him. 

“Jungkook, Yugyeom.” He greeted them, Yugyeom nods, and Jungkook extends his hand, “Eunwoo” 

“Tell me Jungkook, how come you’re here?” He asks shaking Jungkook’s hand and gesturing to the empty seats. Jungkook sits and smirks at the leaders standing beside the table, just as he had ordered. 

“You know how I got married a little over a year ago?” And Eunwoo nods, furrowing his brow, “So you must know, that I love my husband very much, and I would like to build a house in Daegu, for us and Ara, and I thought you were the perfect people for this job because I trust your company Eunwoo, you know that don’t you?” 

Eunwoo smiles, brows narrowed, not understanding where this was going, “But I hesitated when I saw who were your top leaders for projects. Namely one person.” 

From the corner of his eye, he saw Park Ohn-Whan tense, he knew why Jungkook was here in the first place, and now his fears were confirmed: “Who are you talking about Jungkook?”

Jungkook looks at Yiugyeom who slams the file on the table, and Eunwoo leafs through it, brows furrowing deeper, “What is this?” he asks, he was a man who valued family over everything,  and it was one of the reasons he like his company, and Jungkook, he knew this would hurt him, 

“This,” he says leaning forward, a gleam in his eyes, “Is the records of one of your leaders here, Park Ohn-Wahan, the account of things he did, to his son, Park Jimin, My husband.” 

The room echoed with gasps, and all the color was gone, gone, from his face. Jungkook felt like laughing, there was nothing more exhilarating than seeing a man used to being in power be stripped of it. 

“Am I right in assuming this would be dealt with?” And Jungkook does feel a little bad when Eunwoo sighs, looking tired but that feeling vanished. 

Yugyeom walked up to Park and punched him in his face and he crumpled, “That is what you deserve.” 

And Jungkook was impressed, Yugyeom was a sweetheart most of the time, but he could be really scary when he wanted. 

“Of course, he will be fired immediately.” 

Jungkook smirked and Yugyeom snickered under his breath, “Oh I have a few more conditions.” 

“Baby, do you want to make a cake?” Jungkook asks Ara, 

Ara jumps at the opportunity, “Ye-es!” She screams, running to the kitchen, making Jungkook laugh, he chases her and lifts her mid-run, making her squeal and giggle loudly. 

“Come on baby, I want to make them with you and we have to do this to surprise abeoji because it’s our anniversary, and Hyung is in the studio” Jungkook pouts at the end, missing Jimin and Ara laughs, “Appa you know I heard his phase from Tae-tae uncle and I want to say it to you because he explained the meaning of it to me.” 

Jungkook sighs, “This is not going to be good” Jungkook mutters under his breath, rolling his eyes at his hyung for teaching Ara suspicious things, “Go on baby” 

“He says abeoji has you wrapped around his little pinky and I agree” She snickered and Jungkook laughs, because he can’t deny her the truth-ness of the statement. 

“Yes little troublemaker, he does. Now come on, help me” He picks he up and puts her on the counter, and starts on the dough. She grabs a handful of flour and threw them at Jungkook, making him gasp. 

“What the fuck?” He mutters for a second confused, “Fuck, shit, sorry fuck sorry for cursing baby, shit, fuck” Jungkook fumbles, and in an attempt to distract Ara from his confused cursing, throws flour on her, making her shriek and kick her legs, making the batter fall, and in attempts to prevent the bowl from falling, Jungkook fell as well. Making Ara’s eyes burn with tears from the laughter. 

“What is going on here?” A voice mumbles from the door and they both turn to see Jimin standing at the door, smiling amusedly, 

Ara jumps from the counter, tripping and falling on Jungkook’s foot making him groan and laugh, and she apologizes quickly, eyes wide before Jungkook tells her it’s fine and she runs towards Jimin flinging her at him. 

“Hello pretty baby” Jimin murmurs, kissing her head, “Hi abeoji, we were making a cake for you” She tattles, smiling like the little devil she was because she knew Jungkook had told her not to tell Jimin. 

Jungkook jokingly narrows his eyes at her, pursing his lips, “I see how it is, I am not your favorite anymore am I?” 

She shakes her head, giggling, and Junkook gasps, He turns to Jimin whose eyes were locked at Jungkook’s fallen form, glowing with mirth,  making Jungkook whine, “Hyungg, your precious spoiled baby is being mean to me”

Jimin sighs, “Sometimes, it’s like I have two kids” 

And Jungkook laughs, picking himself up and coming to Jimin, He leans forward and kisses Jimin, “Happy Anniversary Hyung,” He murmurs, and Jimin leans his head on Jungkook’s, “Happy Anniversary love” 

There, in the messy kitchen, with Jungkook and Jimin leaning at each other, Ara between them, it was almost like Ara’s first drawing with Jimin had come alive, the one still hung at the kitchen counter. 

“Hyung” Jungkook walks into the living room and a bright smile lights up his face and rushes to hug Ara, his hyungs were in the room, playing Monopoly with Ara pouting because she couldn’t understand it. 

Jimin was laughing, and he has laughed before but, he feels so happy, and so so much love towards Jimin. 

When Jimin noticed him, a little while later because he was too engrossed in the game, his eyes lit up and he leaned forwards to kiss Jungkook’s cheek, much to the dismay of his hyungs, and Jungkook giggled, giggled like a high-schooler and not like a CEO. 

“Hi hyung” He mumbles, kissing the spot behind Jimin’s ear, hugging him, “Hi love” Jimin mumbles focusing on the game again, which looked like Jimin was winning, looking at the number of houses he had. 

Jungkook hid his face in Jimin’s neck, a hand curled at Ara’s sides, he felt so content and so so happy.

Suddenly Jimin whooped, and turned to launch himself at Jungkook and pulled Ara, “I won!” and Ara giggled kissing Jimin’s cheek, muttering a ‘congratulations Abeoji’. 

Jungkook looked and Jimin and he felt, so…it was like his world revolved around Jimin, and he couldn’t be more glad of it. He felt so much love for the man in front of him, 

The man who did everything to help himself, who was strong, so strong who was so pretty, and his. 

Here in his living room, still in his pajamas, with messy hair, and his hyungs complaining in the background, his daughter clutching his hands, Jungkook never wanted this to go away. 

“Marry me hyung” He whispered and the whole room quietens, and Jimin breathed a ‘what’ and Jungkook decides, that yes, he is doing this. 

“Will you marry me hyung? I know we’re married but that was a marriage that was forced, this one…I want this wedding to be us. I want to tell you how I really feel in front of people I care about. I want to- I want to kiss you in front of everyone and select a ring, that we both like, you can tell this is so unplanned because I don’t even have a ring and I want to offer you a job, as a lead choreographer in my company, and not just because you’re the love of my life, but because I have seen you teach in Hobi-hyung’s classes. I want you to be happy and do whatever you want and I just love you so much, I want to give you everything.” 

Jungkook finishes, taking a huge breath, and opens his eyes, not knowing when he closed them, to see Jimin looking at him with tears in his eyes. 

“Appa! You did what I asked!” Ara squealed smiling ear-to-ear.  Jungkook frowned at her, “What are you talking about Aru?” 

“Remember when we went to Halmeoni and Halabeoji’s house and you were angry and I asked you to marry Abeoji because he was e-eternal and you told me you would think about it?” Ara seemed proud of her, and so was Jungkook, she often struggled with difficult words and Jungkook made sure to help her and she would push herself so much until she got it, and Jungkook was always so proud of her. 

He took her in his lap, “Yes baby, I did, and I am so proud of you for learning another difficult word.” 

She giggled, “So are you and abeoji going to get married now?” She looks up at him with so much hope and Jungkook’s smile faltered, because what if Jimin said no? He wouldn’t blame him, of course, he won’t, he would still love him. 

“Yes,” A whispered voice came, “Yes we are getting married Aru,” Jimin said and the whole room erupted in cheers and howls Jungkook looked at Jimin with so much love, Jimin leaned forward and kissed him, slowly until Ara jumped away from Jungkook covering her eyes. 

Jungkook laughed at his daughter's antics and hugged Jimin, tucking his head on Jungkook’s shoulder. “Thank You, Kook.” Jimin whispered, and he felt tears in his neck, he cradled Jimin’s head, “I love you hyung, so much.” He whispered. 

“Appa, what about Eomma? Ara asks, whispers really because she knew it was a sensitive topic for Jungkook and the room grew quiet, Jungkook sucked in a breath, and Jimin separated, turning towards Ara, he opened his arms, inviting her and she came, 

“Aru…I love you, baby, you know that right?” She nods, and he continues, “ Appa loves your eomma, he loved her, he loves her now and he’ll always love her. But he loves me, and I love him and me- I want to marry him. Is that okay? Can I marry your appa baby?” 

“Where is Eomma though?” Ara asked and Jimin looks back to see Jungkook look devastated, “I miss eomma” She whispers, looking sad, verging on crying, “I love her” 

Jimin hugs her, “Eomma’s at a beautiful place baby, she can’t be here anymore, that’s what destiny is.” 

“I don’t think we can be together again Aru like we were teenagers,” Jungkook whispers, And Jimin brushes a hand through his locks, 

“Hush little baby, don’t cry” Jimin whispers when she begins crying, “Everything’s going to be alright, stiffen that upper lip baby. I told you, I’ll hold you through the night, I know your eomma isn’t here and you don’t know why you fear how you feel, it may seem crazy or impossible but I promise you, it’s going to be okay.  And If you ask abeoji to, he’ll buy you a mockingbird, I’ll give you the whole world, I’ll buy you diamond rings, I’ll sing for you, I’ll do anything to see you smile.” 

He wipes her tears, kisses her head, and rocks her until her sobs melt into small sniffles until she falls asleep. He feels a hand on his shoulder and sees Jungkook crying, ‘Thank You’ he mouths to him and Jimin shakes his head, smiling a little. He looks around to see almost everyone in tears, save for Jin-Hyung and Namjoon-hyung. 

“You are an amazing father Jimin-ah” Taehyung whispers. 

Chapter Text

Jeon Jungkook was nervous and rightfully so, it was his wedding day, again. 

“Mr.Jeon-Park?” A voice called, and a smile lit his face at the surname, even though he had been carrying it for more than a year, “Yes?” He called back, 

“You are to be walking down the aisle in five minutes,” She said, walking away once Jungkook nodded, 

He turned towards the mirror one last time, looking at himself. Black suit, white shirt, earrings, his favourite necklace, which Jimin had given him, and of course the ring on his finger, which he had worn at his last wedding. 

He removed it gently and smiled at the thought of their new wedding bands, which they had specifically chosen, with their hyungs. 

His eyes glanced towards a small box which contained his wedding ring from his marriage with Zandra, he picked it up, turned it in his hand, and after a moment of hesitation, slipped it on the ring finger of his right hand. 

He brought it to his mouth and kissed it lightly, sitting down for a minute, he cupped his hand and touched them to his forehead, he had to say this, a final closure.

“Hey Zandra, I’m getting married” He murmured, eyes burning a little, “You should know, he’s amazing, so beautiful, and so strong, he has suffered so much and yet, he can still smile, and laugh. I love him. A lot, 

I really wish you were here to see us get married,” He huffed a watery laugh, “You know it as well, don’t you? We wouldn’t have lasted, because now that I think, we were just young love, so much affection, such a surge of affection, you were my first love, and it never lasts, I love you. I really hope you were here,” Jungkook finishes, wiping a stray tear that fell from his eye. 

After a minute, he got up, brushed his suit, picking up a bouquet of flowers, a man came inside, asking him to come outside, taking a deep breath, he walked out, smiling at the sunlight shining in his eyes, 

They had chosen only their hyung, and some of their friends from work, Jungkook chose Yugyeom, Mingyu and BamBam, while Jimin chose his co-workers at the dance studio he teaches, Taemin, Kai, and a few others he was close with. 

Ara was sitting beside Jin who was feeding her grapes while she waved at him, happily, carefree. This was perfect.

***

“Jimin-hyung…I promise to always love you, and that is the lamest vow but it’s true,” Jungkook began, his smile widening when he saw Jimin laughing at him, 

“I don’t know when, but I fell in love with you, your strong personality, your nature, how you’re kind to everyone, how you can still smile after going through so much, how even though there are bad days for us, you manage to make us communicate, how you love Aru with all of your heart so much so that  sometimes I’m jealous of our daughter” 

Jungkook dodged as Jimin laughed, swatting at him, continuing, “You give me heart palpitations, you’re so beautiful, sometimes I just want to scream and kick my legs when I get to wake up next to you, because goddamn, kudos to me for bagging you” He laughed as he was shoved by a blushing Jimin, taking his hands into his own, he cupped gently and raised his fingers to his mouth, kissing them, 

“I seriously love you so much Jimin-ssi, and you deserve so much more than me, “ He cupped his cheek into his palm when Jimin shook his head, “It’s true, you deserve so much more, so I’ll try every moment of my life, every day, second I’m with you to improve myself so that I can deserve you. I promise to cherish you, like you deserve” He finishes, with tears in his eyes, 

Their hyung clap loudly, wolf-whistling, calling him whipped, he turns towards them in a glare but it is weakened by his smile which is threatening to take over his face, 

Jimin began speaking, holding Jungkook’s hands, 

“I’m so grateful, that a year ago, it was at your door that I turned up, seeing you in your office fit, looking so hot, and now I get to see that daily, and if you’re ever late to the  office, well…” He left the sentence hanging, a teasing glint in his eyes, their hyungs making gagging sounds at the implication, making Jungkook’s face turn red,  

“Anyway, I wanted to let you know, you’re my home because you are the place I continue to return to, over and over again. The place that, even when painful, means the most. You are my home because you have made me into who I am now, whether or not you realised what you were doing. You are my home, because you showed me the best kind of love there is. 

You are my home, because you showed me, calling someone My beloved, writing letters, cherishing them, and loving them so much, is not something just lovers in books do, but in reality as well. You say you don’t deserve me, but I am the person you built, you helped me stand at my own feet, and you made me independent, in every way there is. 

I am forever grateful to you for accepting me, loving me, letting me love Aru, and letting me love you. Whatever I am today, all belongs to you. I belong to you.” 

He finishes, wiping the tear that fell from Jungkook’s eye, he mouthed Thank you at Jimin, which Jimin accepted with a blinding smile. 

“Aru wants to ask you something Baby,” Jungkook whispers, and Jimin turns confused, at Ara who was now standing not two feet away, 

He smiled at her, crouching down at the ground, gesturing her to come closer, she does so, handing him a paper, by the looks of it, an official document, 

He turns a questioning look at Jungkook who just shrugged, smiling, gesturing him to open the document, 

“Will you be my appa as well abeoji?” She asks, smiling, and Jimin has a flashback from a year ago when she asked him if she could call him abeoji, tears cascading down his cheek, he nods his head, hugging her with all of his strength, lifting her up, 

He stands up, next to Jungkook and looks at him with such adoration in his eyes, ‘Thank You’ he mouths, who shakes his head, smiling at him. He hugged him, turning towards the priest, who nodded at him, 

“You may now kiss the groom.” Jimin surged forward, purposely squishing Ara in between, and kissed Jungkook, Ara squealed and giggled, making everyone laugh. 

Their hyungs rushed forwards, hugging them, “Congrats lovebirds, now it’s official!” Taehyung cheered, lifting Ara, and twirled her in the  air, laughing, 

Jungkook looked at them with a fond look in his eyes, he never thought he would feel so happy again, not after Zandra, 

He looked up at the sky, the sun shining bright, he smiled, squinted his eyes, and vowed never to take anything for granted, especially not his family.

“Come on! It’s time for PARTY!” Jin shouted, making them laugh and run towards the bar, a bottle of champagne was thrown at them, which they opened together throwing it over everyone, and gulping it down. 

“MUSIC” Namjoon shouted, dimples in full force, and everyone took a moment to swoon over him, because, yes. 

Love Story by Taylor Swift started playing and they all huddled together, with Ara on Yoongi’s shoulder, laughing until her eyes were no more than little slits, braid coming loose, flowers tucked in her hair, bracketing her face, she looked like a doll, still. 

At the end of the song, they separated Jimin and Jungkook, holding Jungkook down, and pulling Jimin backwards, all of them laughing. It was the best day, they had ever experienced. 

*** 

“Jungkook-ah” Jimin nudges him softly, brushing his nose against Jeonkook’s, a soft smile on his face, 

“Hmm?” He questions, tilting his head to see Jimin cuddled below his chin, “Do you know what I feel, every time I see you?” 

“What?” 

“Euphoria” 

Jeongguk’s eyes widen and his cheeks turn red, looking at Jimin as if he’s a dream who just came alive. Euphoria. Jimin feels euphoric seeing Jeongguk. It’s the thing he felt the second he spotted him today. But what did Jeongguk feel? How could he ever put it into one word what he felt the second he heard Jimin’s voice? Saw his face? Smelled his perfume? What he feels when he looks at him right now after hearing that Jimin still feels something similar to what Jeongguk feels, erasing all his fears of the past weeks with one word?  

Adoration. Excitement. Thrill. Happiness. Jubilant. Chipper. Blithe. Freedom. Elated.

There are so many words that would fit the feeling Jeongguk has when he looks at Jimin, yet none might summarize it better th an this.

“Home.”