Chapter Text
There shouldn’t be a safer place than home. Home is a place where you can be at your most vulnerable state. That’s the main reason why men started to build houses that turned into villages that turned into big cities.
But this vulnerability led to another situation. Due to the capitalist society we all suffer from, people are sometimes in need of sharing their place. Having a roommate could either be a perfect dream or a true nightmare.
When you share an apartment with a nearly perfect stranger, you enter the intimacy of someone’s else. You are exposed to their weird habit, the fact that they may put the toilet paper on the wrong side or that they like to sleep with their window wide open.
You are also exposed to their relationships: study dates with classmates, afterwork drinks with colleagues, staying overnight with their special someone…
But none of these things could turn things into a mess if there is enough communication and a common ground of appreciation. That is the main reason why Jungkook and Jimin decided to rent an apartment together when the younger man graduated.
The two men have known each other for years, after they met on the dance floor, at one of the parties organised by the student association. Even if they were both graduating in business, their two-year difference meant that they never shared a single class together. They could not say they were the closest friends, but they cared about each other.
It seemed enough to share a place together. After all, it was better than sharing it with a perfect stranger, especially after the COVID pandemic.
And after nine months since the start of this agreement, both men could approve that this flat sharing was their best idea. Not only did this opportunity make them save money, but it also improved their quality of life.
Jimin had, multiple times, expressed how thankful he was of Jungkook for taking the responsibility of doing the laundry. The younger man accepted it with a sense of pride that would have definitely made Yoongi smile if he ever heard of it.
Of course, in exchange, Jimin took his responsibility, going every week to the fancy supermarket near their job to buy the best products possible. More often than not, he would also buy things before Jungkook could express how much he needed or wanted them.
This trait was one of the things Jungkook loved the most about living with Jimin. No matter how hardworking, sarcastic or blunt he could be, Park Jimin was ten times more caring.
It especially hit Jungkook when he would have a bad day, wanting nothing more than to disappear in his bed. Somehow, in just a look, Jimin would know. Suddenly, it didn’t count how shitty his own day had been, the older man would do anything to bring a smile and peace back to his friend.
First, he would insist that Jungkook take a nice warm bath, with an expensive bath bomb. Then, he would manage to cook him a nice meal, most of the time, a soup that they would eat on the couch in front of a silly movie. The night would then end on some ice cream, while being hugged by Jimin under some thick and fluffy blankets.
Even if it meant that his day had been shitty, Jungkook truly loved from the deepest part of his heart these kinds of nights. They brought a sense of peace that he could hardly find in his daily life.
Sometimes, he even enjoyed hugging some of the plushies that Jimin left around the apartment, for no more reason than the fact he was feeling it. Every time Jimin came home to that view, a knowing smile would shine on his face. Then, he’d kiss Jungkook on his front head, before pulling out of his bedroom Jungkook’s favourite blanket.
With the fact that he was so caring, the fact that Jimin never really asked a lot of questions seemed to be one of his best qualities.
It explained why, after a long tiring day, Jungkook dropped his work computer and his suit on his bed, put on a big fluffy sweater and flopped down on the couch in their living room.
In just a few seconds, he managed to turn some movie on Disney+, without caring much about it at first. But most importantly, he grabbed the big plush bear that Jimin left, most of the time, on the couch. The young man held on it like it was a lifeline.
It felt nowhere near as safe and comforting as when Jimin helped him, though.
Jungkook chose to focus on the feeling of the sweet plush, rather than these intrusive thoughts. He listened more carefully to the song that the main character of the movie was starting to sing. As if it was possible, he was trying to turn off his brain.
Jungkook got quickly involved in the movie, leaving thoughts of work, productivity and student loans behind him. He focused on vivid colours, cheerful songs and how beautiful Peter Pan was.
Without realising it, the young man was mumbling “You can fly, you can fly, you can flyyy,” while he strongly hugged Jimin’s teddy bear.
During that night, Jungkook happened to be bothered twice. Each time, it was caused by his roommate. The first time happened a few minutes after Wendy and her brothers arrived in Neverland. Jimin came back home, being almost as loud as the TV.
Jungkook turned around and pouted in his direction, before turning up the volume of the movie. A few minutes later, Jimin sat by his side on the couch. The few times Jungkook looked in his direction, he realised that his friend was watching him instead of the television. It made him blush a bit.
Focusing again on the movie, Jungkook brought the plushie to his face. He would not let Jimin distract him from the movie again, no, no.
It was without considering that Jimin would, once again, actively disturb him. Eyes still focused on the TV, Jungkook whined when he felt Jimin’s hands on him that were trying to make him move into a specific position. Even if it was tiring to do so, Jungkook tried to get away from him, the plushie making a border between them.
Jimin only chucked, before asking “Come on, JK, aren’t you cold?”
This question made him doubt. There was so much the plushie could do. Keeping him hot was not its forte. And now that Jimin raised this question, he was indeed a bit cold.
Reluctantly, he let Jimin put him in a burrito with the fluffy blanket from his room. Jungkook couldn’t help but let out a happy sight when he was finally under the comforting weight of the blanket.
He refocused on the TV screen, but he knew Jimin didn’t care about the movie anymore. The younger man could feel his gaze on him.
While Michael and John were fighting on the screen, he peeked into the direction of his roommate. Just like he had predicted, Jimin’s eyes laid on him. At the moment their gazes met, Jimin shared with him a fond smile that, without reason, heated up his cheeks.
A scream from the TV gave him the opportunity to look away from Jimin’s eyes. He quickly re-focused on the movie, humming the words at the same time as the characters.
Maybe getting disturbed by his roommate was not that bad.
Because of his job, and his life, and his inattention to details, Jungkook didn’t realise that something must have changed in Jimin’s life. Of course, he did realise that his roommate would go out a tad more often than usual. He also seemed in a better mood, not suffering as much stress as usual.
Jungkook didn’t put any more thoughts into it, though. He just thought that, for once, his roommate was lucky enough to not get overwhelmed by a new project at work.
But after a month, the young man realised that it may not be linked to his job.
Jungkook didn’t want to pry and try to get information that Jimin was not willing to share yet. He didn’t think he could confront him on that subject. Even if they have gotten closer since they started to live together, the topic of dating has never been something they talked about.
Jungkook could not help but be curious, though.
Because of that, that specific topic became a recurrent one during his lunch breaks in the cafeteria with Taehyung.
“I know we are not that close, but wouldn’t he tell me, if he has someone?”
Jungkook tried to act nonchalant but deep down, he knew he couldn’t fool Taehyung. Still, his only friend from the office acted as if Jungkook had not nagged him about it for days.
“Probably. Or maybe, it is just a fling, and he doesn’t think it is worth it to keep you update,” Taehyung answered. It was not the answer Jungkook hoped for. He pouted even more than he was previously. “Don’t look at me like that! I haven’t met this Jiminie guy, I can only trust your judgement and I’m pretty sure it is shitty.”
He frowned at these words. “My judgement is not shitty! Jimin is hiding something, or rather, someone and I don’t understand why…”
“You could just ask him, you know? From what you told me, the guy cares about you. He wouldn’t keep something secret to torture you.” Taehyung added while he was finishing his chocolate mousse.
Jungkook let his eyes drop to the table. Of course, Jungkook could just ask Jimin. It was the obvious thing to do. Still…
“Don’t you think it is a bit… stupid? That I care that much?” he couldn’t help but ask bashfully.
Taehyung didn’t reply right away, making Jungkook feel anxious. Until he began to loudly coo. Some of the other workers in the cafeteria looked in their direction and Jungkook felt his cheeks becoming hotter.
“Oh Jungkook, you precious summer child. Please, don’t let the world change you,” declared Taehyung. When he realized how upset Jungkook was getting, he became more serious, “Don’t ever let a man change you as well. If he hurts you, I’ll find him and make him pay. Now, it is time for us to go back to our floor, we have a meeting in ten.”
And to these sweet words, Taehyung got up and didn’t really leave any choices to Jungkook, but to follow him. Quickly, the topic of their conversations changed, and he didn’t have to worry too much about Jimin’s and the changes in his life.
It was only the same night that this topic worried him again.
Before leaving work, Taehyung pulled him apart and reminded him with a sly smile “Don’t forget to ask the guy, mh?”
Jungkook groaned, the question never leaving his mind on the way home. He thought of stopping at this little restaurant nearby the train station, but he had not heard from Jimin the whole day. He was not even sure he would be home tonight.
Not taking food was a good idea, Jungkook quickly realized when he arrived in front of his door. Through it, he could smell a meal that was probably cooked by Jimin. He sighed happily, finally Jimin would give him some time.
“Hey, I’m home,” Jungkook said, while he took his shoes off. His coat and jacket quickly followed. Jimin smiled at him.
“I stopped by the little restaurant, near the train station. I only took your favourite,” he explained while he checked the different boxes.
Heat filled his body, his heart growing inside his body so easily.
They went to the couch, getting comfy to start eating the different meals Jimin’s chosen. Of course, it was delicious. Jungkook sighed happily. This food made his heart grow even more. He chewed on it with passion.
“So JK, I was thinking, what are you doing on Friday’s night?” Jimin asked after he took a sip of his beer.
Jungkook stopped eating and thought of his schedule, “Well, I’m supposed to have drinks with this Hyung, Hoseok Hyung. Why? Do you wanna come along?”
Before he could mumble that Hoseok would love to meet him, Jimin shook his head.
“No, it’s sweet but I already have plans,” Jimin answered. After a long silence, he added, “Actually, I may bring him home on Friday’s night…”
Oh.
Of course, Jimin had someone. That he wanted to bring home. And he warned Jungkook a couple days ahead. So he wouldn’t be here.
“Oh, so there is a he,” Jungkook tried to joke. Apparently, it worked, as it made Jimin chucked. “Don’t worry, I won’t come home on Friday, I’ll stay at my hyung or something.”
“Thank you Jungkookie, I own you one. Now tell me, how is work these days?”
And if Jimin didn’t bring the subject or the identity of this “him” that would spend Friday’s night in Jimin’s bed, it would not change Jungkook’s life. He was fine, totally fine.
Jungkook was not fine. It was what he came to conclusion, as he was sipping his third beer of the night.
“Maybe you could slow down a bit on the drinks, don’t you think kid?”
He turned his head towards Yoongi-Hyung, who looked at him with way too much sympathy. Jungkook frowned. It didn’t look good on his hyung.
Yoongi sighed when he realised Jungkook took another big sip of his beer, looking him straight in the eyes. He sat next to him and sipped from his own beer, as well.
“Tell me what’s on your mind,” Yoongi demanded. Jungkook didn’t want to answer his Hyung, he would think it is silly to worry so much about that matter. “I won’t think it is silly, whatever it is, especially if it makes you feel that way.”
Jungkook side-eyed him before remembering that Yoongi-Hyung had never lied to him. He unlocked his phone, the messaging app still visible on the screen.
He turned the screen so that his hyung could easily read the messages. The last one sent by Jimin was not answered yet.
If he was quite honest, Jungkook knew it was a bit silly of him to be so bitter about something like that. After all, Jimin-Hyung had only asked him if he could not be here tonight, as he was bringing someone’s home. Apparently, it was more convenient. He also asked him because Jungkook was “the best roommate ever”.
Yoongi-Hyung asked him silently if he could read more of his conversation with Jimin and Jungkook did not hesitate before nodding. He had nothing to hide from his Hyung.
“Well, it seems like Jimin has been… busy,” Yoongi finally said, while he locked the phone. Jungkook only sipped from his beer in answer. “How many times did he ask you to leave the place?”
“Since he told me about this guy, three times,” Jungkook pouted. “He still hasn’t told me his name! I know nothing about the guy, except that he stays at my apartment once a week, meaning I cannot stay at my apartment. It’s not fair.”
What Jungkook couldn’t bring himself to say was that it was moreover unfair that this guy could spend time with his Jimin-hyung, when he could hardly see him.
Apparently, Jimin has started to work on a new project, taking all his attention even when he came home, after working overtime at the office. If he was not working, he was going out with this guy he was dating, leaving not a lot of free time for his roommate. It was a bit sad, how Jungkook had been disappointed about this situation.
“I’m sorry Jimin-ah is not a good Hyung to you these days,” Yoongi-hyung sighed.
Jungkook looked away from his hyung, tears already gathering at the brim of his eyes. He discreetly sniffed before taking another small sip from his beer.
“It’s not your fault,” Jungkook mumbled, his voice as small as he felt.
“If you want, I can talk to him. It may not change things but…”
Even if he offered to do so, Yoongi-hyung did not sound confident. Jungkook shook his head at the proposition, cutting the older man in some sort of explanation. Sensing that the subject hit home at bit too close to Jungkook’s heart, he changed the subject.
But, when they were leaving the bar, a few beers and hours later, Yoongi-hyung told him in a hug “If it’s too much, you know you can sleep at mine anytime.”
This offering, that appeared from nowhere, brought tears to his eyes. He blinked, trying to make them go away as he hugged Yoongi-hyung even harder. He hoped his red eyes would not be noticed by him once Jungkook would stop holding on to him as if he was an anchor.
And if Jungkook cried in the metro to get home, because of how grateful he was to have such a good hyung, no one would have to know.
Jungkook opened the door of the flat, putting his AirPods off. When his eyes landed on the couch, he stopped breathing for a short moment.
There was someone on the couch, with his favourite blanket on their shoulders. When the person turned around because of the noise, both of them froze.
It could only be one person. The guy Jimin was seeing. This Namjoon Guy. Namjoon guy that was holding the bear Jungkook loved so much. Jimin also hadn’t warned him that he would be there.
It may also be due to the fact that Jungkook did not warn him that he would go home early, as the meeting he usually had was cancelled.
“What are you doing here?” hissed Jimin. He appeared from nowhere and Jungkook struggled to stop looking at this Namjoon guy, who strangely, seemed a bit frightened… Maybe it was because of how cold Jimin’s tone was.
“My meeting was cancelled. I wanted to freshen up before…”
Jimin grabbed his shoulder to drag him to the kitchen. Jungkook realised that Jimin was preparing their meal, with nuggets and potatoes on plates, ready to be served. He did not know they had plastic plates.
“Why didn’t you call me? I asked you numerous times to warn me if you went home early,” Jimin snapped.
From the corner of his eyes, Jungkook could see that Namjoon was observing them, crashing the plushie against his chest. It was weird that he still hasn't risen to introduce himself. The way that Jimin was acting was even weirder.
“Oh come on, it’s no big deal. It’s not like I caught you in the act or something,” Jungkook replied, while he took a drink from the fridge. “Is he going to say ‘Hi’ or…?” he asked, while he threw a look at Jimin’s friend, who shied away when he realised both Jimin and Jungkook’s attention were on him.
When his eyes caught Jimin’s, he opened his mouth but before he could talk, Jimin ran to him.
“Namjoon, please could you go in my bedroom, baby? Da… I need to take care of something before we eat, okay?”
Jimin’s voice sounded different but at the same time, so familiar. It was sweet, so sweet and caring. Jungkook had not heard that soothing tone in weeks now.
Namjoon nodded before leaving the room, the blanket still around his shoulders.
Once they were alone, Jimin turned around and snapped, “You shouldn’t be here. Please do whatever you have to do quickly and leave.”
Hurt. His whole heart and body hurt after hearing these words. “You know that I pay for half of the rent. This is my place as much as yours.”
Jungkook tried to sound convincing, strong while saying these words. Somehow, it didn’t sound persuasive. But Jimin’s attention was not really on him, his eyes on the door of his own bedroom.
“And I asked you to warn me if you came home early. Apparently, we cannot always have what we want, Jungkook.”
Never in his life Jungkook had heard Jimin talk in such a cold tone. Deep inside of him, Jungkook knew it just broke something he could not name yet. How dares he be so mean to him?!
“Yeah, apparently you just wanted to be… to be fucked by this… guy! Stupid guy that did not even introduced himself! But poor Jungkook that just wanted to come home is preventing that from happening!”
While Jimin’s face has been pretty pale since he arrived, it quickly turned red with anger. “Do not speak about him like that.”
“Really? That’s all you only care about? I… I don’t even understand you. You are just being… mean! Mean to me and I hate you for being an asshole!”
The moment these words came out of him, Jungkook knew he did not want to hear what Jimin could have to answer to that, words full of hurtful truths. So, he let his instinct take over.
In a few seconds, he was already in front of the front door and putting on his shoes, Jimin calling his name behind him. But he was not listening, not even the cold “Jungkook, don’t you dare leave!”
Jungkook slammed the door, before realizing he did not take his jacket with him. But fuck it, he would not go back inside. Especially with Jimin who may be running after him. Only when he was in the street did he realise his roommate did not follow him and stayed upstairs.
Upstairs with his boyfriend. Stupid boyfriend who did not even say hi. Stupid boyfriend who started all of this.
Then fuck him. Fuck him and Jimin. Jungkook could easily find himself a better boyfriend. He was even sure that if he asked him, that better boyfriend could be an arse to Jimin.
With this set of minds, Jungkook took the direction of the closest bar. Maybe alcohol could heal a broken heart.