Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Will you be my fake boyfriend?” As soon as the words are out, Jimin knows what the answer he is gonna hear.

Jungkook is going to say no.

“You want me to be what now?”

The water that Jungkook has just about to gulp, comes right out of his nose and mouth like the water from a hose and falls all over Jimin.

Ewwwww.

Jimin cringes internally. Oh my god, why did I ask this? And now I can't even take it back.

Nooooo… take it back you idiot!

“To be my fake boyfriend,” Jimin mumbles instead while wiping his face and hand.

And here it goes. Jimin knows a series of laughter is going to come from Jungkook's mouth. He waits for that sound. As if that wonderful water fountain from his mouth wasn’t enough.

He waits for that laughing sound.

Instead Jungkook lowers his eyes and stares at the ground. 

“What are you looking for?”

“For the screw that went loose and dropped from your head.”

That irks Jimin. “YAH!” Jimin throws the pillow at Jungkook's head.

And this irritates Jungkook even more.

“Jimin-ssi!” Jungkook raises his voice while standing up from the chair he was sitting just a minute before. “you drive me nuts, I swear.” He grumbles.

“You can't talk to me like this!” Jimin argues. “I am older than you. Have some manners will you?”

Jungkook laughs. Not the heart one, the lighter soft laugh that he does whenever he finds something funny. Oh this laugh is full of sarcasm and spite.

Jimin can feel that laugh crawling on his skin.

“I will show manners when you behave like an adult.”

Jimin tightens his jaws, glaring at Jungkook. “Forget what I just said.”

He turns around, walking away from the crime scene where Jungkook just murdered his pride!

“Oh that's something I can't really do.”

This stops Jimin on his tracks. He turns slowly to face Jungkook. “What??”

“You see, I have a really high IQ, and once I hear something, I can't really just forget it.”

Jimin clenches his jaw. “What are you trying to say? That you won’t let me forget as well?”

“Aha!” Jungkook winks. “Maybe not all of the screws went loose in that head of yours.”

Jimin wants to scream and shout his lungs out. What was he even thinking? Why did he even think for a second that Jungkook would help him?

“Why?”

Jungkook’s question makes Jimin narrow his eyes in confusion. “Why am I seeking a fake boyfriend? Is that what you are asking?” Jimin tries to confirm.

But Jungkook shakes his head instead. “Why me? Why did you ask me to be your boyfriend when you could have asked anyone?” Suddenly, Jungkook looks serious.

Who else? Jimin wants to say.

But, he doesn’t say that. “It was silly of me to even ask. Forget it.”

“Is it because of Jumbo?”

“His name is Jae-beom!” Jimin corrects. “And what about him?”

“You know he is in my class right? And we also represent our university in Boxing competitions.” Jungkook points. And then he smiles. “Of course, I know he dumped you.”

“Screw you!” Jimin swears. “He didn’t dump me, I broke up with him.”

“Yeah, that’s what everyone who gets dumped says.”

“Say one more word, and I swear I will strangle your neck with my bare hands,” Jimin threatens. He is not gonna do it, he hates violence. But Jungkook doesn’t need to know.

“Oh, are we already skipping to the kinky part?”

“Get out of here.” Jimin shouts. He can’t even talk straight with this guy.

“But, this is my house.” Jungkook says and sits back on the chair.

Right. Jimin is currently standing in Jungkook’s garden. “I would have never tolerated you if our parents were not best friends.”

Their families are best of best friends. Other people make examples out of their friendship. So, when Jimin and Jungkook were born, everyone expected them to take this legacy forward, just like their family members. Instead, things went downhill with them when neither of them tried to be good to each other.

Jungkook chuckles, “So as a fake boyfriend of yours, what do you want me to do?”

Jimin looks back, surprised at what he just heard. “What did you just say?”

“What’s the mission? Do I need to make Jimbo jealous?”

“Jae-beom,” Jimin corrects. “And no, that is not why I asked.” This is exactly why he asked. Well this and another reason. But, Jimin is not going to say that out loud. Anyways, first thing first. “Are you saying you are agreeing to fake date me?”

Jungkook nods.

“But, you were just mocking me.” Jimin can’t believe this man!

“That doesn’t mean I said no.”

“Yes, you did!”

“Go back to our conversation and think I said no anywhere.” Jungkook is casually leaning back on his chair.

“But this is… stupid and childish. Why would you agree to something like this?”

Jungkook shrugs. “Because I am bored, and it sounds fun. Plus, I hate Jumbo.”

“Jae-beom,” mutters Jimin.

“Yeah, I hate him.”

Jimin frowns. “You do? Why? Do you hate him more than you hate me?”

Jungkook looks up at him, as if he is thinking of an answer. Like there is more than one answer to this plain question.

“I am not answering until you answer my previous question,” Jungkook says nonchalantly.

“Which is?’

“Why me?” Jungkook prods. “You could have asked anyone. You have so many friends, best friends, soul friends and what not. Then why me? Why come to me for help?”

Jimin rolls his eyes. “I don’t have that many friends.”

“What about Taehyung? Why didn’t you ask him?”

Jimin snickers. “Who would even believe if I say that I am dating Tae? We are like two peas in a single pod. My other half and all that stuff. Plus, he would ask a lot of questions.” Jimin admits.

“And I won’t.”

Not the ones that will be difficult for me to answer.

“No, you won’t. Because you don’t care much to be interested in the whys and what and who. And that’s exactly what I need. You are a perfect fake boyfriend with no strings attached.”

Jungkook shakes his head.  “So, that’s why,” he mumbles.

“Yeah, that’s why,” Jimin whispers back.

“Fine I will be your boyfriend–”

“ Fake boyfriend!” Jimin corrects.

“Whatever. But, what will I get out of all this?”

Shit. Jimin didn’t think about that. He didn’t even think Jungkook would agree to begin with. “You have everything possible in the world in your house, and in your life. What can I even give you that you don’t have?” Jimin mutters more to himself than to Jungkook.

“Not everything.” Jungkook mumbles back because somehow, he heard it all.

“Fine, I want you to promise me that when the time comes you would do anything I will ask for.”

That’s it?

Jimin is getting out of this way too easily because he can simply deny later if he doesn’t want to do what Jungkook asks for. Internally, Jimin has started screaming and jumping with victory. Because, Jungkook is so stupid.

High IQ, my ass!

“Okay,” Jimin acts as if he took a lot of time to think about this. “I promise.”

Jungkook smiles then. A mischievous one. “We have to decide something now.”

“What?” Jimin asks slowly.

Jimin doesn’t like the way Jungkook is looking at him… like he is the hunter, a predator and Jimin is his prey.

Jungkook gets up from his place and walks straight towards him. More like a tiger cornering a deer. Jimin wants to step away, but if he moves away, then Jungkook wins. He will assume that Jimin can’t handle it… him. So, Jimin stays put, glued to his position. Jungkook keeps coming closer to him until he is standing inches away from Jimin, their shoes almost touching.

“Are you going to say something or are you going to keep staring at me?” Jimin asks, hoping his voice is not shaking.

Jungkook leans in, his lips closer to Jimin’s ear. And then he whispers, “Jimin-ssi…”

Close. Jungkook is standing too close now. It’s making his heart race for some ungodly reason.

“Jimin-ssi.” Jungkook whispers his name again.

Jimin waits for Jungkook to say more than that. Something… anything. But, he keeps calling his name in that flirtatious way. And then Jungkook starts chuckling. That chuckle turns into a light laughter. He leans back and looks at Jimin with a glint in his eyes.

A phone rings somewhere, probably it’s Jungkook’s. But, Jungkook is not making any effort to pick it up anytime soon.

“This is going to be fun,” Jungkook murmurs with a hint of a smile on his face. “ Boyfriend! ”

He emphasises on the word ‘boyfriend’ before picking the call and walking away from Jimin, leaving him standing there all alone.

Fake boyfriend.

Jimin wanted to correct him, but it’s like a cat caught his tongue. “What have I done?” Jimin groans to himself. “Oh my God, what have I gotten myself into?”

He has given an All-Access Ticket to Jungkook to behave like this with Jimin.

“Last night wasn’t a dream,” Jimin mumbles to himself. “I actually asked Jungkook that stupid question.”

When Jungkook went to take the call last night, he actually left the house. Jimin couldn’t even finish what he had in mind. He could have finished what was in his mind if Jungkook didn’t fluster him.

Jimin gulps and shakes himself out of Jungkook’s thoughts. Why would he be flustered by Jeon Jungkook? He doesn’t affect Jimin whatsoever way possible.

“Focus on the current issue, Jimin-ah!” he tells himself.

What if he blurts something stupid in  front of someone, especially Jae-beom?

No, Jimin can’t take that risk. He can’t wait for the whole day to end to talk with Jungkook about this. He has to talk with Jungkook in the university itself.

“But, I could have asked him to come to some cafe… why did I come here?” Jimin groans at himself, while standing in front of the boxing ring.

When Jimin decided to come, he didn’t think much. When does he ever think?

And now, he has ended up standing in the boxing club of the university where the students practice. He has his hoodie over his head, because he doesn’t want people to recognize him now.

“Where the hell is Jungkook?” Jimin can’t even ask anyone. He will give away his identity. “And why are so many people here today?”

“Oh, there is a practice match today.”

Jimin didn’t realize he said that out loud until someone answered him. He frowns and turns to look at the guy who just talked with him. “Why would there be a crowd for a mere practice match?”

“Oh, we never miss Jungkook’s practice match,” the guy gushes.

“Oh my God, me too!” the girl on the other side of that guy gushes back. And they both start screaming and jumping together.

“Jungkook is so hot!” they both exclaim together.

Jimin stares at them with wide eyes. Are they like some kind of Jungkook’s groupie? He wants to barf now. But thanks to them, Jimin finally finds Jungkook standing inside the ring. Everyone is shrieking his name. Jimin is literally surrounded by people cheering for Jungkook. His name is on everyone’s lips.

He didn’t know Jungkook was this famous. He never paid attention to be honest. Even if Jae-beom is also a boxer here, Jimin managed to ignore this part of his life. Maybe he should talk to Jungkook later. This is clearly not the time and place for the conversation Jimin wants to have.

He turns around to walk outside, but bumps into someone instead. “Sorry,” he mumbles.

“Jimin?”

Oh shit. No no no. damn no. who the hell recognized him now?

Jimin looks up and finds Namjoon staring at him.

“I didn’t expect you to be here,” says Namjoon. “Not after what happened between you and,” he looks around somewhere, trying not to take the name, maybe for Jimin’s sake, thinking it would hurt Jimin. “I am really sorry.”

“Why are you sorry, you didn’t do anything.”

“Still, I feel bad. I never thought you both would break up like that.”

Oh, Namjoon is also Jae-beom’s mentor.

Jimin can see the pity in his eyes and it’s not what he wants. “Hyung, I am fine. It’s not a big deal.”

“So, you are fine that he is dating Yuna now? Isn’t she in your dance group?”

Jimin gulps and looks away, shrugging off the topic. He won’t let this affect him. “I am not here for him,” he answers. He also doesn’t want to see both of them being mushy everywhere in the university either. Jimin is not going to admit that either.

“So, are you here for Jungkook’s practice match?” Namjoon’s question brings Jimin back to the present.

Jungkook?

Oh, right. Jimin completely forgot. Namjoon is also Jungkook’s mentor.

“I can take you to him. If you want to meet him–”

“NO!” Jimin says even before he can think twice. “I am not here for him, hehe,” Jimin fumbles. “I was just roaming around and was wondering what’s going on here, why the crowd and all.” He takes a step back. “Don’t tell anyone that I was here. I mean, my presence is not important.”

Jimin wants to shoot himself on the foot for rambling so much nonsense. And he should have left. Already. He would have. But, inside the ring, he sees Jungkook drinking water from his purple tumbler with a letter J printed on it.

The same one that Jimin has in blue with a letter J on it….

The same tumbler that Jimin is holding currently.

It was an idiotic gift from their parents. What were their family even thinking when they made them use this couple mug set?

What if… what if people see the stupid matching tumblers and think that they are a couple?

“Oh no, not this way,” Jimin panics. He has a plan to bring it up in front of Jae-beom. He doesn’t want the whole world to see him and Jungkook as a couple. Oh no, that would be Code Red Alert.

So, without giving another thought to his wild imagination, Jimin jumps right into the boxing ring… In front of the WHOLE. DAMN. UNIVERSITY….

Jimin is inside the ring now and Jungkook is staring at him with wide eyes. He has the boxing gears on already.

“What the f–”

Before Jungkook can complete his sentence, Jimin takes that purple tumbler and shoves it inside the backpack.

“Have you completely lost your mind now?” Jungkook whispers so that only Jimin can hear him.

“I don’t want people to see our matching tumblers. They might think otherwise,” he shrugs.

“So you just decided to abruptly stop my match? And if you didn’t want people to “assume” anything, then why did you ask me to be your b–”

“Shhh…” Jimin shushes  Jungkook before he can utter the “B” word.

“Relax, it’s just a practice match, isn’t it?” And then Jimin realizes something. Suddenly he remembers something that he forgot in those few minutes.

The whole university crowd is there. Staring at him.

“Jimin! What the hell are you doing here?”

Jimin’s heart just stops there.

Oh.. my.. God.

Did he hear the voice right? Is that…

“Who are you practicing against?” Jimin whispers the question to Jungkook.

Please be someone else. Please be someone else. Jimin keeps praying in an internal panic.

Jungkook tilts his head and stares at him, like he should have known. “Who else?”

Jae-fucking-beom!

Jimin has the worst luck in the world.

“Don’t make a scene because of what happened between us, Jimin,” Jae-beom shakes his head in disappointment.

He is disappointed in Jimin? What a joke ! Jimin would have argued, but there are so many people staring at them that Jimin just wants to get out of there. So, he just takes a flight.

And trips over his own feet.

In front of all the students, faculty and his ex, Jimin falls flat on his face.

An audible gasp comes out of everyone’s mouth.

“...is he here to confront Jae-beom?...”

“...didn’t Jae-beom dump Jimin a few days back?...”

“...No, Jae-beom is with Yuna now. Maybe Jimin came here to fight him in the boxing ring…”

“...why is he not getting up? Is he dead?”

Jimin should have gotten up, but he missed the timing. Because he was concentrating too hard to hear those comments and so he remained laying on the floor.

And now, it’s too late.

Everyone thinks that he is a loser who is stalking his ex! This is the worst year ever.

“Jimin?” Jungkook calls him. But Jimin can’t talk, can he now?

Please bury me somewhere. Jimin literally wants to cry now.

He is lost in his thoughts when he feels a strong arm supporting his back and thighs and now he is floating. Someone is trying to carry him in their arms bridal style. No, not someone. Scratch someone. It’s Jungkook!

The said arms tighten around Jimin so that he is secure. Yeah, it’s definitely Jungkook. Jimin has his eyes closed, but he can sense Jungkook.

“Don’t,” Jungkook mumbles. “Don’t open your eyes right now.”

Jimin gives a small nod that only Jungkook can see.

“I will take him to the infirmary,” Jungkook tells someone.

“And what about the practice match?” Someone asks back. Is that Namjoon?

“That can wait.”

“You can continue the match, and I can take him,” Namjoon continues but Jungkook hums in denial.

“No.” Jungkook says as if there is no point in arguing with him anymore. And then Jimin feels Jungkook’s walk, getting him out of this embarrassing pit he just pushed himself into.

His head is resting over Jungkook’s chest, which feels tight and toned. And his nose is too close to Jungkook’s neck. The whiff of that musk cologne of Jungkook is clogging Jimin’s head. For some reason, it feels good. That perfume… It's making Jimin cling tighter to Jungkook.

What. The. Fuck.

Why is Jimin fantasizing about hugging Jungkook of all people?

Snap out of it! He chides himself. “Are we out of the boxing club?” Jimin murmurs the question.

“Mmm,” Jungkook hums.

“You can put me down now.” Jimin opens his eyes and looks at Jungkook. “I can walk from here.”

Junkook turns his head to stare back at Jimin. Their eyes collide, and it makes Jimin’s stomach react weirdly. He gulps. “I am really fine. So…” Jimin waits for Jungkook to drop him any second any minute.

But from Jungkook’s face, it’s clear that he doesn’t want to comply, as if he is worried about Jimin.

Worried?

Nah, Jeon Jungkook will never be worried for Park Jimin. That’s how they have rolled their entire life. So, why would he start to worry about Jimin now?

Worried or no, Jimin can’t stay in his arms like this because… because… Jimin doesn't even want to think about that rooted ‘because’. He is not liking how his heart is flipping inside out with the way Jungkook is looking at him. He wants to stop feeling like this.

Jungkook is still carrying him in his arms when Jimin starts to squirm and gets on his feet.

Better. That’s better. He can finally breathe now.

“I will walk from here. We are already in front of the infirmary anyways,” Jimin points.

Jungkook stares, and then hums again but doesn’t argue. “You can go back. No need to come with me.”

“I would rather stay here,” Jungkook responds.

“What about your match?” Now Jimin feels bad about it. If he didn’t trip, Jungkook could have continued the match.

“You did me a favor anyways,” Jungkook says as if he sensed the guilt in Jimin. “I didn’t want to have that match in the first place.”

“Why?” Jimin tilts his head. “Is it because of Jae-beom and how you hate him? Would you have punched him in the face if I hadn’t intruded?” Jimin air punches, trying to act like a pro boxer.

And Jungkook laughs fondly. He actually laughs that laugh where his eyes crinkles. It’s a rare sight. Or more like Jungkook never did that in front of Jimin. They have never been mushy like that ever, so why would Jungkook smile for Jimin?

“Well, I don’t like to brag, but,” Jungkook brings his eyes at Jimin’s level, “I never miss. I would have punched his face and something else too that may or may not be allowed in a fair game.”

“Why do you hate him again?” Jimin asks in a curiosity. “You never answered last night. What’s the beef?”

Jungkook looks at him silently. “Let’s get you checked first,” he nods towards the door.

“Yeah, okay.”

It’s the second time Jungkook is dodging the question. But, that’s fine. If Jimin wants the answer, he will get the answer in whatever way possible. He just needs to be a little patient, and let his curiosity to calm the fuck down.

Jimin turns around to take a step further, but a shooting pain passes through his calf down his ankle. He almost sits on the floor.

“What? What’s wrong?” Jungkook asks, his hand instantly on Jimin’s back trying to stabilize him.

“I think I twisted my leg wrongly. It’s sprained.”

“Let me carry you then.” Jungkook is ready to scoop Jimin in his arms once more, but Jimin jumps a foot back.

“Nooooo,” he says in a raised voice. “I can still walk. The room is right there!” Jimin waves his hand in the direction and starts hopping those ten steps without waiting for any response from Jungkook.

Jungkook, on the other hand, trails on his back, walking slowly. Jimin can feel that stare is boring in his back.

“How can you be this clumsy?” Jungkook sighs from behind.

Okay, Jimin can’t deny that. Everyone knows how clumsy he can be. “I am not clumsy when I dance,” he grumbles while hopping on one leg.

“Yeah, I don’t even know how that works. You do a eight continuous spin in your performance but then when you have to walk straight, you trip over literally nothing,” Jungkook complains, like he can’t fathom the man called Park Jimin.

And this surprises Jimin. “How do you know I can do eight spins?”

Jungkook stops.

For a second, Jimin thinks Jungkook won’t answer this question either.

But, Jungkook scratches his neck and says, “Eomma keeps gushing over how perfectly you do those spins. Have heard that almost my entire life.”

“Oh,” Jimin mumbles.

“How else would I know?”

Yeah Jimin, how else would Jungkook know? Jimin wants to slap himself. Because, for some reason, it felt like Jungkook had actually seen him dancing. Like he has been to those performances.

But why would he?

Didn’t they stay away from each other’s lane? Isn’t that what they had decided in high-school? Because if they didn’t, they would have strangled each other to death by now.

“I don’t know what you do and don’t do in your spare time, but you on the other hand…” Jimin blurts out loud.

Jungkook narrows his eyes, “are you implying on something?”

“A word is enough for a wise man.”

“Are you saying that I stalk you?”

“Well…”

Jungkook gives a mocking smile. “Says the person who literally came to my match and jumped inside the boxing ring to do God knows what.”

“That was your fault,” Jimin crosses his arms.

Jungkook raises an eyebrow. “What? My fault?” Then he scoffs. “I think you hit your head too hard. We need to get it checked along with your leg.”

“Hey, behave yourself–”

“Actually, I think you hit your head when you were born, because there is something wrong inside that brain for a very long time… hyung .” Jungkook presses on the word hyung.

Oh he is making fun of Jimin now.

See this is the reason Jimin can’t talk straight to this guy. Jungkook’s existence literally gets on his nerves. “YOU! HOW DARE YOU…. I SWEAR TO GOD–”

“What’s going on?” the voice stops their quarrel.

They both turn their heads to the direction of the voice at the same time.

“Hyung,” Jungkook acknowledges when they see Jungkook’s older brother Yoongi standing at the door.

“Are you both going to just stand there or are you going to come inside?” Yoongi says and makes a space for them to get in.

“Are you covering for the doctor today?” Jimin asks, hopping inside.

“Yeah, he has some urgent work to attend to. Perks of being a TA, you get to do the extra work,” Yoongi says and nods at Jimin’s leg. “What happened there? Don’t tell me you both wrestled with each other like you used to as kids.”

Before Jimin can say something, Yoongi turns his head towards Jungkook and asks, “Did you do this to him?”

“Before you go there and start blaming me hyung, lemme come clean and tell you that this is not on me. Jimin did this on his own.”

From the looks of Yoongi, he doesn’t believe any of those words. He sighs. “I don’t know when you guys will stop acting like two year old kids.”

“Hyung!” Jimin pouts. “I just tripped a little, okay,” he says while getting on the bed for the checkup.

Jungkook is standing there when Yoongi does the regular examination.

“You sprained your leg a little and there is a little bump on your head. Take the medicines and you should be good.”

Jimin smiles widely at Yoongi. “My superhero,” he exclaims, making Yoongi chuckle.

This also makes Jungkook roll his eyes. “Why are you always sweet like sugar when it’s Yoongi hyung, but with me you spit fire like a dragon,” he whispers while Yoongi is getting the medicine.

Jimin pinches Jungkook’s arm. “Because he is sweet like sugar, and you are…”

“I am what?” Jungkook challenges.

“A headache.”

“Here,” Yoongi gives the medicine, “take it and you can rest for a bit here. Don’t stress much today, okay?” he says while patting on Jimin’s head. “Stay and sleep here for a bit and then go home.”

“Wow, am I invisible?” Jungkook mutters.

Yoongi side-eyes him and continues, “I have to go to take a class now, but you can stay and rest. And you,” he gets up and turns to his brother, “go back to your practice. I can’t leave you two here without a chaperone, otherwise you will burn this place down.”

Jungkook snickers in response.

Once Yoongi leaves saying he will be back after an hour, Jimin lies down and Jungkook… well he takes a chair out and sits on it.

Jimin frowns, “Aren’t you leaving?”

Jungkook shrugs. “I have nothing to do now since the practice match is cancelled.”

That guilt is creeping back in once more. “I am sorry,” Jimin finally apologizes. “For ruining your match, you know.”

“Don’t sweat.”

“But, you are staying here because of me,” Jimin says. “You don’t have to stay. Like Yoongi hyung said… you can leave.”

“Right,” Jungkook laughs. “If I leave you here on your own when you are clearly not okay, everyone including my family will murder me. And that brother of mine won’t even come for my rescue.”

Jimin chuckles at that. “Touche. Everyone loves me.”

Jungkook hums.

Except for you. Jimin thinks.

But it doesn’t matter to him. He never really cared for what Jungkook thinks of him anyways.

“You could have called me, you know,” Jungkook says slowly.

“What?”

“If you wanted to talk or anything, you could have just called me outside. Don’t do that next time,” he warns. Don’t jump into the boxing ring. What if someone was throwing a punch and it landed on you?” Jungkook looks serious this time. “You would have been here for a whole different reason if that had happened.”

Jimin looks away, because Jungkook’s stare is too intense for him to handle. “That fault is on you,” he mumbles.

“You keep saying that. But, what exactly did I do?”

Jimin looks back at him. “Why were you using that tumbler?” he frowns and glares. “I had to hide it before someone saw that. From now on, don’t use it.”

“Why? Why do I have to hide a simple tumbler?” Jungkook is so lost. “I like that mug and so I use it. It’s a gift.”

“But I like it too,” groans Jimin. “I mean the blue one that I have. It’s my favorite too and we both cannot use it together.”

“Then you stop using it. Don’t expect me to dance as your puppet.” Jungkook leans back on his chair. “So, childish,” he mutters.

Jimin sits straight. “I can’t just stop using it. It’s a gift to me too.”

“Yeah, I know. From my family.”

“And I love your family,” Jimin admits. “That excludes you,” he adds.

They both reach an impasse for that stupid mug that neither of them want to just stop using. Because they love the others’ family way too much.

“Anyways,” Jungkook frowns, “aren’t we already faking to be a couple? Then let them think we are a couple. Isn't that the point?”

“No, that’s. Not. the. Point. Of. me. Asking. You. to. Fake. date!” Jimin says each word with a pause so that it can get into Jungkook’s thick head.

Jungkook raises a brow, “then tell me, oh you clever boy, what’s the point of all of this?”

“I don’t want the whole world to think that we are a couple,” Jimin argues. “I just want Jae-beom to think that we are a thing now.”

“If he gets to know, others will know too.”

Jimin shakes his head. “His bruised ego will not let him tell anyone else.”

Well maybe Yuna will get to know too, but that's a plus point to this idea.

“More like your bruised ego,” Jungkook mutters.

Jimin wants to smack his head.

“All this to satiate your ego?” Jungkook continues without sensing the anger raging inside Jimin now. “All of this so that you can look good in front of Jimbo.”

“Jae-beom,” Jimin corrects again like he always does. “And yes,” he scoots  forward to stare at Jungkook, “because I don’t want him to think that I am affected. That he moved on with someone else and I am still single.”

Jimin’s one leg now dangles from the bed, positioned between Jungkook’s legs. His face is right in front of Jungkook’s.

“I want him to taste his own medicine.”

Jungkook looks deep in his eyes as if he is trying to search for something, or read what Jimin is not trying to tell. “Are you still not over him?” he asks curiously.

“I told you, I dumped him, why would I not be over him?” Jimin argues. “Like I said, I don’t want to look bad.”

In the heated argument, Jimin doesn’t realize that they both are leaning forward, their faces mere inches away. They keep staring at each other without blinking.

One more movement, and Jimin will be over in Jungkook’s lap.

How the hell did they end up in this position?

“I don’t want him to think that I am a loser,” Jimin mumbles, unable to stop himself. Is it because he is sitting so close to Jungkook that he wants to admit all his deep rooted secrets to him?

“He is the one who is a loser,” Jungkook murmurs back. “His loss for letting you go just like that.”

Jimin stills. Is his heart melting because of Jungkook?

The emotions are going to erupt any second out of Jimin. He is feeling so many things that he wants to hug Jungkook.

But, he shouldn’t. Nope. That's a boundary he shouldn’t cross. He wouldn’t. Jimin doesn’t like this guy. So, he shouldn’t even think of hugging Jungkook either. right? 

Think of something else. Jimin scolds himself. Think of something that is not Jungkook’s doe eyes and how I can see stars shining in there.

“Um–” Jimin starts but then he feels Jungkook’s fingers grazing his cheek. He gasps, shivering at the cold touch.

“Jimin-ssi,” Jungkook whispers, his voice suddenly throaty. “Don’t make yourself frown because of him. That place should be mine.”

Jimin blinks in confusion. “What?”

“I should be the only one to make you frown,” Jungkook mumbles. “I won’t allow anyone else to do that. So, just focus on me.”

Jimin gulps. Those fingers of Jungkook have started to move over his cheekbones and it’s driving Jimin crazy, his heart thudding like a bullet gun. Jungkook is literally saying that they are the born enemies. And yet, somehow his words feel exactly the opposite of that.

But he is right.

And they shouldn’t be sitting this close. Jungkook shouldn’t be touching him like this.

They are not really dating. Hell they are not even friends. So, why should he be feeling anything different for Jungkook than what he always felt?

He should tell Jungkook to stop, to push him away. Jungkook is messing with his head, like he always does.

And yet, Jimin flutters his eyes closed.

From somewhere in the room, Jimin hears a vague clicking sound. Even if his attention span is too small, right now, the attention of every cell in his body is on Jungkook’s fingers tracing his lips.

Jungkook leans, his breath brushes Jimin’s ear and the side of his face. “Don’t react, but your Jason is standing by the door. So, I just thought of giving that taste of his medicine in advance.”

Jason?

Jimin frowns.

The words start to sink in and his eyes shoot open, going straight to Jae-beom.

Jae-beom and Taehyung are standing by the door. Taehyung with a wide smile and Jae-beom with a skeptical look.

“I wanted to check if you are okay,” Jae-beom says.

Before Jimin can tell him to fuck off, Taehyung answers, “cant you see he is perfectly alright? Now you can get the fuck out of here.”

Jimin smiles at that. There is a reason they are soulmates. Taehyung just knows what goes in Jimin’s mind.

“Why were you there anyways? If you came for me–”

“—He was there for me,” Jungkook cuts Jae-beom while getting up from his place.

“You?” Jae-beom questions. “Since when are you two friends?”

“Since the time it’s none of your business.”

Jae-beom clenches his jaw. “Coach is looking for you,” he informs.

“So, tell him I will meet him later.”

“He is not happy with how you just left the practice match. He wants you in his office right now. And you were not picking your phone up, so I had to come to fetch you.”

Jungkook smirks. “My phone filters out the jerks. So, your call must have gone to the trash can.”

Jae-beom snarls and looks between Jungkook and Jimin. “Suit yourself. The championship will be mine now, as you are busy canoodling other’s leftovers.”

EXCUSE ME? WHAT DID HE JUST CALL ME?

“Call him that again and you are dead meat,” Jungkook growls.

Jae-beom doesn’t wait to hear that threat. He already stormed out of the room.

Jimin himself is unsure if he heard it right. Did Jungkook actually took his side and tried to save his pride?

He turns to look back at Jimin. “I guess I will have to go now. You take a rest.”

Jimin nods, still in a haze of what was going on earlier between them and the way Jungkook just saved his pride and face.

Maybe that’s why he didn’t pay attention when Jungkook leans in and places a kiss on his cheek.

Oh God… did Jungkook just kiss my cheek? Why is Jungkook taking this act to another level?

Jimin can feel the shiver passing through his body. Now why is he feeling cold all of a sudden?

“I will see you later,” Jungkook announces and just walks out of there.

Jimin sits there stunned, while Taehyung’s jaw is hanging wide open now.

Jungkook is out of sight when Taehyung asks, “what…was… that?”

“Ummm.”

“When I heard that they took you to an infirmary because you went to see Jae-beom, I thought you guys got into a fight or something and he injured you. I literally ran over here in panic. But, it seems like there is a whole different story here,” Taehyung points.

“You have no idea!” Jimin falls back on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

Jungkook was just acting right? That kiss. Why would he kiss Jimin though?

“Are you okay? What exactly happened?”

“I tripped and fell. Usual stuff. I already took the medicine,” Jimin says in a robotic tone.

“So, you are alright. Right?” Taehyung asks again.

“Mhmm,” Jimin confirms while staring at the ceiling. His mind is still with Jungkook.

Jungkook was just messing  with his head. Yes. that’s what it was. It’s just a fun game for Jungkook. And it’s just an act for Jimin to play.

“Goodie!” Taehyung exclaims and jumps into the bed. “Since we established that you are all fine, now give me the scoop. What was that with Jeon Jungkook and you? It seemed like we intruded on a personal moment.”

“That…” Jimin tries to think, “that was a dangerous territory. A territory we can never cross.”

No, that cannot be repeated. Jimin won’t allow it. He needs to talk with Jungkook and set up some ground rules.

Otherwise, he won’t be able to survive at all.

Chapter Text

Jimin should have called Jungkook outside to talk. But, stupidly, he decided to come for breakfast instead. Now everyone and he means everyone of their families are present on that dinner table.

“How is your leg and head?” Yoongi asks when Jimin takes the chair beside him.

“What happened to your leg and head?” That's the question asked by the rest of the family members at the same time.

“Did someone do something? Do I have to talk to someone?”

And Jimin’s dad agrees. “Yeah, let us know if we need to come and talk to the university.”

Jimin rolls his eyes. “Appa, I am not five anymore. You don’t need to tackle my problems.”

“So, there is a problem,” Jungkook’s mom says this time. “If someone is bullying y–”

“No one is doing anything eomma. Don’t worry.” Jimin mumbles. It’s a habit to call both of their parents as eomma and appa. He doesn’t know when it started, but as long as he can remember, he never thought of Jungkook’s parents as someone else. They have always been his parents as well.

“Jiminie must have been clumsy again,” Jin says casually, a spoon in his mouth. “You know how our Jiminie has always been. He can trip over anything and everything.”

Jimin stares at Jin, his so-called brother. “Traitor,” he says while throwing a piece of pea at him. “You never take my side.”

“Jungkook brought him to the infirmary by the way,” Yoongi mentions and all the eyes are on Jimin with more questions.

“He did?” Jungkook’s mom asks. “Did he make you trip?”

Before Jimin can deny, Jin laughs at that. “That I will not believe. Do you really think Jungkook would physically harm him? That's not how I have raised that kid. I trust him.”

Jimin would have argued because even if Jungkook didn’t do anything, he wants his brother to have this blind faith in him and not in Jungkook.

“So, we don’t need to worry?”

“Yep, no need to worry. Everything is peachy. Jungkook was just helping in taking me to the infirmary… wasn’t anything major.”

Jimin’s eyes are on his plate, and maybe that’s why he missed how everyone have that curious look on their faces all of a sudden.

Speaking of Jungkook… where is he? Jimin looks around to find if Jungkook is roaming around, but he is not there. Is he in his room? Why is nobody calling him?

Others are talking with each other, talking about old and new stuff.

“Eomma can I see your medical report now?” Yoongi asks. “I wanted to check if everything is good.”

“It’s upstairs, let me get it,” Jungkook’s mom says.

At that moment, a bulb lights up over Jimin’s head with an idea.

Thank you, Yoongi hyung!

Jimin gets up at his place. “Why are you bothering yourself eomma, lemme help. I will grab it for you.”

“Oh, okay,” his eomma sits back slowly.

Jimin smiles and runs to take the stairs. This is the only way he can escape his family if he wants to talk to Jungkook before they reach their college. Because this talk… definitely needs to happen.

So, he takes a detour and just grabs the knob of the door, and turns it around clockwise to enter Jungkook’s room.

The moment he closes the door behind, another door, the bathroom’s one opens and Jungkook comes out of there.. With only a towel hanging low around his waist.

Jimin’s eyes almost come out of sockets when they roam over Jungkook’s body.

Has he always been this toned? Jimin wonders. Those muscles are all bulging at the right places, his tattoos clearly visible on his right arm from the shoulder till his wrist. Jungkook usually keeps it hidden behind his sleeves. The water drops are clutching to Jungkook’s body, slowly moving downwards, moving so slowly as if they are enjoying being on Jungkook’s body.

Jimin gulps. He can feel his throat going dry. If he is being honest with himself, he is kind of mesmerised with the view.

When did Jungkook grow up so much?

“What are you gawking at?” Jungkook’s voice brings Jimin out of his reverie. More like bringing him back from the hot-land he just went into.

“Uh, no-nothing.” Jimin stutters.

“Huh,” Jungkook gasps animatedly and tries to cover his chest with his arms. “Were you trying to peep? Are you a pervert?”

All the heat inside Jimin simmers down in an instant. “Behave, Jeon Jungkook, or I will seriously knock your head with something solid.”

Jungkook chuckles while getting the joggers from his closet. “Don’t you know it’s bad manners to enter someone’s room without their permission?”

“I knocked, you didn’t answer.” Jimin lies. “We need to talk.” He goes and sits at the corner of the bed.

Jungkook raises a brow and says in a teasing way, “Aren’t we a little too eager to get in my bed? I mean shouldn’t that come after a few dates at least?”

Jimin grits his teeth. “Jungkook–”

“I mean, we can’t just start doing it with our parents down below. They will hear us.”

Jimin groans. Again with this nonsense. But, he ain’t falling for this. “Your room is a mess. Where am I supposed to sit?” he complains.

He is trying really hard not to throw anything at Jungkook. He is helping Jimin with his situation after all. He can’t just act all barbaric now.

Jungkook shakes his head. “All the lame excuses. First, you entered my room while I was taking a shower, then you started ogling at my body. And now you jumped on my bed. What’s next hyung?”

Jimin tries to calm his breath. Don’t lose your temper, Jimin-ah! “Are you trying to get on my nerves or is it your usual mode?”

Jungkook grins. He is always high on happiness when it comes to irritating Jimin. “What brings you to my habitat?”

“Like I said,” Jimin says slowly, feeling like repeating himself for the umpteenth time, “we need to talk before you meet anyone in college.”

“About what?” Jungkook throws the towel across from the room over the chair and looks at Jimin, giving him his full attention now.

Jimin waits. And waits. He keeps staring at Jungkook, because Jungkook is still… naked. Half-naked. His upper body is still exposed for Jimin to get distracted. “Are you not going to wear a shirt?” he blurts out because Jungkook is not even searching for a shirt.

Can’t he find anything to cover himself?

Jungkook looks down on his chest with innocent eyes. “I don’t wear any when I am in my room. It’s too hot.”

“Today, you have to wear something.”

“Why? Is it bothering you?” Jungkook asks. “Am I making you sweat?” he chuckles but he does take a shirt out of his closet.

Thank goodness.

Now fully clothed, he asks, “what do you want to talk about?”

“Hope you haven’t said anything about our… situation to Yoongi hyung,” Jimin mentions.

“What situation? You mean us being boyfriends now?”

“Fake boyfriends,” Jimin corrects. “And yes, about that. You haven’t told him right?”

“Why would I tell him about this?” Jungkook asks while sitting beside Jimin on the bed.

“And your parents?” Jimin wants to make sure. “Don’t you dare let our families know about this dating thing. Fake or not, they can’t know.”

“Why?”

“Because…,” Jimin can’t believe he really has to explain this to him. How thick is the head of this jock? “Because if they get even a whiff about this, they will simply assume that we are together now. It will be like a dream come true for them.”

“Oh,” Jungkook makes an O with his mouth.

“They will start printing our marriage invitation for crying out loud.”

“Nooooo,” Jungkook sits straight. “That won’t be fun at all.”

“Exactly,” Jimin points a finger at him. Finally, Jungkook is getting the point. “So, keep your mouth shut. Don’t use that b word.”

Jungkook nods in all his seriousness. “I won’t say anything when our families are present.”

“You can’t say and do anything when we are at the university too,” Jimin urges. While he is at it, let’s have a full conversation. “We have to establish some ground rules.”

“Rules?” Jungkook worries his brows. “What rules?”

“Since it’s only about pretending in front of Jae-beom, we don’t need to act too hard. I just want him to think that I already found someone. So… no PDA.”

Jungkook tilts his head, “And that includes?”

“No touching,” Jimin answers. He starts listing all the no zone conditions. “No touching, no being too cozy, keeping a four feet distance from each other.”

Jungkook looks down at their almost touching thighs while sitting side by side.

Jimin realizes at the same time about how close they are sitting and scoots away.

“How will you convince Jimbo-bimbo that we are dating if we are always standing four feet away, genius?”

Jimin didn’t think of that. “Okay, maybe we can reduce it to two feet when he is around.”

“That’s not gonna work, Jimin-ssi,” Jungkook points while leaning back on his elbow. “He will never buy it.”

“Whatever. Also, it’s a given but kissing is also a no-no.” Jimin turns his head to look straight in Jungkook’s eyes when he says that. “You can’t just kiss my cheeks like you did last time. Act like a proper fake boyfriend. For him, we just started dating. No need for all that PDA.” Jimin mentions and then complains, “Because of you, Tae kept grilling me with millions of questions. Only God knows why I escaped him.”

“Well, I don’t know about your conservative ass, but that’s how I behave as a boyfriend. New relationship or not, I make sure my partner feels the care,” Jungkook declares.

“Right,” Jimin scoffs. “I can’t imagine you being soft for anyone.” He shakes his head. “Anyways, you do that with your real partner. Spare me, please.”

“Hmmm,” Jungkook hums as if the wheels start to spin inside his head. “I get it now.”

“Get what?”

“Why all these rules and whatnot?” Jungkook leans forward, turning his body too to sit facing Jimin now. “Admit it, that you are afraid.”

“Afraid of what?”

“You are afraid if you come too close to me, you will fall for me.”

Jimin blinks. No way. “Hah,” he rolls his eyes. “There is… there is no… I mean no way. I can never. Have you seen yourself? I mean, I would never–”

“–See,” Jungkook says with a hint of a smile, “that’s what I am talking about. I make you blush and fluster so much that you start talking gibbering. No coherent words from you.”

Jimin takes a deep breath and tries to calm his senses now. And then he says, “ You don’t affect me in whatsoever way possible. I know how far you can go and it doesn’t matter. It’s not that swoon-worthy.”

“Oh honey, you don’t even know how I behave as a boyfriend. You don’t even know one percent of it.”

“I will never feel anything even if you behave like a real boyfriend.” Jimin remains adamant.

How far can Jungkook even go?

Jimin has been with Jae-beom and he is a good looking guy too. If he didn’t make him feel anything, how will Jungkook? There is no way.

“Don’t challenge me, you will lose.” Jungkook’s eyes are literally sparking now. Fire… that’s what Jimin is seeing in him.

“Okay then, tell me Mr. Jeon, the so-called dream boyfriend, what would you have done if we were really dating, and we were not fake boyfriends?” Jimin says before he could even think twice. He hates it when Jungkook looks all smug and victorious like he has an upper hand in the game… whatever game they have been playing. And Jimin hates to lose to Jungkook.

Not like this. Not ever.

Jungkook looks at Jimin for a few seconds and then gives his perfect smile. “If we were really dating, you wouldn’t have been sitting there.”

Before Jimin can blink, Jungkook reaches for his wrist and pulls him towards himself, making him sit right on his lap.

“What are you doing?” Jimin blurts with wide-eyes, his fingers clutching Jungkook’s shirt, creasing it under his grip.

“What?” Jungkook flutters his innocent eyes. “Already admitting to loss?”

Jimin adjusts his face to look nonchalant and shrugs. “No, it was just a sudden movement. So, got a little surprised, that's all.”

“Hmm,” Jungkook mumbles. “You are already blushing.”

Jimin snaps his head towards him. “No, I am not, why would I?”

“I can see the pink in your cheeks, Jimin-ssi.” Jungkook says his name the way he always does when he teases him.

“That’s just my skin type,’ Jimin argues.

“Why are you bothered anyways? It’s not like you are sitting on my lap for the first time.”

“When the hell did I–”

“When we were kids, our family used to hire a single car for going on vacations. They cramped us inside that tiny car and you,” Jungkook points, “used to sit on my lap because you have always been so tiny.”

“I am not tiny,” Jimin says with a calm voice. But inside his body, he is screaming, because he can feel Jungkook’s strong arms around his waist, holding him closer.

And then he feels Jungkook’s fingers making a circular motion on his skin. For some strange reason, that’s calming his soul but also exhilarating his nerves in anticipation of what’s next.

Wait, what? What exactly is Jimin looking forward to?

“If we were really dating, I will make sure my partner feels comfortable in my presence.” Jungkook gazes at him with intense eyes. His voice is suddenly slow, quiet.. So soft.

Oh his voice feels so soft like Jimin’s favorite plushie. If that makes any sense.

The room has gone so silent that Jimin can even hear the breaths Jungkook is taking, his voice just audible for Jimin to hear. Jungkook’s body is still wet from the shower, and his shirt is clinging to his body. Jimin can feel it under his palm where he is holding him.

“I will always hold their hand like this,” Jungkook mumbles while taking Jimin’s hand in his. “And will do this,” he flattens their palms, aligning them together and intertwining their fingers.

Jimin blinks at their intertwined fingers holding onto each other. They fit perfectly. Even if his fingers are small in front of Jungkook’s long ones, they match. Like they are made for each other. Like his hands are meant to be held by Jeon Jungkook.

Jungkook tugs on his hand, pulling him closer. Jimin falls over him, his chin resting on Jungkook’s shoulder. This movement makes him scoot closer over Jungkook’s things. His one hand over Jimin’s back and another holding his hand.

It feels like the shirt that Jimin is wearing does nothing at all to separate that touch from Jungkook. He moves his fingers on Jimin’s back, and it’s making him squirm at his place. Jimin tries to sit still, because he can’t be affected by Jeon Jungkook this easily. Jungkook’s lips are closer to Jimin’s ear and he can feel those breaths dancing on his skin.

It’s blinding… that sensation.

Just those cool breaths are driving Jimin crazy.

“I will do this,” Jungkook whispers, and then blows air over his neck.

It makes Jimin’s whole body vibrate. The sensation passing through his body down below to his toes.

Jimin should move away. Isn’t that what a person should do who doesn’t want to get swayed? But Jimin stretches his neck backward, giving more access to Jungkook to continue. Jungkook’s lips are neither touching his skin nor too far away. Maybe that’s why when Jimin cranes his backwards, he feels Jungkook’s smile. His lips are hovering over that sweet spot on the nape of Jimin’s neck. He didn’t even know that's his sweet spot.

“And this,” Jungkook’s whispers are throaty now when he blows another puff of air over Jimin’s ear.

Jimin closes his eyes shut, his heart racing, his breaths short now. He should really get away. Far far away. Maybe that’s what Jungkook is waiting for as well. And when Jimin doesn’t run, Jungkook pulls him even closer against his body, nothing separating them except their clothes.

Jimin gasps.

The contact is jarring. Not because Jungkook is rough or something. Oh no. Jungkook is handling him with all the care. But this feeling of their bodies colliding with each other is different and new to Jimin. It stuns him.

Jimin didn’t realize when Jungkook took his hand and placed it over his shoulder, so that he can hold Jimin with both of his hands now. His thumb moves along the side of his ribs. A moan leaves Jimin’s traitorous, idiotic lips because he can’t even handle a simple touch of Jungkook.

And that brings a growl from the back of Jungkook’s throat.

Did Jimin make his sound like that?

“And,” Jungkook's breaths are equally short now, “and this,” his hands move slowly down over Jimin’s thighs, slowly and so sensuously that Jimin thinks he skips several heartbeats in that single instance.

Jimin tries to turn his head towards his, and the edges of Jungkook’s wet hair tickles his cheek. “That,” Jimin tries to clean his throat so that it doesn’t sound so groggy, “doesn’t do anything to me.” He manages.

Apparently that was the wrong thing to say.

Because, the moment those words are out of Jimin’s mouth, he feels Jungkook’s fingers dancing at the hem of his shirt and then they move inside, touching the skin on his back directly.

That touch makes Jimin shiver. To stop himself from moaning again, Jimin bites his lips.

It encourages Jungkook even more, trailing those fingers up on his spine. Jimin is now sitting in a way that his feet are dangling on either side of Jungkook’s legs, embracing him from chest to chest.

“So, you don’t feel anything?” Jungkook asks.

“Nada,” Jimin murmurs.

When Jungkook whispers this time, his lips almost touch Jimin’s ear, “your body says otherwise.” Jungkook continues the motion, drawing random figures over his skin. “You can push me away anytime, you know,” he says. “I also know to stop if my partner says so.”

Jimin nods and presses his palm over Jungkook’s chest. But, instead of pushing him away, he clutches the fabric of Jungkook’s shirt and pulls him towards himself.

He hears a chuckle and then Jungkook sucks on Jimin’s earlobe.

An audible gasp with the mix of moan and growl comes out of Jimin. He didn’t even know that he was capable of making such a noise.

Jungkook moves his tongue over that soft skin in round circular motion and then places a soft kiss over there. Jimin is literally seeing stars now.

By only this..? He can’t imagine what could happen if they go beyond this.

Jungkook’s one hand is dangerously moving up on his leg, his fingers reaching between his inner thigh and pelvis. His mouth doing its own work, staying at the neck area.

Jimin arches his back, his head falling back.

But, Jungkook’s other hand comes on the nape of his neck, crawling up to grab Jimin’s hair in between his fingers, giving support to his head from falling backwards. Jimin’s senses are all over the place. He doesn’t know where to even concentrate anymore.

What were they fighting about? There was some challenge, and some denial. There was something they shouldn’t tell anyone.

Jimin’s mind is clogged to even remember the details.

Jungkook’s hands are reaching below Jimin’s legs, as if he is going to pick him up.

To do what exactly? To put him over a table? Or lay him over the bed? Over the shelf? Pin him to the wall?

The scenarios are limitless, and Jimin wants to be in all those scenarios.

Jimin is all ready to surrender, when he hears a click of the door, a knob turning. His name is getting called by someone that is not Jungkook.

“Jungkook?” The knock comes on the door. “Are you there?”

Someone is trying to get in.

Jimin’s eyes shoot open, his mind still trying to catch when he leans back to look at Jungkook. He blinks several times to remove that haze.

Jungkook is looking back at him as well. Whatever they were doing is completely stopped now.

Realization slowly seeping in.

The knock now comes in a sing-song manner.

Jin hyung.

Oh my godddd. What did they just do?

If Jin sees them in this position, his brother is gonna kill him for sure.

Scared and in a panic, he hurriedly tries to get out of Jungkook’s lap, falling right over his ass on the floor. Jungkook gets up reaching for Jimin’s hand but Jimin smacks it away.

“Handle Jin hyung. He can’t see me like this!” Jimin whisper-shouts at Jungkook.

Jimin pulls his leg closer to his chest and hugs it tightly. He places his head over his knees. His mind is blank now when he starts cradling himself on the floor.

This is so embarrassing to be caught like this by your brother. “Please can it be a dream, please pretty please?” Jimin starts praying to the Budha, God or anyone who can grant his wish.

That’s when he feels a warm blanket falling over his head covering him up.

“Don’t make any noise and stay still.”

Jimin blinks his eyes open to look through the fabric of the blanket.

Jungkook walks to the door and opens it. “Hey.”

“What took you so long?” Jin asks. “I have been standing here forever.”

“Don’t be so dramatic, hyung,” Jungkook comments. “It’s only been a few seconds.”

“Why are you not at breakfast?”

“I was having a long shower.” Jungkook says and when Jin tries to get in the room, he blocks it. “Why were you looking for me hyung? Want me to taste your new recipe?”

Jin pauses for a minute to stare at him, because in the past, Jungkook has never blocked his way to stop him from entering the room.

“Everything okay?” Jin asks.

And Jungkook nods. “Why would you think something is wrong?”

“Because you are not letting me in.”

Jungkook opens his mouth as if to give some explanation. But there is nothing coming in his head. “Because, not right now. You can’t come in right now.”

“Why?”

“You know .” Jungkook says, like Jin can take a clue.

And maybe something clicks inside Jin’s head. He nods. “You are doing THAT in the morning?”

“Shhh,” Jungkook shushes. “Don’t shout please.”

“Is someone inside? Or were you doing it alone by yourself?”

“Oh God,” Jungkook groans. “Hyung, a little privacy please.”

Jin chuckles. “Okay, okay. Yah, I have gone through your age too. I used to sneak out, too,” then he looks inside, “but, never snuck anyone in.” He laughs.

Jimin groans from under the blanket, digging his teeth into the skin of his arm. If Jin finds out he is talking about his own brother, he would stop throwing these stupid jokes around like this.

“I know I should not be saying this and you yourself should be aware, but you are using protect–”

Jungkook pushes Jin away from the door. “I will talk to you later.”

“Fine, fine. I will stop disturbing you now. I actually came looking for Jimin. He came upstairs, but he is nowhere to be found.”

“He left.” Jungkook says in an instant.

“He did?” Jin responds in astonishment. “But he came upstairs to get your eomma’s medical reports. When he didn’t return back for so long, everyone was getting worried. How can he leave without telling us? And we are sitting downstairs, when did he even leave?”

Jin is asking too many questions. All valid ones.

“He got some urgent text that there is an urgent group meeting apparently for their dance session. So, he told me to take those reports to eomma.”

Woah. That’s some fast thinking.

“Hmm,” Jin narrows his eyes, but he buys whatever lie Jungkook just spit out. “I will leave you then.”

Jin turns to go, but Jungkook stops him. “Hyung,” he scratches the back of his neck, “can you like… not tell anyone about this?”

Jin smiles. “Hey, I can keep a secret. Don’t worry, my lips are sealed. I didn’t see anything." He acts to lock his lips and throw the keys away before leaving the room.

Jungkook takes a big sigh and closes the door behind.

The moment Jimin feels Jungkook walking over the floor towards him, he hides his face behind his legs, clutching himself tightly. Jungkook removes the blanket from over him.

“Jin hyung is gone now,” Jungkook informs him, in case Jimin didn’t hear their conversation.

Jimin nods, still hiding his face.

Now that they are back to being alone once more, it’s time to face reality. And the reality is that Jimin swayed. For crying out loud, he slipped and squirmed and enjoyed every bit of those feelings Jungkook made him feel.

Jungkook made him cry in ecstasy just by a single touch. He can still feel the traces of those tears on the corners of his eyes. Jungkook made him feel what no one can ever make him feel before.

But, Jimin doesn’t want to admit it. No, he will never admit it to Jungkook’s smug ass face. Jungkook will mock him for the entirety of his life.

The room is too silent for Jimin’s liking, because it’s making his inner voice scream all these panic scenarios at him. His ego scolds him as well.

“Are you embarrassed?” Jungkook’s voice is a soft tease.

“Who wouldn’t be?” Jimin looks up at him at that moment.

Jungkook is sitting on his bed now, staring at Jimin, looking deep in his eyes, who is still scooting on the floor.

“Oh God,” Jimin groans while pulling on his hair while Jungkook observes Jimin’s every movement.

That small smile that was painted on Jungkook’s lip is slowly vanishing away the more he stares at Jimin. In the chaos that’s going inside Jimin’s head, he didn’t see how Jungkook’s face fell slowly.

“You bit yourself,” Jungkook points while looking at the indentation of Jimin’s teeth marks over his arms.

Jimin frowns at the mark. He must have done it when Jin came to the room. He rubs his palm over the mark trying to erase it. “Yeah, well, I still do that sometimes when I get anxious,” he mutters.

Why is Jungkook even asking about this? This is not important.

“Your coast is clear,” Jungkook says, his face suddenly serious.

“What?”

“No one will be looking for you, so you can sneak out of the back door.” Jungkook gets up from his place and gives his hand to Jimin to help him get up as well.

“Are you not going to say anything else?” Jimin asks. He is skeptical. No way in hell Jungkook is sparing him from all the smirk and snarky comments and his holy highness smugness.

Jungkook was literally there when Jimin made those noises while his fingers danced over Jimin’s skin. Oh God , just thinking about it is sending Jimin to la la land.

“Yeah,” Jungkook nods. “There is nothing else to say.”

Jimin blinks. What is this behaviour? Why does Jungkook look all serious now?

“And don’t worry, this won’t happen again,” Jungkook promises.

“What?” Jimin asks again.

“You were right. It’s dangerous to be seen in close proximity when our families are always involved in our business.”

“So, you agree with what I said before?”

Jungkook nods. “Yoongi hyung will be there at the university, so if gossip spreads then he will find out too and the news will reach back at home. That won’t be good if we wanna hide this.”

Jimin gulps.

“And there are other ways to make Jae-beom think that you are over him. We will make sure you have an upper hand over him.”

Jimin blinks. It’s the first time Jungkook took Jae-beom’s name correctly. And it doesn’t make Jimin feel good. It makes Jimin more anxious. Something is definitely wrong. “Right,” he says in a daze.

“So, four feet distance between us…. You got it.”

“Jungkook–”

“Don’t worry, our deal is not over. You will get your fake boyfriend.”

He didn’t call them boyfriends this time either but the ‘fake boyfriends’ like Jimin always asked him to do.

“I said yes to that, so I will follow my words.” Jungkook smiles.

But, Jimin doesn’t feel like smiling. He should be relaxed though. Finally Jungkook is not making a fuss out of everything and agreeing to all the rules Jimin had spread out in front of them.

And yet, something feels lost to Jimin.

“Yep, that’s exactly what I have been asking you to do,” Jimin says instead. Because he doesn’t know what else to do today. “I will contact you when I need your help.”

“Sure,” Jungkook says.

But it doesn’t feel right.

“You guys look so good.” The girl from Jimin’s dance group says. “I am really glad you don't need to walk on eggshells around you-know-who. Can't believe Jae-beom did that. He is really in love.”

Jimin rolls his eyes.

And Yuna is grinning with happiness.

Yep, that's right. They are talking about Jae-being and Yuna. She is emitting radiance. Apparently, Jae-beom made it public on the SNS that he is with Yuna.

Jimin is busy stretching, but he has his ears, you know. He can hear their gossip and whatnot. Not like they are trying to keep their voices low or something.

“He is sometimes so cheesy.” Yuna mentions. More like she flaunts it all.

“Maybe he wanted to tell the world because of what happened in the boxing match last time,” one of the girls says.

“Yeah, I heard,” the other girl looks around and whispers, “Jimin stalked him there and made a scene.”

I didn't stalk HIM! Jimin wants to shout. But, what's the point? He already said that and no one listened to him.

“Did he now…”

The girl nods. “He also fell on his face. So embarrassing to fall like that in front of your ex.”

Jimin is going to break something really. These guys are not even whispering anymore to give him some decency.

“It's all over the SNS page too. Someone made a video out of the time where he is falling on his face and it goes on loop.” They all start to giggle and laugh.

“I am gonna give them something else to talk about if they don't shut up,” Taehyung growls while typing on the phone.

“What are you staring so hard at?” Jimin asks, trying to take a peek at Taehyung’s phone screen. They both are sitting on the floor, stretching their legs and back, a little away from the other group.

“Reporting all the accounts that are bad-mouthing you,” informs Taehyung. “REPORT… REPORT… REPORT!” He clicks on the button violently on each and every post and comment.

“Ignore it,” Jimin says. “In a few days, they will find something new to talk about and will move on.”

“How are you so okay with this?” Taehyung points towards the group. “How are you okay with them saying anything about you? Come online and fight. Put your truth in front of the world.”

Of course, Jimin is not okay with all these people making fun of him. He never wanted this to happen. How the hell did he end up in this situation?

But, Jimin simply shrugs. “No point in doing all that. I will let it cool off.”

“Well, I am not sitting still.” Taehyung announces. “If they don't stop, I will prove them how wrong they are.”

Jimin narrows his eyes. “What are you cooking up in your head Tae? Please don’t drag it further. I beg you!”

Taehyung scares him. Because he will go to any extent to make things right for his friends.

“Oh, babe, I will put an end to all this. Just watch and say no more.”

Jimin gets alerted at that. “Oh, say more,” he begs. “What are you even planning?”

Before Taehyung can tell his plan, they hear the giggles from the other group again.

“Maybe Jae-beom should take a restraining order for his safety.”

“I am not going to harm anyone!” Jimin raises his voice before he can stop himself. “I ain’t any stalker, okay. And why would I even go to meet him when I am the one who dumped him?” it’s not anyone’s business who dumped whom. But they are not letting him live in peace.

The group goes silent, looking at each other.

“I know you are feeling bad that you got dumped, but at least don’t lie like this,” the guy standing next to Yuna says.

“Why do you think I am lying?” Jimin asks in confusion.

But the guy ignores and continues, “How can you try to snatch someone else’s boyfriend? You know he is not single anymore. Even if you both are exes, this behaviour is not acceptable.”

Jimin looks around. He can’t believe the whole university has gone against him now. Because of one false info.

What have I done to deserve this disrespect?

“Don’t say such things,” Yuna says, trying to stop her friends. “Just think what Jimin must be going through. Breakups can be hard.”

“You are such an angel, Yuna. They broke up. Then why is Jimin bothering Jae-beom when he is already with you now.” they all say in unison.

“Angel my ass,” Taehyung grumbles. “I am literally gonna punch some of your faces if you guys didn’t shut up. This backstabber bitc–”

“Don’t mind them,” Jimin says while pulling Taehyung away. “Let them talk, it doesn’t affect me.”

It does. Oh it definitely does.

But, if Jimin wants to look strong, he has to act cool too.

The group goes back to talking to themselves. “Anyways,” the girl with Yuna continues, “the game could have been so interesting. Jungkook and Jae-beom… God, it would have been so fun to watch.”

“Jungkook doesn’t like Jae-beom much,” one of them says.

“Why?”

“Who knows,” another person responds. “Maybe, he is still interested in Yuna. Didn’t you guys hook up before?”

Jimin stops stretching and clenches his jaw.

Yuna waves her hand. “It was for a brief moment.”

“You should have been there, Yuna. it would be like both of them fighting for you. Such a movie plot.”

Jimin shouldn’t pay attention to all that. But, when they start talking about Jungkook, it’s hard to stay calm. Until now when they were gushing over Jae-beom, Jimin didn’t really care. But, now… now the feelings aren't the same anymore. Because they all brought Jungkook in the conversation, in the gossip. He really wants to get up and smack their heads.

He shouldn’t though. He hates violence. But the way they are gossiping about Jungkook… it’s infuriating.

“Come on guys, don’t drag Jungkook like that,” Yuna utters.

“Who do you think would win between Jungkook and Jae-beom?”

“My bet is on Jungkook. He is so swoon-worthy,” someone coos.

“Mine on Jae-beom.”

Seriously, don’t these people have any work? They can practice the routine. Focus on productivity, people!

Ughhh…

“But Yuna, be honest. Let's say, Jungkook asks you out too, whom will you choose?” one girl asks and now the whole group is excited to hear the answer. “I would have picked Jungkook over anyone. No offense to Jae-beom, but Jungkook is such a snack.”

Something boils inside Jimin.

“How was Jungkook, Yuna? Please give us some scoop. He is so mysterious, he never dates anyone in the university.” The girl complains. “I bet he knows his way with his partner. I am sure he knows what he is doing when he is with you. He looks that kind of a guy.”

Sickos!

Jimin can’t believe these people. But, his mind goes back to the morning when Jungkook actually gave him the glimpse of how good he can be. Imagine if he showed his full side.

Stop it! Jimin scolds himself.

Jungkook is finally on the same page with him. He should not be having such thoughts.

Stop thinking about all that or you will literally pass out in public.

“Please let me live through you vicariously,” the girl begs and Yuna giggles.

She literally looks smug. “Well, Jungkook does have one or two moves up his sleeves.”

One or two? It is definitely more than that! Jimin really wants to shut their mouths. Everyone else is gushing over Jungkook. Suddenly, the talk is now shifted from Jae-beom to Jungkook.

And god knows why Jimin was okay with them talking about Jae-beom but his insides are exploding like a volcano when he hears them talk about Jungkook. It’s not like they are badmouthing him. No. They are simping on him and it’s more annoying.

“Wish we could have seen that match,” the girl sighs. “Jungkook in action, flexing his muscles while boxing… but it was cancelled because of someone.”

“Did you see how Jungkook carried Jimin out of there in his arms?” Another one blurts.

Yuna snaps her head towards her. “What?”

The girl nods. “I fainted watching that. It was all over the SNS.” She shows the picture to Yuna.

Wait what? There are pictures? Of mine and Jungkook’s? Why am I unaware of this?

Oh maybe because he decided to keep himself away from social media after the fiasco.

“Do you think something is going on between them?”

“Oh that is nothing!” Yuna laughs. “Don’t be silly. Everyone knows, they don't like each other. Jungkook was just being a gentleman.”

“Well, you know nothing.” it’s Taehyung who shouts this time for them to hear.

What’s Taehyung doing?

“And done!” Taehyung sings.

Jimin panics. “What? What’s done? What did you do Tae?” He tries to pull Taehyung back who has to march towards the other group.

But Taehyung is not gonna stop even by a meteor now. “Ms. Chatty pants, you are just the talks,” he points a finger at Yuna. “All the fake gossip and nothing Dispatch worthy. But, if you want the real news,” he swipes his phone and shows the screen towards the group, “come and see this fuckers!”

Everyone huddles around the phone and a loud gasp comes from them together. Jimin is watching them all from the side.

Taehyung looks proud.

Others look shocked.

And Yuna… well she looks like she is going to erupt.

Jimin comes forward and snatches the phone out of Taehyung’s hand. On the screen, there is Taehyung’s SNS page open. And on that page is a post of a picture.

The picture of Jungkook and Jimin sitting very close. From the angle, it looks like they are in an intimate position. Like Jimin is on Jungkook’s lap, his finger caressing Jimin’s cheek, his own eyes closed.

It looks like they are kissing and more.

Taehyung has put live graphics of hearts popping around them and the post says: Meet the new couple in town. #ThePowerCouple

Oh

My

God.

Taehyung has made this post public and the view count is 20k and it keeps increasing.

Fuck. Jimin is screwed.

“I don't believe this,” Yuna says. “It's fabricated for sure. Jungkook would never,” she is saying this more to herself than to anyone.

Jimin wants to gloat on her disbelief. “Well it's true.” He announces without thinking anything further. “We are in a relationship. And he was the reason I went to the match.”

He is straight up lying now. Well, it's half a lie. Jimin did go to the boxing club to see Jungkook.

But, half a lie is still a lie nonetheless

It's still not stopping him from saying, “Tae, you can't take someone's private pictures like this. We wanted to keep it a secret.”

Taehyung stares at him for a second and then he joins him as well. “Well I had to tell them! It must have been so weird for you to listen to their dirty thoughts about your boyfriend.” He pats on Jimin's head.

Jimin pouts. “You have no idea Tae.” And then he turns to the group, “but, guys it's okay. I can understand it. Even if you guys were simping on my boyfriend, it's alright.” He should stop, but his brain keeps puking more and more to boast. “And regarding your worries about Jae-beom… Now, I hope it's all clear that I am not a stalker nor I like Jae-beom anymore.”

Everyone is dumbfounded.

He looks at Yuna next. “Yuna, be assured that I am not into Jae-beom. Because I have already moved on. I just didn't think of declaring it to the world. It's a private matter after all.”

Jimin gives her a sweet sugary smile and walks away from them. That's gonna serve her right!

But, in this chaos, Jimin forgot one thing. That his plan is deviated now. Jungkook and Jimin both agreed to keep the act only in front of Jae-beom. And now Jimin went and told everyone otherwise.

So, what is he supposed to tell Jungkook now? He won’t mind that they now have to act for more than one person, right?

Right?